Difference between revisions of "Heterodoxy" - New World Encyclopedia
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{{dablink|This article is about the religious use of the term [[heterodoxy]]. For the conservative newsmagazine published in the United States, please see [[Heterodoxy (magazine)]].}} | {{dablink|This article is about the religious use of the term [[heterodoxy]]. For the conservative newsmagazine published in the United States, please see [[Heterodoxy (magazine)]].}} | ||
| − | '''Heterodoxy''' | + | '''Heterodoxy''' is an or doctrine at variance with an official or [[orthodox]] position". As an adjective, ''heterodox'' is used to describe an opinion, theory, or person that departs from accepted beliefs or standards. The noun ''heterodoxy'' is synonymous with ''unorthodoxy'', while the adjective ''heterodox'' is synonymous with ''[[dissident]]''. Heterodox can also be synonymous with [[heresy]], although it is often a less harsh term, sometimes implying an unorthodox opinion held in ignorance. |
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==Ecclesiastic usage== | ==Ecclesiastic usage== | ||
===[[Eastern Orthodoxy]]=== | ===[[Eastern Orthodoxy]]=== | ||
| − | In the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Church]], the term is used to refer to [[Christianity|Christian]] churches not belonging to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox communion]] and holding doctrines different from those of Orthodox Christianity, but not as different or thought to be as erroneous as [[heresy]]. | + | In the [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Church]], the term is used to refer to [[Christianity|Christian]] churches not belonging to the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox communion]] and holding doctrines different from those of Orthodox Christianity, but not as different or thought to be as erroneous as [[heresy]]. It is synonymous with [[heresy]] in that it is a departure from Orthodox doctrine, but it is distinct in that heresy includes a specific choice to embrace and teach heterodox doctrine, usually accompanied by a formal [[anathema]] (condemnation) from a [[synod]] (church council). |
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| + | Heterodoxy in orthodox tradition is also distinct from [[theologumena]]—a doctrine not specifically taught as orthodox, but not specifically condemned as heretical. | ||
===[[Roman Catholicism]]=== | ===[[Roman Catholicism]]=== | ||
| − | '''Heterodoxy''' in the [[Roman Catholic Church]] refers to views that differ from | + | '''Heterodoxy''' in the [[Roman Catholic Church]] refers to views that differ from Church tradition, but retain sufficient faithfulness to the original doctrine to avoid [[heresy]]. Many Roman Catholics profess some heterodox views, either on doctrinal or social issues. For example, the orthodox Catholic position on unbaptized infants is that their fate is uncertain, and "the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1261). A heterodox Catholic might profess the belief that unbaptized infants are offered the option to accept or deny salvation by God at their judgment. The belief is not orthodox, as the Church does not profess a belief as to what happens to unbaptized infants; however, it is also not heresy, as the Church accepts that such a scenario ''might'' be possible. By contrast, a denial of the doctrine of "[[Original Sin]]" (thereby negating the necessity of baptism for children-—would be considered heretical. |
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| + | The Catholic Church considers the Orthodox Church to have adopted a position of heterodoxy on the issues of [[Papal Infallibility]], and the Papal Supremacy, the [[Immaculate Conception]] if [[Mary]], the existence of [[Purgatory]], and the [[filioque clause]] affirming the the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father. It considers many Protestant churches to have adopted similarly heterodox positions, and condemns a number of Protestant position as heretical. | ||
===Other denominations=== | ===Other denominations=== | ||
| − | The term ''heterodox'' is occasionally used by some [[Christianity|Christians]] to refer to themselves when they are in disagreement with [[orthodox]] understandings, but voice this disagreement while still maintaining the overall value of the tradition. The heterodox Christian therefore remains in the tradition and attempts to stimulate constructive dialog around issues with which they disagree. | + | The term ''heterodox'' is occasionally used by some [[Christianity|Christians]] to refer to themselves when they are in disagreement with [[orthodox]] understandings, but voice this disagreement while still maintaining the overall value of the tradition. The heterodox Christian therefore remains in the tradition and attempts to stimulate constructive dialog around issues with which they disagree. For example, Christians who affirm the doctrine of [[believers baptism]], thereby rejecting [[infant baptism]], might admit this to be a heterodox view and yet seek to dialog with those who practice infant baptism. Conversely, they also might declare infant baptism to be a heresy and refuse to communicate with those who practice this tradition. |
| + | |||
| + | A number of Protestant denominations consider the Catholic Church to be both heterodox and heretical, in that it allegedly added doctrines and practices to church tradition which were not instituted by Jesus and the apostles, and that in some case run contrary to biblical teaching. By the same token, the Catholic Church considers both the Orthodox and Protestant churches to be heterodox on certain issues. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In recent years, many denominations have moved away from labeling other churches heretical, and some have sought to avoid even the term "heterodox" in an effort to build bridges of common understanding. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Non-Christian traditions== | ||
| + | In Islam, | ||
== Footnotes == | == Footnotes == | ||
Revision as of 04:43, 16 December 2007
- This article is about the religious use of the term heterodoxy. For the conservative newsmagazine published in the United States, please see Heterodoxy (magazine).
