theocentric

theocentric

UK[ˌθiːəʊˈsentrɪk]US[ˌθiːoʊˈsentrɪk]
adj

Having God as the central focus of attention or interest; viewing everything in relation to God.

Morpheme Breakdown

theo
centric
theo

god

centric

centered

Etymology

The word 'theocentric' is a modern English compound, primarily formed in the 19th century to describe a theological or philosophical viewpoint. Its first element, 'theo-', is derived from the ancient Greek noun 'theos', which broadly signified a god or deity, a term of Proto-Indo-European origin related to concepts of the divine. The second element, '-centric', originates from the Greek 'kentron', meaning a sharp point or the stationary point of a compass, which evolved in Latin and later English to signify a central point of focus. Thus, the literal construction 'god-centered' directly and logically yields the modern abstract meaning of a perspective or system that places God at its absolute core, in contrast to human-centered (anthropocentric) or world-centered (cosmocentric) views.

Analysis

Structure: theo (god) + centric (centered) - theo: From Greek 'theos', meaning 'god'. A combining form used in English to denote a relation to God or a deity. - centric: From Latin 'centricus', from Greek 'kentrikos', meaning 'pertaining to a center'. An adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having a specified center' or 'focused on'.

Examples

His theocentric worldview meant that all ethical questions were considered in light of divine will.

Medieval art was largely theocentric, designed to inspire piety and direct the viewer's thoughts to heaven.

The philosopher argued for a theocentric universe, where human purpose is derived from a relationship with the Creator.