What are the two primary meanings of the word anathema?

The word anathema has two main meanings. Firstly, it describes something or someone that is intensely hated or avoided. Secondly, it refers to a formal excommunication issued by a church. These meanings highlight its use both in expressing strong personal aversion and in formal religious censure.

What is the origin of the word anathema and its initial meanings in religious texts?

The word anathema originates from Ancient Greek, meaning "an offering" or "anything dedicated," derived from the verb "anatíthēmi," meaning "to offer up." In the New Testament, it signified a person or thing cursed or condemned by God. In the Old Testament, it represented something or someone cursed and separated from God due to sin, signifying a state of being set aside for devotion or destruction.

How did the meaning of anathema evolve from its Greek and Old Testament roots to its New Testament usage?

While the Greek root *anathema* meant "offering," the related Hebrew term *herem* in the Old Testament encompassed things consecrated to God or dedicated to destruction, leading to a sense of curse. The New Testament, particularly through the writings of St. Paul, adopted "anathema" to signify a curse and expulsion from the Christian community, shifting its primary connotation from dedication to condemnation.

How did St. Paul use the term anathema in his writings?

St. Paul used the word anathema to signify a curse and the forced expulsion of an individual from the community of Christians. This usage contributed to the term's later development as a formal ecclesiastical sanction.

What was the liturgical evolution of the term anathema by the 6th century?

By the 6th century, the liturgical meaning of anathema evolved to denote a formal ecclesiastical curse of excommunication. It also came to signify the condemnation of heretical doctrines, representing the most severe form of separation from the Christian church, typically issued by a Pope or other high church official.

What is the significance of the Latin phrase 'anathema sit'?

The Latin phrase *anathema sit*, meaning "let him be anathema," was used in decrees of church councils to define Christian faith. Echoing passages like Galatians 1:8-9, it served as a formal declaration of condemnation or excommunication against those who held heretical beliefs.

What historical event in 1054 involved mutual anathematization?

In 1054, an anathema was issued by Rome against the Eastern Patriarch, who subsequently issued another anathema against the cardinal who delivered the initial condemnation. This event marked a significant escalation in the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

When did 'anathema' first appear in modern English, and in what sense?

The word 'anathema' first appeared in modern English in 1526. At that time, it was used in the sense of 'something accursed.' The meaning of 'consecrated object' was also adopted shortly thereafter but is no longer widely used in contemporary English.

What is the most common modern usage of 'anathema' in secular contexts?

In contemporary secular contexts, 'anathema' is most commonly used to describe something or someone that is intensely detested or shunned. It signifies something that is fundamentally opposed to one's beliefs or principles.

Provide an example of how 'anathema' is used in a secular context according to the text.

The text provides examples of secular usage, such as describing racial hatred as anathema to a person's character, or stating that the idea of voluntarily ingesting poison was anathema to someone. It can also describe a notion that is strongly opposed by a group of people, like 'this notion was anathema to most of his countrymen.'

How was the word 'anathema' applied in the Old Testament regarding religious practices and warfare?

In the Old Testament, the concept related to anathema was applied to anything set aside for sacrifice, thereby banned from profane use and dedicated to destruction. This included enemies, their cities, and possessions, particularly during religious wars, as they were considered unholy.

How did the Septuagint's translation of the Hebrew word 'herem' relate to the concept of anathema in Judaism?

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, used the Greek word *anathema* to render the Hebrew word *herem*. This indicated things that were offered to a divinity, such as those mentioned in Leviticus 27:28, which were banned for common use. The Hebrew word *herem* could also refer to items devoted to a priest by vow.

How did the sense of the Hebrew word 'herem' change with the rise of the synagogue?

With the rise of the synagogue as the central organizing principle of Jewish life around the Maccabean period, the meaning of *herem* shifted. It evolved from being primarily an 'instrument of communal purification' to an 'instrument for the promotion of personal conduct as well as the enforcement of public morality,' functioning as a tool of ecclesiastical discipline.

How many times does the noun 'anathema' appear in the Greek New Testament?

