Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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AUTHORITARIANISM
A theory of knowledge that favors acceptance of authority in preference to use of one's own reason. Also the tendency to subject people to authority as opposed to allowing them individual freedom. The term "authoritarian" is commonly used by those who dislike the Church's exercise of her teaching authority, especially in moral matters.
