Don·a·tist (d n  -t st, d n-)n. A member of a rigoristic, schismatic Christian sect, strongly opposed by Saint Augustine, that arose in North Africa in the fourth century a.d. and believed in sanctity as requisite for church membership and administration of all sacraments. [Medieval Latin Donatista, after Donatus, fourth-century a.d. ecclesiastic and rival claimant of the bishopric of Carthage.] Don a·tism n. |
Donatism
a heretical cult in N. Africa during the 4th through 7th centuries that emphasized high morality and rebaptism as necessary for church mem-bership and considered invalid a sacrament celebrated by an immoral priest. — Donatist, n. — Donatistic, adj.
See also: Heresy
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | Donatism - a schismatic Christian religion in northern Africa from the 4th to the 7th century; held that only those who led a blameless life belonged in the church or could administer the sacraments Christian religion, Christianity - a monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|