The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (210 page)

Antichrist
.

An eschatological figure first mentioned in the epistles of John in the New Testament. He is described as a pseudo-
messiah
who stands against Jesus at the end of days. Similar ideas can be found in Jewish
eschatology
where the powers of evil are finally overcome in the ultimate great battle. In later Christian tradition Antichrist has been identified with
Satan
; with the emperor Nero
redivivus
; with other particular enemies of the faith; and sometimes by Protestants with the pope.
In Islam, al-Dajj
l is an anti-religious figure who is often identified with Shait
n/Satan. In particular, he is the opponent and tempter of ‘
s
/Jesus, who will fight a final battle with him when ‘
s
returns at the end of days.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Anticlericalism
.

Hostility (expressed usually by laypeople) against the privileges enjoyed by the Christian clergy, and a criticism of their failure to maintain the undertakings of their calling, to look after those committed to their care and to preach and teach the Christian gospel. In the American Constitution (and subsequent amendments), Church and State were rigorously separated, with anticlericalism playing a part. The attacks made by Pope
John Paul II
on the
Enlightenment
as the source of ‘the culture of death’ (which now, in his view, is dominant), combined with issues of celibacy and child abuse among the clergy, have led to a resurgence of anticlericalism, as clergy become identified with an authoritarian Church not open to criticism.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Anti-cult movement
.

Collectively, those groups and organizations that began to emerge in the 1970s in the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere, in response to what were considered to be the harmful effects of
new religions
on recruits.
These bodies, which include the Spiritual Counterfeits Project (SCP) in the USA, FAIR (Family Action Information and Rescue) in Britain, and ADFI (Association pour la defénse de la famille et de l'individu) in France, disseminate literature on new religions, carry out research, and seek to counsel and advise those distressed by the fact that a friend or relative has become a member of a new religion.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search