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My mom and I discussed this, but why do we call them non denominational if the double negative implies a negation. Wouldn;t it be non nomitional instead?

My mom and I discussed this, but why do we call them non denominational if the double negative implies a negation. Wouldn;t it be non nomitional instead?

(post is archived)

[–] 3 pts

A “demonstration” isn’t a negative “monstration,” a “demonization” isn’t a negative “monization,” a “delight” isn’t a negative “light” a “demarcation” isn’t a negative “marcation.”

“De” as a part of language isn’t universal in its usage. In the case of “denomination” it is used for dividing, rather than negating, just like “demarcation.”

[–] 0 pt

Because (((they))) want us to forget what "Sola scriptura" is.

[–] [deleted] 0 pt (edited )

I always understood it to mean "not denominational"

The idea being that sects (denominations) are those which adhear to a particular view of the given religion. A "non-denominational" sect is one that does not subscribe to any one sects viewpoint excluively, but instead treats controversial topics with an agnostic eye.

I say "controversial" because this is how it manifests in most "non-denominational" churches/etc. The truly "hot button" shit is often treated as "we don't know, oh well, let's move on".

[–] 1 pt

we looked at it from a linguistic background. Non means to not, but de means "Undo a specific action". Hence the non and the de prefices undo each other, hence the confusion. We don't speak english as a first language, so we rely heavily on Latin and Greek to figure out what a word is meant to mean

I am no expert, but Nominate may not be the root form of Denominate.

Nominate definition

specify (something) formally, typically the date or place for an event

Denominate definition

call, name

To be denominational is thus to "name" your sect. This name defines a set of believes or particular perspectives held by the sect, regarding the overarching religion.

Being non-denominational is to "not call, not name". In essence, to not declare the name of the sect.

Maybe in this case you should rely on English speakers