Latitudinarian adj. 1. Of allowing latitude, notably in religion.
n. Of a person who is latitudinarian.
As an adjective, latitudinarian refers to a mindset or approach that is broad, tolerant, and flexible, particularly when it comes to beliefs or principles. It describes a person, attitude, or philosophy that is not strictly bound by conventional limits or doctrines but rather accepts or accommodates a variety of perspectives. Historically, the term has been most associated with religious thought, particularly those who advocated for more inclusive or lenient interpretations of doctrine, allowing for diversity in belief and practice.
A latitudinarian approach can be found in contexts beyond religion, such as in politics or social discussions, where openness and acceptance of diverse viewpoints are emphasized. The adjective implies a willingness to be broad-minded and to seek common ground, even when it comes to fundamentally different ideas.
In the late 1600s, latitudinarian became so closely associated with broad-minded tolerance that critics used it as a shorthand for people who were “too wide” in their allowances - but the surprising part is this: the latitudinarians themselves never formed a sect or movement. They had no shared doctrines, no manifesto, and no formal organization. Their entire identity was simply a habit of generous interpretation - a willingness to give others room in belief and practice. In other words, the only “membership requirement” for being a latitudinarian was being tolerant.
"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."
- often attributed to Rupertus Meldenius
Wide skies stretch above,
Latitudinarian,
Peace in Unity.