post-christian
UK[ˌpəʊst ˈkrɪs.tʃən]US[ˌpoʊst ˈkrɪs.tʃən]
adj
Relating to or characteristic of a society or culture that no longer has Christianity as its dominant religious or moral framework.
Morpheme Breakdown
post
christian
post
after
christian
relating to Christ
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed within English by combining the Latin-derived prefix "post-" with the noun "Christian". The prefix "post-", from Latin post (after, behind), is a prolific formative in English used to denote temporal or sequential succession. "Christian" originates from Latin Christiānus, meaning "follower of Christ", itself from Christus (Christ) borrowed from Greek Khristós, the "anointed one". The compound "post-Christian" thus logically constructs its meaning through a temporal sequence: it describes the period or condition coming "after" the cultural dominance of Christianity, marking a societal shift rather than a theological stance. Its formation follows a clear, analytical pattern common in sociological and historical terminology to delineate epochs.
Analysis
Structure: post (after) + christian (relating to Christ)
- post: From Latin post meaning "after, behind". A prefix indicating subsequence in time or order.
- christian: From Latin Christiānus, meaning "follower of Christ". In this compound, it functions as the base noun modified by the prefix.
Examples
Some sociologists describe much of Western Europe as a post-christian society.
The book explores art in a post-christian world.
His philosophy is often categorized as post-christian humanism.