toronto blessing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized (Theological/Religious)
Quick answer
What does “toronto blessing” mean?
A term referring to a specific Christian charismatic revival movement that began in Toronto, Canada, in 1994, characterized by ecstatic worship and phenomena like laughter, trembling, and falling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term referring to a specific Christian charismatic revival movement that began in Toronto, Canada, in 1994, characterized by ecstatic worship and phenomena like laughter, trembling, and falling.
An extended term used to describe a renewal movement in Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity where participants experience what is described as a powerful sense of the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by unusual physical and emotional manifestations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant geographical variation in meaning. The term originated in Canada and is used internationally in relevant religious communities. Awareness of the term is generally confined to charismatic Christian networks in both regions.
Connotations
Within charismatic Christianity, it has positive connotations of revival and divine presence. Outside of those circles, it can be viewed neutrally as a historical event or with scepticism regarding its manifestations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Its use peaked in the mid-to-late 1990s. It is more likely to be encountered in religious publications, histories of modern Christianity, or discussions about revivalism.
Grammar
How to Use “toronto blessing” in a Sentence
The Toronto Blessing [verb: began, spread, influenced, divided]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toronto blessing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The congregation was profoundly Toronto-Blessed during those years. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The movement Toronto-blessed thousands of attendees. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The Toronto-Blessing phenomena were widely discussed.
American English
- He had a classic Toronto-Blessing experience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, religious history, and sociology of religion papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation except among individuals within specific Christian communities.
Technical
A technical term within Pentecostal/Charismatic theology and historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toronto blessing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “toronto blessing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toronto blessing”
- Using lower case ('toronto blessing').
- Confusing it with other revivals like the 'Brownsville Revival' or 'Azusa Street Revival'.
- Using it as a general term for any good fortune related to Toronto.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The peak of the movement was in the mid-1990s. The church where it started (now Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship) continues, but the intense, global attention has subsided.
No, it was and remains controversial. Many in mainstream evangelical and Pentecostal circles questioned the theological basis and physical manifestations, while others embraced it as a genuine revival.
Common reports included uncontrollable laughter, weeping, shaking, falling to the ground (being 'slain in the Spirit'), and animal-like noises, all interpreted as manifestations of the Holy Spirit's presence.
Very rarely. It is a highly specific proper noun. A metaphorical use (e.g., 'a Toronto Blessing of creativity') would be obscure and likely misunderstood by a general audience.
A term referring to a specific Christian charismatic revival movement that began in Toronto, Canada, in 1994, characterized by ecstatic worship and phenomena like laughter, trembling, and falling.
Toronto blessing is usually specialized (theological/religious) in register.
Toronto blessing: in British English it is pronounced /təˈrɒn.təʊ ˈbles.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /təˈrɑːn.toʊ ˈbles.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A modern-day Pentecost (loose analogy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BLESSING from the Holy Spirit landing like a plane at Toronto's airport, causing joyful commotion.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IS A CONTAGIOUS OUTPOURING/A PHYSICAL FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Toronto Blessing' primarily associated with?