The term charisma originated in ancient Greece. Early Christians adopted it ;and revised its meaning. Over centuries religious institutions made slight changes and, in the early 20th century, a German sociologist expanded its meanings. Since the 1950s, the term has become widely used, with varying meanings, in religion, the social sciences, the media, and throughout Western societies. This article describes the theological and personality senses of the definition of charisma, the history of the term, and 21st century uses of both senses in particular sectors of society.
Charisma, Charismata, Charismatic, and Charism
editModern English language dictionaries define charisma as a noun in two senses; for example,
- compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
- a divinely conferred power or talent.
The plural is charismata. The adjective charismatic has two meanings similar to these senses.[1] For some theological usages the term is rendered charism, with a meaning the same as sense 2.[2]
As described in the History section, theologians and social scientists have expanded and modified the original Greek meaning into the two distinct senses above. For ease of reference, we will call the first sense personality charisma and the second divinely conferred charisma.