chiliast
Noun: A person who believes in the coming of the millennium, understood as a future time of great peace, prosperity, and often divine rule on Earth. This belief is typically rooted in certain interpretations of Christian eschatology.
The term "chiliast" is a formal and somewhat archaic noun used to describe a holder of millenarian beliefs. It is most commonly found in historical, theological, or academic discussions.
Examples: * The early Christian writer was considered a chiliast for his detailed prophecies about a thousand-year earthly reign of Christ. * Historians study the movements led by chiliasts who predicted the imminent end of the world. * His views aligned more with a chiliast interpretation of scripture than with mainstream doctrine.
- Chiliastic (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of chiliasm or chiliasts.
- The sect was known for its chiliastic fervor and expectation of a new golden age.
- Millenarian: A more common modern synonym for "chiliast."
- Millennialist: Another direct synonym, often used interchangeably.
- Chiliasm: (Noun) The doctrine or belief itself in the coming millennium.
- Millenarian
- Millennialist
The core meaning of "chiliast" is specifically tied to the belief in a future, literal thousand-year period of blessedness (the millennium). It is distinct from general optimism about the future. The term originates from the Greek word chilias, meaning "a thousand."
- a person who believes in the coming of the millennium (a time of great peace and prosperity)