(French: Théophilantropie, formed from Greek Theos, "god", and French philantropie, "philanthropy")

Theophilanthropy was the name applied to the beliefs of the Théophilantropes, a Theist sect and ethical society,1 formed in France during the Revolutionary era, in 1796.

The main articles of faith of the sect were:

The Théophilantropes generally met at either the Temple de la Paix or the Temple de la Victoire.3

The sect was expelled from France by the Concordat of 1801, and dissolved in 18022. Napoleon Bonaparte acquired a certain reputation for piety for this action.


Note(s):

1 One of the founders was Thomas Paine. In 1797, Thomas Paine's A Discourse At The Society Of Theophilanthropists, Paris was probably read at a meeting of the sect.

2 See Temple.

3 In France, at least. Theophilanthropy lived on abroad, and a viable theophilanthropic society existed in New York City for many years, publishing a periodical, The Theophilanthropist.

The`o*phi*lan"thro*py (?), n. [Gr. God + E. philanthropy.]

Theophilanthropism.

Macaulay.

 

© Webster 1913.

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