What does antinomianism mean?
Antinomianism is a theological doctrine asserting that believers are set free from the obligation to obey moral law through faith and divine grace alone. The term derives from the Greek roots anti ('against') and nomos ('law'), and it emerged as a label during the Protestant Reformation, when reformers such as Martin Luther criticized certain radicals for taking justification by faith to extremes. Historically, antinomianism has functioned less as a self-declared position than as an accusation: religious authorities charged opponents with it, warning that a gospel without law would dissolve morality itself. The word also extends beyond strict theology to describe any general disregard for established rules or norms. Because of this history, antinomianism carries a predominantly negative connotation and appears chiefly in scholarly discussions of religion, ethics, and church history. Its most famous episode in English-speaking history is the Antinomian Controversy in 1630s Massachusetts, which led to the banishment of Anne Hutchinson.
nounThe belief that Christians are freed by faith and divine grace from the obligation to observe moral law, holding that salvation does not depend on obedience to religious law.
- The theological doctrine that faith alone, not observance of moral law, brings salvation, and that believers are therefore freed from legal obligation.
- By extension, any attitude or behavior marked by rejection or disregard of established moral or legal norms.
"The Puritan authorities condemned the preacher's antinomianism as a dangerous threat to social order."
"Critics accused the sect of antinomianism, claiming its emphasis on grace would lead believers into moral chaos."
"The historian traced how charges of antinomianism were used to silence dissenting voices throughout the Reformation era."
Rarely pluralized; the singular form is used in nearly all contexts, even when discussing multiple varieties of the doctrine.
"Historians have catalogued several distinct antinomianisms across early modern Europe."
In 17th-century Massachusetts, antinomianism was so feared that its most famous advocate, Anne Hutchinson, was banished from the colony — making it one of America's first great religious controversies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antinomianism
Antinomianism comes from the Greek elements anti- (meaning 'against' or 'opposite') and nomos (meaning 'law'), combined with the English suffix -ism. The compound entered English in the early 17th century amid Protestant debates over the relationship between faith and moral law, when Luther's phrase 'against the Law' was applied to those who rejected legal obligations on Christians. It shares its Greek root nomos with words such as autonomy, astronomy, and economy, all built on nomos-derived forms.
Related word forms
How antinomianism is actually used
Antinomianism is a formal, largely theological and historical term. It carries a strongly negative connotation in most contexts, since it has historically been used as an accusation against groups deemed morally lax. It appears mainly in academic writing on religion, church history, and theology rather than everyday conversation.
Easily confused with antinomianism
Anomie is a sociological term for a breakdown of social norms in a society, whereas antinomianism is a theological doctrine rejecting moral law as binding on believers.