Everything about Heterodoxy totally explained
Heterodoxy includes "any opinions or doctrines at variance with an official or
orthodox position". As an adjective,
heterodox is used to describe a subject as "characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards" (
status quo). The noun
heterodoxy is synonymous with
unorthodoxy, while the adjective
heterodox is synonymous with
dissident.
Ecclesiastic usage
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. Also, it's used for any idea, thought, dogma, principle or lifestyle that's in conflict with the
Orthodox Faith. In general, this term is used in two distinct cases: 1. Whenever Eastern Orthodoxy wants to classify something different, but not as different or thought to be as erroneous as
heresy; 2. Whenever Eastern Orthodoxy wants, for any reason, to abstain from the use of the word
heresy.
Heterodoxy in the
Roman Catholic Church refers to views that differ from strictly orthodox views, 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 isn't orthodox, as the Church doesn't profess a belief as to what happens to unbaptized infants; however, it's 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) or
Papal Infallibility -- would be labeled heretical.
As with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic usage, many Protestants such as Lutherans use the term
heterodox (Gr. hetero - other, and doxa - teaching) to describe Christian teachings which are not in agreement with their understanding of scripture. No true Christian denomination knowingly embraces a fallacy, but instead truly believes that their interpretation of scriptures is
orthodox (Gr. ortho - correct, and doxa - teaching). Thus, other Christian (Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant) denominations with different teachings which are not heretical are considered heterodox.
Other usage
The term
heterodox is occasionally used by some
Christians to refer to themselves when they're 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.
Political usage against religion
China
In late 1999 legislation was created in China to outlaw "heterodox religions". This was applied retroactively to
Falun Gong, a spiritual practice introduced to the public in China by Li Hongzhi （李洪志） in 1992.
Footnotes
Further Information
Get more info on 'Heterodoxy'.
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