denominationalism

American  

[dih-nom-uh-ney-shuh-nl-iz-uhm] / dɪˌnɒm əˈneɪ ʃə nlˌɪz əm /

noun

1. denominational or sectarian spirit or policy; the tendency to divide into denominations or sects.

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denominationalism British  

/ dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. adherence to particular principles, esp to the tenets of a religious denomination; sectarianism

2. the tendency to divide or cause to divide into sects or denominations

3. division into denominations

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Other Word Forms

• denominationalist noun

Etymology

Origin of denominationalism

First recorded in 1850–55; denominational + -ism

Example Sentences

Even before Jan. 6, some sociologists said the fastest-growing group of American Christians are those associated with independent “prophets” who largely operate outside denominationalism.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2021

“Just as denominationalism doesn’t matter as much, evangelicalism doesn’t mean as much as it once did,” he said.

From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2017

Finding few points of dissension, the 500 delegates from 30 denominations agreed upon a definition of competitive denominationalism in small communities, a competition which leads to poor sermons, impoverished churches, shabby rivalries between small congregations.

From Time Magazine Archive

To avoid any hint of denominationalism, preaching ministers are introduced simply as "Brother."

From Time Magazine Archive

Though still deeply religious, these new schools usually were free from denominationalism.

From The History of Education; educational practice and progress considered as a phase of the development and spread of western civilization by Cubberley, Ellwood Patterson