What is another word for priestcraft?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈiːstkɹaft] (IPA)

Priestcraft is a term used to refer to the practice of making money or gaining power through religion. It is often associated with deceitful or mercenary practices, such as exploiting people's faith for personal gain. There are several synonyms for this term, including clericalism, ecclesiasticism, theocracy, piety-mongering, and religious exploitation. Other related terms include religious charlatanism, spiritual manipulation, and holy deception. Regardless of the terminology used, the concept of priestcraft has long been viewed as a negative influence on religious institutions and a threat to the genuine expression of faith. By exploring these synonyms, we can gain a deeper understanding of the harms that can result from the misuse of religion for personal gain.

Synonyms for Priestcraft:

What are the hypernyms for Priestcraft?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Priestcraft?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.

Usage examples for Priestcraft

On the death of Joseph, and the banishment of his Minister, when bigotry and priestcraft regained their supremacy, the New Christians were again subject to persecutions, and it is only under the present free constitution that all difference has been finally, and, we trust, for ever, abolished.
"The Prime Minister"
W.H.G. Kingston
There is no stronger force, among all that make for the abuses of priestcraft, than this same yearning for human help becomes when robbed of its proper nourishment, which is the communion of saints, and the pastoral care of souls.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus"
G. A. Chadwick
It is true that his preaching had won him more followers than his priestcraft had turned away.
"Peccavi"
E. W. Hornung

Famous quotes with Priestcraft

  • The man or country that fights priestcraft and priests is to my mind striking deeper for freedom than can be struck anywhere.
    George Meredith
  • It is not Christianity, but priestcraft that has subjected woman as we find her.
    Lucretia Mott
  • Too long has the public mind considered religion to be synonymous with priestcraft.
    Benjamin Whorf
  • When we say science we can either mean any manipulation of the inventive and organizing power of the human intellect: or we can mean such an extremely different thing as the religion of science, the vulgarized derivative from this pure activity manipulated by a sort of priestcraft into a great religious and political weapon.
    Wyndham Lewis
  • In Etruria.. the nation stagnated and decayed in political helplessness and indolent opulence, a theological monopoly in the hands of the nobility, stupid fatalism, wild and meaningless mysticism, the arts of soothsaying and mendicant priestcraft gradually developed themselves, till they reached the height at which we afterwards find them.
    Theodor Mommsen

Related words: snake oil salesman, huckster, charlatan, faith healer, hocus-pocus

Related questions:

  • What is priestcraft?
  • What are the main types of priestcraft?
  • Is priestcraft illegal?
  • Can a priest be a huckster?
  • Word of the Day

    Chases sign
    The term "Chases sign" refers to a linguistic phenomenon known as synonymy, wherein multiple words or phrases are used interchangeably to convey a similar meaning. Synonyms for "Ch...