Heresy
Belief or theory at variance with established religious doctrine.
Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, particularly the accepted beliefs or religious law of a religious organization. A heretic is a proponent of a heresy. Heresy in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam has at times been met with censure ranging from excommunication to the death penalty. Heresy is distinct from apostasy, which is the explicit renunciation of one's religion, principles or cause; and from blasphemy, which is an impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things. Heresiology is the study of heresy.
- etymology
- Derived from Ancient Greek haíresis (αἵρεσις), originally meaning 'choice' or 'thing chosen'
- key_early_writer
- Irenaeus, in his 2nd-century tract Contra Haereses
- modern_definition_in_Catholicism
- Obstinate denial or doubt after baptism of a truth to be believed by divine and Catholic faith
Lore & Background
The word heresy originally meant 'choice' or 'thing chosen' in Ancient Greek, later coming to mean the party or school of a man's choice. It is usually used within Christian, Jewish, or Islamic contexts, with slightly different meanings in each. The founder of a heretical movement is called a heresiarch. In early Christianity, Irenaeus gave the term wide currency in his 2nd-century work Against Heresies to describe and discredit opponents, contrasting orthodox belief with Gnostic teachings. Tertullian implied that Jews most inspired heresy in Christianity, as he considered Christianity a continuation of Judaism.
Reader's Guide
Heresy has played a significant role in the history of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, often leading to censure from excommunication to the death penalty. Over centuries, heresy justified the Inquisition and European wars of religion. In modern times, formal charges of heresy still occur, though less commonly. The Galileo affair, where Galileo was found 'vehemently suspect of heresy' for his astronomical views, is considered an exception in the relationship between science and Christianity.
Did You Know?
- The word heresy originally meant 'choice' or 'thing chosen' in Ancient Greek.
- In the 7th century, Saint John of Damascus named Islam as a Christological heresy, calling it the 'heresy of the Ishmaelites'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heresy in theological and philosophical debate?
Heresy refers to any belief or theory that significantly deviates from the established doctrines or customs of a religious organization. It is the position held by a heretic, and throughout history, major faiths have treated it as a serious offense warranting penalties ranging from excommunication up to capital punishment.
Where does the term 'heresy' originate?
The word traces back to the Ancient Greek haíresis (αἵρεσις), which originally carried the neutral sense of 'choice' or 'the thing chosen.' Over time, its meaning narrowed to denote a doctrinal deviation rather than any simple selection.
How is Heresy distinguished from apostasy and blasphemy?
Heresy involves holding a belief that conflicts with established doctrine, whereas apostasy is the outright rejection or abandonment of one's faith, and blasphemy is an irreverent statement or act directed at God or sacred matters. These three concepts overlap in popular usage but carry distinct theological definitions.
Who is considered a foundational writer on heresy?
Irenaeus, a second-century Christian author, is widely regarded as a key early figure in the topic through his treatise Contra Haereses, which catalogued and argued against various doctrinal deviations of his era. His work helped shape the early framework for identifying and responding to heterodox teachings.
How does modern Catholicism formally define heresy?
In contemporary Catholic teaching, heresy is specifically the obstinate denial or doubt, after receiving baptism, of a truth that must be held by divine and Catholic faith. This definition emphasizes both the willful persistence of the error and the requirement that the person has already been incorporated into the faith through baptism.
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