Heterodoxy

The term ‘heterodoxy’ refers to opinions or doctrines that are not in accordance with official or orthodox teachings.

In Christianity orthodoxy refers to the body of essential biblical teachings. Those who embrace them should be accepted as Christians.

The opposite of orthodoxy is heresy.

The word heterodoxy is often used of teachings considered to be erroneous when measured against orthodox beliefs, but not so erroneous as to be outright heretical. For example, most Protestant Christians consider many teachings of the Roman Catholic Church to be heterodox.

The word is derived from the Greek hetero = other, or different and doxa = to seem, to expect (interpreted as: common belief or popular opinion).

– Article continues after this advertisement –



Article details

Category: Heterodoxy
Related topic(s): ,

First published (or major update) on Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Original content is © Copyright Apologetics Index. All Rights Reserved. For usage guidelines see link at the bottom.
- Advertisement -
Apologetics Index: Research resources on religious movements, cults, sects, world religions and related issues
Our website includes some affiliate links. That means we get a small commission — at no additional cost to you — for each purchase you make. For instance, as an Amazon Associate Apologetics Index earns from qualifying purchases. Your support helps us provide this site free of charge. Naturally, as our Editorial Policy states, our content is never influenced by our advertisers or affiliates. Details.