Though you may hear people use the terms “heterodox” and “heretic” interchangeably in conversation, these words have distinct meanings and implications within the Eastern Orthodox Church. This post provides a detailed exploration of these terms, clarifying how the Church understands and applies them.
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What does “heterodox” mean?
The word “heterodox” comes from the Greek words “heteros” (different) and “doxa” (belief). In an Orthodox context, “heterodox” generally refers to Christians or Christian groups whose beliefs and practices differ from those of the Orthodox Church. For example, Orthodox Christians consider members of the Roman Catholic Church, various Protestant denominations, and other non-Orthodox Christian communities to be heterodox.
These groups or individuals hold to some degree of Christian truth, but their doctrines or practices are incomplete or flawed compared to Orthodox teaching. We regard the heterodox with a spirit of charity and hope for their eventual welcoming into the Faith.
What does “heretic” mean?
The term heretic comes from the Greek hairetikos, meaning “one who chooses”. Specifically, it means one who chooses to hold and persist in beliefs that the Church has condemned as false or contrary to the Faith. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, a heretic is someone who obstinately rejects or distorts essential dogmas of the faith after the Church has clearly defined them and after the Church has corrected that person and given him/her the opportunity to renounce his/her error.
In other words, heresy is not merely holding an incorrect opinion. Instead, heresy means persistently promoting teachings that threaten the unity and spiritual health of the Church. Classic examples include the rejection of the divinity of Christ, denial of the Holy Trinity, or other dogmatic errors addressed by the Ecumenical Councils.
The act of heresy is serious because it endangers both the heretic’s soul and the souls of others who might be led astray.
Key differences between heterodox Christians and heretics
- Nature of Error:
- Heterodox: Holds beliefs that differ from Orthodox teaching but may not be in direct contradiction to essential dogmas.
- Heretic: Holds and promotes beliefs that are in direct opposition to essential, defined dogmas of the Orthodox Church.
- Intent and Culpability:
- Heterodox: Often not willfully rejecting Orthodox truth; may be due to upbringing, ignorance, or honest misunderstanding.
- Heretic: Willfully persists in error after correction and admonition; there is conscious rejection of Orthodox dogma.
- Relationship with the Church:
- Heterodox: Still recognized as Christians, sometimes referred to as “separated brethren.”
- Heretic: Considered outside the bounds of the Church’s communion due to obstinate error.
- Ecclesiastical Response:
- Heterodox: Engaged with dialogue and evangelization.
- Heretic: Subject to ecclesiastical censure, and traditionally excommunicated if unrepentant.
Pastoral approach in the Church
The Orthodox Church distinguishes between these terms not to judge individuals harshly, but to safeguard the truth and to approach each person with appropriate pastoral care. We typically approach heterodox Christians with a spirit of love and dialogue, seeking to clarify misunderstandings and to heal divisions. Heresy, on the other hand, we treat as a grave matter requiring both correction and, when necessary, firm boundaries to protect the faith community.
Conclusion
For Eastern Orthodox Christians, the difference between heterodox and heretic is more than a matter of semantics. Understanding these differences helps foster more meaningful dialogue with those outside of the Orthodox Church.
Keep Reading: Can Orthodox Christians Pray with the Non-Orthodox?