The noun *anathema* appears six times in the Greek New Testament. It also appears frequently in the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

What is the specific meaning of 'anathema' as used in the Greek New Testament?

In the Greek New Testament, *anathema* signifies the 'disfavour of God.' It is used both to denote the sentence or declaration of God's disfavour and to refer to the object or person that is the subject of God's disfavour.

What form of extreme religious sanction did 'anathema' come to represent in the Early Church?

Since the time of the apostles, the term 'anathema' came to represent a form of extreme religious sanction known as excommunication. This practice involved formally cutting off an individual or group from the community of the faithful.

Where and when is the earliest recorded instance of the formal use of 'anathema' found?

The earliest recorded instance of the formal use of 'anathema' as an extreme religious sanction is found in the Council of Elvira, which took place around 306 AD. Following this, it became a common method for dealing with heretics.

How did the distinction between anathema and 'minor' excommunication develop in the 5th century?

In the 5th century, a formal distinction emerged in the Early Church between anathema and 'minor' excommunication. Minor excommunication involved cutting off a person or group from the rite of the Eucharist and attendance at worship, while anathema signified a complete and total separation of the subject from the Church.

How is 'anathema' used in the dogmatic canons of ecumenical councils recognized by the Catholic Church?

In the dogmatic canons of ecumenical councils recognized by the Catholic Church, the word 'anathema' signifies exclusion from the society of the faithful due to heresy. It is a formal declaration of separation from the Church community for doctrinal error.

What distinction was made in the 9th and 12th centuries regarding anathema and excommunication in Catholicism?

Documents from the 9th and 12th centuries distinguished anathema from general excommunication. Anathema was considered a 'major excommunication,' signifying exclusion from the society of the faithful, while 'minor excommunication' referred to ordinary exclusion from receiving the sacraments.

In what specific context was anathema used to signify a major excommunication pronounced with particular solemnity in Catholicism?

In Catholicism, anathema was used to signify a major excommunication inflicted with particular solemnity, often pronounced using the ceremonies described as 'bell, book, and candle.' This solemn form of anathema was reserved for the gravest crimes and represented the most severe form of ecclesiastical censure.

How did the 1917 Code of Canon Law address the term 'anathema'?

The 1917 Code of Canon Law abandoned the distinction between major and minor excommunication. It defined excommunication as exclusion from the communion of the faithful and stated that this exclusion was also called anathema, particularly when inflicted with solemn ceremonies as described in the *Pontificale Romanum*.

Does the current (1983) Code of Canon Law contain the word 'anathema'?

No, the current 1983 Code of Canon Law, which is now in force, does not contain the word 'anathema.' Furthermore, the *Pontificale Romanum*, as revised after the Second Vatican Council, no longer specifies particular solemnities associated with the infliction of excommunication.

How does the Eastern Orthodox Church differentiate between 'epitemia' and anathema?

The Eastern Orthodox Church distinguishes between *epitemia* (penances) and anathema. *Epitemia* involves separation from the communion of the Church, but the person remains an Orthodox Christian with restricted participation in mystical life. Anathema, however, signifies complete separation from the Church until repentance.

What are the two primary causes for which a person may be anathematized in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the two primary causes for which a person may be anathematized are heresy and schism. These actions are seen as fundamentally undermining the faith and unity of the Church.

What is the purpose of public anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

The purpose of public anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church is twofold: first, to warn the condemned individual and encourage their repentance, and second, to caution others against following their erroneous path. The ultimate goal is the salvation of souls.

What event is celebrated on the First Sunday of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and what does it involve regarding anathemas?

On the First Sunday of Great Lent, known as the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy,' the church celebrates the Rite of Orthodoxy. During this celebration, anathemas are publicly pronounced against numerous heresies, commemorating the end of Byzantine Iconoclasm.

What is the Synodicon, and how is it proclaimed in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

The Synodicon is the decree proclaimed at the Council of Constantinople in 843, which ended Byzantine Iconoclasm. It includes an anathema against Iconoclasm and previous heresies. The Synodicon continues to be proclaimed annually in Eastern Orthodox churches during the Rite of Orthodoxy.

