supralapsarianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowFormal, technical
Quick answer
What does “supralapsarianism” mean?
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation was made before the creation and the Fall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation was made before the creation and the Fall.
In Calvinist theology, it asserts that God's predestining will is logically prior to any consideration of human sin or merit, emphasizing absolute divine sovereignty and the unconditionality of divine decrees.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both dialects use the term identically in theological contexts.
Connotations
Neutral theological term with no regional connotations, though it may carry strong doctrinal associations within Calvinist circles.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily confined to academic theology and religious studies.
Grammar
How to Use “supralapsarianism” in a Sentence
belief in supralapsarianismadvocate of supralapsarianismsupralapsarianism holds thatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supralapsarianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He holds to supralapsarianism in his theological stance.
American English
- She advocates for supralapsarianism in her writings.
adverb
British English
- They interpret the scripture supralapsarianly, focusing on pre-fall decrees.
American English
- The decree was made supralapsarianly, according to that view.
adjective
British English
- The supralapsarian position is often debated in Calvinist circles.
American English
- Supralapsarian theology emphasizes God's sovereignty before creation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; not used in business contexts.
Academic
Used in theological studies, particularly in Reformed theology seminars and scholarly papers.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation; limited to religious or philosophical discussions.
Technical
Technical term in Calvinist soteriology and systematic theology, often in debates on predestination.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supralapsarianism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supralapsarianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supralapsarianism”
- Mispronouncing as 'super-lapsarianism' or confusing with 'infralapsarianism'.
- Using it in non-theological contexts where it may not be understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a theological doctrine in Calvinism that God's decrees of election and reprobation were made before the creation and the Fall, emphasizing divine sovereignty.
Infralapsarianism holds that God's decree followed the Fall, meaning election is from fallen humanity, whereas supralapsarianism places it before, making it unconditional and pre-temporal.
It is a minority view even within Calvinist circles, with infralapsarianism being more commonly held, though both are discussed in Reformed theology.
It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the unconditionality of election, often leading to theological debates on free will, theodicy, and the nature of divine justice.
The theological doctrine that God's decree of election and reprobation was made before the creation and the Fall.
Supralapsarianism is usually formal, technical in register.
Supralapsarianism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuː.prə.læpˈseə.ri.ə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuː.prə.læpˈser.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: 'supra' means 'above', 'lapsus' means 'fall', so it's the doctrine about God's plan above the fall.
Conceptual Metaphor
God's eternal decree as a pre-temporal blueprint or timeline established before creation.
Practice
Quiz
What does supralapsarianism primarily concern?