grammatolatry etymology

Etymology:

  • "grammatolatry" is a compound word derived from two Greek roots:
    • "grammata" (γράμματα) = letter(s), writing
    • "latreia" (λατρεία) = worship, adoration

Meaning:

Grammatolatry is an excessive reverence for the written word, especially for religious texts. It refers to the belief that the written form of a language or text possesses inherent power or authority.

Origin:

The term "grammatolatry" was first used by the German theologian Ferdinand Kattenbusch (1851-1935) in his book "Das apostolische Symbol" (1900). Kattenbusch applied the term to the reverence shown to the written Apostles' Creed in early Christianity.

Over time, the term came to be more broadly applied to any form of excessive reverence for the written word. Grammatolatry can occur in both religious and secular contexts, such as:

  • Religious: Belief that holy scriptures are infallible and contain all necessary knowledge.
  • Secular: Reverence for ancient texts, literary classics, or scientific works as authoritative sources of knowledge.

Grammatolatry can have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, it can lead to a deep appreciation for language and literature. On the other hand, it can stifle critical thought and innovation by preventing people from questioning or challenging established texts.

grammatolatry relate terms

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    Etymology Greek eidololatreia εἰδωλολατρεία Latin idolatria Mea

  • idol

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  • telegram

    Etymology The word telegram is derived from the Greek words tele τῆλε meani

  • larceny

    Etymology Middle English larcenye Old French larrecin Late Latin latrocinium robbe

  • devotion

    Etymology The word devotion comes from the Latin word devotio which means dedicatio

  • dilatory

    Etymology Latin dilatorius or dilatio meaning delay or postponement Dilatoriu

  • source

    Etymology The word source derives from the Old French word source which in turn come

  • adolescent

    Etymology The word adolescent comes from the Latin word adolescēns meaning a young

  • asthma

    Etymology of Asthma Greek asthma meaning panting shortness of breath Meaning o

  • gorgeous

    Etymology The word gorgeous comes from the Old French word gorgeois which means ric

  • thesis

    Etymology The word thesis comes from the Ancient Greek word τίθημι tithēmi

  • triage

    Etymology The word triage originates from the French verb trier which means to sort

  • deceit

    Etymology The word deceit originates from the Old French word deceit which in turn c