Heterodoxy
Heterodoxy includes "any opinions or doctrines at variance with an official or orthodox position".
[Definition of orthodoxy from WordNet] 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 and
heresy, while the adjective
heterodox is synonymous with
dissident and
heretical.
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.
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 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. One who denied the doctrine of "
Original Sin," thereby negating the necessity of baptism for children, would be a heretic.
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.
Other articles
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orthodox*
unorthodox*
heterodox economics*
Heterodoxy (magazine)External links
*
Heterodox - the word of the day*
Heterodox Economics*
Open University Heterodox Economics*
Orthodox vs Heterodox Churches
