Term
Encratites
Ascetic groups who condemned meat and wine, sometimes using water for the Eucharist and viewing marriage as adultery.
Filed underChurch History
Definition
A term meaning 'abstainers,' which was applied to several different groups of ascetics. These groups commonly condemned the use of meat and wine-drinking to the extent of having a water Eucharist. Some also considered marriage to be adultery.
Sources
- 1.Jerald C. Brauer and B. A. Gerrish, ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971). 296Original citation: Brauer, Jerald C., and B. A. Gerrish, eds. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1971, 296.
Last revised August 14, 2026