Heresy

Heresy refers to any belief or doctrine that fundamentally diverges from the established and orthodox tenets of a particular religion. Historically, heresy has been a significant issue in various religious traditions, especially within Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Here are some key points regarding heresy:

• Historical Context in Christianity:

  In Christianity, heresy has been a matter of great concern since the early days of the Church. The term comes from the Greek word "hairesis," meaning "choice," but in Christian context, it signifies a deliberate deviation from orthodox belief. Some notable heresies include:

  • Arianism - This heresy, named after Arius, denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ, asserting that he was created by God the Father and was therefore subordinate to Him.
  • Nestorianism - This doctrine posited that Christ had two separate persons, one divine and one human, rather than a single unified person.
  • Gnosticism - A broad term encompassing various sects that believed in secret knowledge or enlightenment as the path to salvation, often at odds with mainstream Christian teachings on salvation through faith in Christ.

• Heresy in Islam:

  In Islam, heresy is known as Bid'ah (innovation) when it introduces new practices into the religion. Heretical movements include:

  • Qarmatians - A sect in the 9th century that rejected the authority of the Caliphate and practiced extreme forms of communal ownership.
  • Isma'ilism - While not universally considered heretical, some of its branches have been accused of introducing innovations in Islamic law and theology.

• Heresy in Judaism:

  Judaism also has its concept of heresy, often linked to the acceptance of foreign gods or beliefs:

  • Sadducees - Although not heretical in the modern sense, their rejection of the Oral Torah and belief in only the written Torah set them apart from the mainstream Pharisees.
  • Karaite Judaism - A movement that rejects the Talmud and adheres strictly to the Tanakh, considered heretical by some rabbinical authorities.

• Legal and Social Consequences:

  Heresy often led to severe repercussions:

  • Excommunication: Heretics could be excommunicated or expelled from the religious community.
  • Inquisition: The Inquisition was established by the Catholic Church to combat heresy, involving trials, torture, and sometimes execution.
  • Social Stigma: Heretics were often ostracized or branded as outcasts, affecting their social and economic life.

• Modern Views:

  In contemporary times, the concept of heresy has evolved:

  • The term is less commonly used with its original harsh connotations in many Western societies due to religious tolerance and pluralism.
  • Some religious groups still use the term to describe doctrinal deviations but without the historical severity of punishment.
  • Scholars often study heresies to understand the development of religious thought and the dynamics of orthodoxy and heterodoxy.

Here are some external links for further reading:

• Britannica - Heresy
• Catholic Encyclopedia - Heresy
• Encyclopedia.com - Heresy

• Orthodoxy
• Schism
• Apostasy
• Inquisition