numerolatry

English

Etymology

numero- +‎ -latry

Noun

numerolatry (uncountable)

1. (religion) worship of numbers
   • 1989, F.J.M. Laver, Information Technology: Agent of Change, →ISBN:

     His warning would not have been necessary today for we have moved to the opposite pole and risk falling into 'numerolatry', the idolatrous worship of numbers.

   • 1998, C. Peter Wagner, Church Growth and the Whole Gospel: A Biblical Mandate, →ISBN:

     René Padilla feels that the “excessive emphasis on numbers” in church growth becomes “numerolatry.”

   • 2003, Arthur Herzog, The Church Trap, →ISBN:

     What is the reason for this numerolatry, the worship of numbers?

   • 2008, C. Peter Wagner, The Book of Acts: A Commentary, →ISBN:

     I have even heard the use of numbers called “numerolatry,” a particularly serious accusation because it implies a form of idolatry.

   • 2013, C. Peter Wagner, This Changes Everything (The Prayer Warrior Series): How God Can Transform Your Mind And Change Your Life, →ISBN:

     My most extreme condemnation was a public affirmation thatIwas committing “numerolatry.” The literal sense of that word isthat I was actually worshiping numbers.