Charism

Origin

Ancient Greek χάρις (kharis, "grace")

Full definition of charism

Noun

1. (Christianity, theology) A power or authority, generally of a spiritual nature, believed to be a freely given gift by the grace of God.
• 2007, April 14, Peter Steinfels, A Catholic Debate Mounts on the Meaning of ‘Just War’, Reviewing the prudential warnings and moral qualms issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops , “it is hard not to conclude,” the editors write, “that the bishops’ charism, rather than the president’s, has better served the nation.”

Related terms

• Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit
• laying on of hands