Heterodoxy is an or doctrine at variance with an official or orthodox position". As an adjective, heterodox is used to describe an opinion, theory, or person that departs from accepted beliefs or standards. The noun heterodoxy is synonymous with unorthodoxy, while the adjective heterodox is synonymous with dissident. Heterodox can also be synonymous with heresy, although it is often a less harsh term, sometimes implying an unorthodox opinion held in ignorance.
Ecclesiastic usage
Eastern Orthodoxy
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the term is used to refer to Christian churches not belonging to the Eastern Orthodox communion and holding doctrines different from those of Orthodox Christianity, but not as different or thought to be as erroneous as heresy. It is synonymous with heresy in that it is a departure from Orthodox doctrine, but it is distinct in that heresy includes a specific choice to embrace and teach heterodox doctrine, usually accompanied by a formal anathema (condemnation) from a synod (church council).
Heterodoxy in orthodox tradition is also distinct from theologumena—a doctrine not specifically taught as orthodox, but not specifically condemned as heretical.
Roman Catholicism
Heterodoxy in the Roman Catholic Church refers to views that differ from Church tradition, but retain sufficient faithfulness to the original doctrine to avoid heresy. Many Roman Catholics profess some heterodox views, either on doctrinal or social issues. For example, the orthodox Catholic position on unbaptized infants is that their fate is uncertain, and "the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1261). A heterodox Catholic might profess the belief that unbaptized infants are offered the option to accept or deny salvation by God at their judgment. The belief is not orthodox, as the Church does not profess a belief as to what happens to unbaptized infants; however, it is also not heresy, as the Church accepts that such a scenario might be possible. By contrast, a denial of the doctrine of "Original Sin" (thereby negating the necessity of baptism for children-—would be considered heretical.
The Catholic Church considers the Orthodox Church to have adopted a position of heterodoxy on the issues of Papal Infallibility, and the Papal Supremacy, the Immaculate Conception if Mary, the existence of Purgatory, and the filioque clause affirming the the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as the Father. It considers many Protestant churches to have adopted similarly heterodox positions, and condemns a number of Protestant position as heretical.
Other denominations
The term heterodox is occasionally used by some Christians to refer to themselves when they are in disagreement with orthodox understandings, but voice this disagreement while still maintaining the overall value of the tradition. The heterodox Christian therefore remains in the tradition and attempts to stimulate constructive dialog around issues with which they disagree. For example, Christians who affirm the doctrine of believers baptism, thereby rejecting infant baptism, might admit this to be a heterodox view and yet seek to dialog with those who practice infant baptism. Conversely, they also might declare infant baptism to be a heresy and refuse to communicate with those who practice this tradition.
A number of Protestant denominations consider the Catholic Church to be both heterodox and heretical, in that it allegedly added doctrines and practices to church tradition which were not instituted by Jesus and the apostles, and that in some case run contrary to biblical teaching. By the same token, the Catholic Church considers both the Orthodox and Protestant churches to be heterodox on certain issues.
In recent years, many denominations have moved away from labeling other churches heretical, and some have sought to avoid even the term "heterodox" in an effort to build bridges of common understanding.
Non-Christian traditions
In Islam,
Footnotes
See also
External links
- Heterodox - the word of the day
- Heterodox Economics
- Open University Heterodox Economics
- Orthodox vs Heterodox Churches
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