What biblical passages are referenced in the Rite of Orthodoxy concerning dealing with those who err?

The Rite of Orthodoxy references Romans 16:17-20, which advises marking those who cause divisions and offenses, and Matthew 18:10-18, which outlines a procedure for addressing transgressions within the community, including telling it to the church if personal attempts fail.

How is the image related to Pope Gregory XI described in the text?

The image related to Pope Gregory XI is described as showing an anathema, specifically in the sense of a curse, attributed to him.

How is the image related to the *Southwick Codex* described in the text?

The image related to the *Southwick Codex* is described as a mention of anathema within this medieval text, which is written in Old English.

How is the image from the Ter Doest abbey manuscript described?

The image from a 12th–13th century manuscript of the Ter Doest abbey is described as depicting an anathema, or curse.

What is the etymological connection between the Greek word 'anathema' and the Hebrew word 'herem'?

The Greek word *anathema*, meaning 'offering' or 'anything dedicated,' was used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word *herem*. While *anathema* originally meant dedication, *herem* in the Old Testament referred to things consecrated to God or, conversely, things dedicated to destruction, leading to a dual meaning that influenced the development of 'anathema' towards condemnation.

What was the role of anathema in the condemnation of heretical doctrines?

Anathema became a tool for condemning heretical doctrines, particularly by the 6th century. It signified a formal ecclesiastical curse and the condemnation of beliefs deemed contrary to established church dogma, representing the most severe form of separation from the Christian church.

How did the Catholic Church's understanding of 'anathema' change with its Codes of Canon Law?

The Catholic Church's understanding evolved; the 1917 Code of Canon Law equated excommunication with anathema, especially when solemn. However, the current 1983 Code of Canon Law no longer uses the term 'anathema' and has removed specific solemnities previously associated with excommunication.

What is the primary purpose of the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' in the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates the restoration of icons after the period of Byzantine Iconoclasm. Its primary purpose is to celebrate the triumph of correct doctrine by publicly proclaiming anathemas against heresies and affirming the Orthodox faith.

Can anathema be considered final damnation in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

No, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, anathema is not considered final damnation. The Church believes that God alone is the judge, and repentance is always possible until the moment of death. The anathema serves as a warning and a means to encourage repentance and safeguard the faithful.

What does the term 'anathema' signify in Judaism according to the text?

In Judaism, the term *herem*, translated as *anathema* in the Septuagint, referred to things offered to God and thus banned for common use. It also denoted things devoted to a priest by vow. Later, particularly with the rise of the synagogue, *herem* evolved to become an instrument of ecclesiastical discipline for enforcing public morality and personal conduct.

What was the distinction between 'minor' and 'major' excommunication in the historical context of the Catholic Church?

Historically, the Catholic Church distinguished between 'minor' excommunication, which involved exclusion from receiving the sacraments, and 'major' excommunication (often equated with anathema), which entailed complete separation from the society of the faithful. This distinction was later clarified and eventually modified in the Codes of Canon Law.

What specific actions or beliefs could lead to anathema in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, a person could be anathematized for heresy, which involves holding beliefs contrary to established Orthodox doctrine, or for schism, which involves causing a division or separation within the Church. These are considered grave offenses against the faith and unity.

How does the concept of 'anathema' relate to the idea of 'shunning' in modern usage?

In modern secular contexts, 'anathema' is often used to describe something or someone intensely detested or shunned. This aligns with the idea of actively avoiding or rejecting a person or concept, reflecting a strong social or personal disapproval.

What role did the 'anathema sit' phrase play in early Christian councils?

The phrase 'anathema sit' was employed in the decrees of early Christian councils as a formal pronouncement of condemnation. It was used to excommunicate individuals or condemn doctrines deemed heretical, thereby defining the boundaries of accepted Christian faith and practice.

What is the significance of the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' in relation to historical heresies?

