irenics

[ahy-ren-iks, ahy-ree-niks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of theology dealing with the promotion of peace and conciliation among Christian churches.

irenics

/ -ˈrɛn-, aɪˈriːnɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) that branch of theology that is concerned with unity between Christian sects and denominations

Word History and Origins

Origin of irenics¹

First recorded in 1880–85; irenic, -ics

Example Sentences

As a professor of future priests, he taught them to replace polemics with irenics and isolation with collaboration.

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In conflict with the most learned, intelligent, and conciliatory of controversialists, they developed a remarkable spirit of moderation, discriminating inferior elements from the original and genuine growth of Catholic roots; and their several declarations and manifestoes, from the Restoration onwards, were an inexhaustible supply for irenics.

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The intermediate seekers, who seem to skirt the border, such as Grotius, Ussher, Praetorius, and the other celebrated Venetian, De Dominis, interested him deeply, in connection with the subject of Irenics, and the religious problem was part motive of his incessant study of Shakespeare, both in early life, and when he meditated joining in the debate between Simpson, Rio, Bernays, and the Edinburgh Review.

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Calvin had no part in Irenics.

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J. J. Tayler’s address of last month follows in the same path,—all in favour of the “irenics,” instead of polemics.

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