Tractarian meaning

Tractarian refers to a member of the Oxford Movement, a group of Anglicans who aimed to revitalize the Church of England through emphasis on ritual and doctrine.


Tractarian definitions

Word backwards nairatcarT
Part of speech The word "Tractarian" can function as both an adjective and a noun.
Syllabic division Trac-ta-ri-an
Plural The plural of the word Tractarian is Tractarians.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) a,i
Consonants (5) t,r,c,n

Tractarian Movement in Christianity

The Tractarian movement, also known as the Oxford Movement, was a revival within the Church of England in the early 19th century. Led by a group of high church Anglicans, the movement aimed to bring the Church of England back to its Catholic roots and combat the growing influence of Protestantism.

Origins of the Tractarians

The Tractarian movement began in the 1830s with the publication of a series of pamphlets called the "Tracts for the Times." These tracts were written by prominent figures such as John Henry Newman, John Keble, and Edward Pusey. They sought to address what they saw as the increasing secularization of the Church of England and the erosion of its traditions.

Beliefs and Practices

The Tractarians emphasized the importance of sacraments, liturgy, and tradition in worship. They upheld the authority of the Church Fathers and the importance of the apostolic succession. They also advocated for a more ceremonial style of worship, including the use of incense, vestments, and candles.

Controversies and Impact

The Tractarian movement was not without controversy. Many accused the Tractarians of promoting Roman Catholicism within the Church of England and of being too focused on ritual and tradition. The movement eventually led to the conversion of some of its leaders to Roman Catholicism, including John Henry Newman.

Legacy of the Tractarians

Despite its relatively small numbers, the Tractarian movement had a lasting impact on the Church of England. It helped to spark a renewed interest in liturgy and sacraments, and it contributed to a broader movement within Anglicanism towards a more Catholic understanding of the faith. Today, the influence of the Tractarians can still be seen in the worship practices of many Anglican churches.


Tractarian Examples

  1. The Tractarian movement within the Church of England was founded in the early 19th century.
  2. John Henry Newman was a prominent Tractarian who later converted to Catholicism and became a cardinal.
  3. Tractarian theology emphasized the importance of tradition and ritual in religious practice.
  4. Many Tractarians were influential figures in the Oxford University community.
  5. The Tractarian movement sparked controversy within the Church of England.
  6. Tractarian scholars produced a series of pamphlets known as the Tracts for the Times.
  7. The Tractarians were known for their high church views on liturgy and sacraments.
  8. Tractarianism had a lasting impact on Anglican theology and worship practices.
  9. Tractarian ideas influenced the development of the Anglo-Catholic movement.
  10. The Tractarian influence can still be seen in certain Anglican churches today.


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  • Updated 17/05/2024 - 16:25:16