The concept of Heresy in Christianity
Heresy, in Christianity, refers to beliefs or opinions that deviate from established religious doctrines and are deemed corruptions of the faith. It is derived from the Greek 'hairesis' and signifies a separation from the Church's communion. This concept has historical implications across different contexts, including Gnosticism and early Christianity, where it encompasses false teachings and doctrinal deviations. Heresy is viewed as an evil that undermines the truth and integrity of the Church's teachings, prompting responses from church authorities.
Synonyms: Blasphemy, Apostasy, Deviation, Dissent, Fallacy, Nonconformity, Sacrilege., Sacrilege
In Dutch: Ketterij; In Finnish: Harhaoppi; In Spanish: ±á±ð°ù±ðÂáò¹; In Malay: Doktrin sesat; In Swedish: °Ã¤³Ù³Ù±ð°ù¾±; In German: Ketzerei; In French: ±áé°ùé²õ¾±±ð
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Heresy'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Heresy is presented as something that perverts the truth, connected with the church, and originating from the same source, but not of the same kind.[1] (2) This term is used to describe beliefs or practices that are different from the established Church's teachings, and they are seen as incorrect.[2] (3) Heresy is mentioned in the text in the context of solemnities, if it is a human presumption which devises them, while censuring ancient economies.[3] (4) This is a belief system that does not accept or perverts certain Scriptures, implying a deviation from established religious doctrines or accepted interpretations of religious texts.[4] (5) Heresy is something that St. Paul disapproves of, alongside schism and dissension, indicating it is an evil, and a significant one at that.[5]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Heresy involves holding a false opinion or belief, and it is considered a species of unbelief, which means it is a deviation from the true faith.[6] (2) The word heresy denotes a choosing and is a species of unbelief belonging to those who profess the Christian faith, but corrupt its dogmas, and it is a corruption of the Christian faith.[7] (3) A form of unbelief characterized by the adoption of beliefs contrary to established doctrine within a religion.[8]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrine, a matter adjudicated by the Sanhedrim.[9]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This term, derived from the Greek word 'hairesis,' is not used in the New Testament in its later technical sense, which signifies a doctrinal deviation from the genuine faith of the Church, and also implies a separation from its communion.[10]
Gnostic concept of 'Heresy'
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) Heresy in the first two centuries was a term for a school of philosophy, and the Gnostics were divided into schools or heresies that were of equal dignity.[11]
The concept of Heresy in local and regional sources
Heresy in this context refers to the teachings propagated by Pelagius, which rejected the concept of original sin. These teachings were spread widely and led to discussions and confrontations with bishops regarding their validity and acceptance.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The heresy was taught and spread, and the exponents were brought before the bishops to be conveyed into the continent.[12] (2) The belief that Pelagius was the founder of, which denied original sin and was spread widely by him during his time.[13]