Donatism — was a Christian sect within the Roman province of Africa that flourished in the fourth and fifth centuries.[1] It had its roots in the social pressures among the long established Christian community of Roman North Africa (present day Tunisia and… … Wikipedia
Donatism — Don a*tism, n. [Cf. F. Donatisme.] (Eccl. Hist.) The tenets of the Donatists. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Donatism — This refers to a North African Christian sect that dates back to the dispute over the election of Caecilian as bishop of Carthage in 312. Donatism was viewed as a heresy by the church. The movement was named after Donatus, primate of Numidia,… … Historical dictionary of the berbers (Imazighen)
Donatism — See Donatist. * * * Schismatic Christian movement in North Africa in the 4th century. It arose out of the debate over the status of church leaders who had cooperated with Roman officials during persecutions of Christians. The movement s leader,… … Universalium
Donatism — Reminiscent of Novatianism (q.v.), the Donatists of North Africa (q.v.) argued that the sacraments given by priests who had compromised the faith during the Great Persecution (q.v.), including sacraments given by priests who had been ordained… … Historical dictionary of Byzantium
Donatism — noun Etymology: Donatus, 4th century bishop of Carthage Date: 1588 the doctrines of a Christian sect arising in North Africa in 311 and holding that sanctity is essential for the administration of sacraments and church membership • Donatist noun … New Collegiate Dictionary
donatism — noun An early Christian belif which maintained that apostate priests were incapable of administering the sacraments, as opposed to the orthodox view that any sacrament administered by a properly ordained priest or bishop is valid, regardless of… … Wiktionary
DONATISM — a religious movement which developed during the fourth century in North Africa characterized by terrorist activity and exclusivistic BELIEFS. It was strongly opposed by AUGUSTINE who emphasized the CATHOLICITY of the CHURCH … Concise dictionary of Religion
Donatism — n. religious movement developed during the 4th century in North Africa that promoted the belief that only those people who led an innocent life belonged in the church or could perform sacraments and that the validity of a sacrament relied on the… … English contemporary dictionary
Donatism — The beliefs of a schismatic group in North Africa in the fourth century who rejected the election of Caecilius as Bishop of Carthage and supported donatus … Who’s Who in Christianity