The 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' is significant because it commemorates the final triumph over Byzantine Iconoclasm, the last major heresy to trouble the Church. On this day, the Synodicon is proclaimed, which includes anathemas not only against Iconoclasm but also against numerous other historical heresies, reaffirming Orthodox doctrine.

How did the meaning of 'anathema' in the New Testament differ from its original Greek meaning?

The original Greek meaning of *anathema* was 'an offering' or 'anything dedicated.' However, in the New Testament, its meaning shifted to signify 'disfavour of God,' representing a curse and expulsion, reflecting a move from a concept of dedication to one of condemnation.

What were the consequences of an anathema in the Early Church?

In the Early Church, an anathema represented a severe form of excommunication, leading to complete separation from the Church. This meant exclusion from the community of the faithful, and potentially from participation in rites like the Eucharist, marking the individual as an outcast from the religious community.

How did the Catholic Church's *Pontificale Romanum* historically describe solemn excommunications?

Historically, the Catholic Church's *Pontificale Romanum* described solemn excommunications, often referred to as anathema, as being pronounced with specific ceremonies, such as those involving a bell, book, and candle. These solemn rites were reserved for the most serious offenses.

What is the relationship between 'anathema' and 'herem' in Jewish tradition?

The relationship is one of translation and conceptual parallel. The Greek *anathema* in the Septuagint translates the Hebrew *herem*. Both terms relate to things set apart, either for divine use or destruction, and both evolved to encompass concepts of banishment or curse within their respective religious contexts.

What does the term 'anathema' imply about the relationship between an individual and God in its religious sense?

In its religious sense, particularly as used in the New Testament and early church contexts, 'anathema' implies a state of being cursed by God or separated from divine favor due to sin or heresy. It signifies a profound break in the relationship between the individual and the divine.

How does the Eastern Orthodox concept of 'anathema' aim to facilitate repentance?

The Eastern Orthodox Church views anathema not as final damnation but as a severe measure intended to prompt repentance. By publicly declaring someone anathema for heresy or schism, the Church aims to warn the individual and others, creating a situation where the condemned person might recognize their error and seek reconciliation.

What is the significance of the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' lections from Romans and Matthew?

The lections from Romans 16:17-20 and Matthew 18:10-18 during the 'Sunday of Orthodoxy' provide biblical justification and guidance for the Church's stance against heresy and schism. Romans advises avoiding divisive individuals, while Matthew outlines a process for addressing wrongdoing within the community, reinforcing the Church's authority and concern for doctrinal purity and unity.

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Core Meanings

Detested or Avoided

The word "anathema" possesses two primary significations. The first denotes something or someone that is intensely hated or actively shunned.^[1]^[2] This secular usage reflects a profound sense of aversion or rejection.

Formal Excommunication

The second, more historically prominent meaning refers to a formal excommunication enacted by a Christian church.^[1]^[2]^[3] This signifies the most severe form of ecclesiastical censure, involving exclusion from the community of the faithful.

Etymological Roots

Ancient Greek Origins

The term "anathema" originates from the Ancient Greek word ἀνάθεμα (anathema), which initially meant "an offering" or "anything dedicated."^[8] This meaning is derived from the verb ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi), signifying "to offer up."^[3]

Evolution of Meaning

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word חֵרֶם (herem) encompassed both objects consecrated to divine use and those dedicated to destruction. This duality led to the concept of "anything dedicated to evil" or "a curse."^[6] The New Testament usage, particularly by St. Paul, shifted the meaning towards a curse and expulsion from the Christian community.^[9] By the 6th century, it evolved into a formal ecclesiastical curse, signifying excommunication and the condemnation of heretical doctrines.^[10]

Biblical Context

Old Testament Usage

In the Septuagint, the Greek word ἀνάθεμα (anathema) was used to translate the Hebrew term חֵרֶם (herem). This referred to things devoted to God, thus banned from common use, or things devoted to destruction, such as enemies in religious wars.^[13] Later, within the context of the synagogue, the sense evolved towards an instrument of public morality and ecclesiastical discipline.^[14]

