WordGarden.ioantinomian
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /æntaɪˈnoʊmi.ən/adjective
Meanings
Adjective
rejecting binding moral or religious rules as authoritative
Noun
a person who rejects binding moral or religious law, especially in Christian doctrine
Beyond the definition
Imagine a society with strict rules about everything—what you wear, what you eat, how you worship. An antinomian is someone who argues that those rules—especially moral or religious laws—are not ultimately binding. The word stems from the Greek anti (against) and nomos (law). It doesn't necessarily mean they are behaving immorally; rather, in the classic theological sense, they claim that faith and grace, not rule-keeping, are what matter for salvation—so moral law cannot be treated as the condition that earns it.
Historically, "antinomianism" sparked serious theological debates in the Protestant Reformation and later in the 17th century, particularly within Puritan communities. Think of it as a pushback against religious legalism—the idea that strict rule-keeping is the heart of spirituality or the basis of salvation. Today, you might still see antinomian used more loosely for someone who rejects established moral norms, but it most often carries the older sense: resistance to binding moral law as a requirement.
The word antinomian describes a person who rejects the idea that moral or religious law is binding in the way traditional authorities claim. While it is a complex term with deep roots in theology, it most often refers to the belief that divine grace (received through faith) is sufficient for salvation, so strict obedience to moral rules cannot be treated as the condition for being accepted by God.
The term took shape in Reformation-era debates and was later used (often pejoratively) in Puritan circles to describe those accused of teaching that moral rules were not binding for believers. A famous historical example is the conflict surrounding Anne Hutchinson in 1630s Massachusetts, where she was accused of antinomianism for teachings that emphasized inner assurance and the work of grace over outward conformity. In that setting, "antinomian" was less a self-chosen identity than an allegation: that someone was downplaying moral obligation in the name of faith.
However, antinomian isn't always about religion. In modern usage, it can describe someone who generally rejects societal norms and conventions. A character in a novel who deliberately flouts all rules and expectations, driven by an internal compass rather than external pressure, could be described as having antinomian leanings.
It is important to note that being an "antinomian" doesn't necessarily equate to chaotic lawlessness. It is about the source of one's morality—whether it comes from external mandates or internal conviction. While the term often carries a negative connotation, implying recklessness or a disregard for social order, it can also describe someone who is fiercely independent and committed to their own principles above the status quo.
So, if you encounter an antinomian, remember: they are likely questioning the very foundations of what society considers "right" and "wrong," believing that true freedom lies beyond the constraints of the written law.
Examples
- 1
Religious community
Some church leaders feared that the new movement was antinomian and would weaken discipline in the community.
- 2
Religious law
His opponents denounced him as an antinomian after he argued that love mattered more than religious law.
- 3
Rebellious tendency
Some critics admire the poet's antinomian streak, while others see it as mere rebellion.
- Phrasean antinomian streak
a habit of rejecting accepted rules or authority
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- antinomiannounadjective