Heterodoxy
|
|
| Contents |
Definition
Heterodoxy includes "any opinions or doctrines at variance with an official or orthodox position". [1] (http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn2.0?stage=1&word=heterodoxy) 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. Orthodoxy and its adjective form orthodox are antonymous.
Ecclesiastic usage
Eastern Orthodoxy
In the Eatern 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.
Roman Catholicism
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 religious doctrines that they believe to be incorrect.
Heterodox economics
Template:Expandsect The phrase heterodox economics is used to describe economics that doesn't conform to the prevailing current of thought.
Other uses
In a wider sense, heterodox is also used to describe anything that deviates from what is considered to be standard; for example, "heterodox medicine" (such as acupuncture). The adjective has also been used to describe behavior; that is, "his heterodox behavior aroused suspicion".
See also
External links
- Heterodox - the word of the day (http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2004/04/28.html)
- Heterodox Economics (http://www.orgs.bucknell.edu/afee/hetecon.htm)
- Open University Heterodox Economics (http://www.open.ac.uk/socialsciences/hetecon/)
- Orthodox vs Heterodox Churches (http://www.reclaimingwalther.org/articles/pieperohcintro.htm)fr:Hétérodoxie