New Testament Significance

The noun ἀνάθεμα (anathema) appears six times in the Greek New Testament.^[15] It signifies "disfavour of God," referring both to the sentence of divine displeasure and to the object of that displeasure.^[5] St. Paul notably employed the term to express a curse and the forced expulsion from the Christian community, as seen in passages like Galatians 1:8-9.^[11]

Religious Application

Early Church & Catholicism

From the apostolic era, "anathema" evolved into a severe form of excommunication. Early councils, such as Elvira (c. 306) and Gangra (c. 340), utilized it against heretics. Cyril of Alexandria issued twelve anathemas against Nestorius in 431.^[10] A distinction emerged between minor excommunication (exclusion from the Eucharist) and anathema (complete separation). In Catholicism, ecumenical councils used "anathema" to signify exclusion due to heresy. While the 1917 Code of Canon Law retained "anathema" for solemn excommunication, the 1983 Code no longer uses the term.

Eastern Orthodoxy

The Eastern Orthodox Church distinguishes between epitemia (penances, temporary separation) and anathema. Anathema signifies a complete separation from the Church, pending repentance.^[23] It is reserved for heresy and schism, employed as a last resort after pastoral efforts. The "Sunday of Orthodoxy" involves a rite pronouncing anathemas against various heresies, serving as a warning and a call to repentance, not final damnation.

Contemporary Usage

Secular Context

In modern English, first appearing in the 16th century, "anathema" is most commonly used in secular contexts to denote something or someone intensely detested, abhorred, or shunned.^[1]^[2] While the meaning of "consecrated object" exists, it is rarely employed today.^[3]

"Racial hatred was anathema to her."^[2]
"The idea that one would voluntarily inject poison into one's body was anathema to me."^[2]
"This notion was anathema to most of his countrymen."^[3]

Associated Concepts

Related Terms

The concept of anathema shares conceptual ground with several other terms denoting social or religious exclusion and condemnation:

Cherem: The Hebrew term from the Old Testament, signifying a ban or curse, often with religious implications.
Excommunication: The formal exclusion of an individual from the rites or community of a religious institution.
Shunning: The practice of deliberately avoiding or ignoring a person, often within social or religious groups.
Ostracism: A practice in ancient Greece, and its modern metaphorical usage, for banishing or excluding an individual from society.
Bell, Book, and Candle: A ritualistic method historically used in excommunication ceremonies, particularly in Western Christianity.

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References

EncyclopÃ¦dia Britannica: "anathema (religion)"

Galatians 1:8â9

John A. Hardon, Modern Catholic Dictionary

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, p. 702/1602

Joseph Gignac, "Anathema" in Catholic Encyclopedia (New York 1907)

Jimmy Akin, "Anathema Sit"

Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canons 1431, 1434

1917 Code of Canon Law, canon 6, 5Â°

1917 Code of Canon Law, canon 2257

Code of Canon Law alphabetical index

Cf. Matthew 13:5, etc.

Cf. Matthew 13:7, etc.

Cf. Matthew 13:25â40

A full list of references for this article are available at the Anathema Wikipedia page

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Anathema: Echoes of Condemnation and Exclusion

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Core Meanings ℹ️

🚫 Detested or Avoided

⛪ Formal Excommunication

Etymological Roots 📜

🇬🇷 Ancient Greek Origins

📜 Evolution of Meaning

Biblical Context 📖

📜 Old Testament Usage

📖 New Testament Significance

Religious Application ⛪

✝️ Early Church & Catholicism

☦️ Eastern Orthodoxy

Contemporary Usage 🗣️

🌍 Secular Context

Associated Concepts 🔗

🤝 Related Terms

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Core Meanings

Detested or Avoided

Formal Excommunication

Etymological Roots

Ancient Greek Origins

Evolution of Meaning

Biblical Context

Old Testament Usage

New Testament Significance

Religious Application

Early Church & Catholicism

Eastern Orthodoxy

Contemporary Usage

Secular Context

Associated Concepts

Related Terms

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice