What does heresy mean?

Definitions for heresy
ˈhɛr ə siher·esy

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word heresy.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. unorthodoxy, heterodoxy, heresynoun

    any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position

  2. heresy, unorthodoxynoun

    a belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion

Wiktionary

  1. heresynoun

    A doctrine held by a member of a religion at variance with established religious beliefs, especially dissension from Roman Catholic dogma.

  2. heresynoun

    A controversial or unorthodox opinion held by a member of a group, as in politics, philosophy or science.

  3. Etymology: From heresie (modern hérésie), from haeresis, from αἵρεσις, from αἱρέομαι, the middle voice of αἱρέω.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Heresynoun

    An opinion of private men different from that of the catholick and orthodox church.

    Etymology: heresie, French; hæresis, Latin; ἅιϱεσις.

    Heresy prevaileth only by a counterfeit shew of reason, whereby notwithstanding it becometh invincible, unless it be convicted of fraud by manifest remonstrance clearly true, and unable to be withstood. Richard Hooker, b. iii.

    As for speculative heresies, they work mightily upon mens wits; yet they do not produce any great alterations in states. Francis Bacon, Essay 59.

    Let the truth of that religion I profess be represented to her judgment, not in the odious disguises of levity, schism, heresy, novelty, cruelty, and disloyalty. Charles I .

Wikipedia

  1. Heresy

    Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, in particular the accepted beliefs of a church or religious organization. The term is usually used in reference to violations of important religious teachings, but is also used of views strongly opposed to any generally accepted ideas. A heretic is a proponent of heresy.The term is used particularly in reference to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In certain historical Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures, among others, espousing ideas deemed heretical was (and in some cases still is) met with censure ranging from excommunication to the death penalty. Heresy is distinct from apostasy, which is the explicit renunciation of one's religion, principles or cause; and from blasphemy, which is an impious utterance or action concerning God or sacred things. Heresiology is the study of heresy.

ChatGPT

  1. heresy

    Heresy is a belief or opinion that contradicts the established doctrines or principles, particularly in a religious context. It often refers to any belief that deviates strongly from the standard or orthodox teachings, and is typically associated with dissent or rebellion against a dominant religious institution or authority.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Heresynoun

    an opinion held in opposition to the established or commonly received doctrine, and tending to promote a division or party, as in politics, literature, philosophy, etc.; -- usually, but not necessarily, said in reproach

  2. Heresynoun

    religious opinion opposed to the authorized doctrinal standards of any particular church, especially when tending to promote schism or separation; lack of orthodox or sound belief; rejection of, or erroneous belief in regard to, some fundamental religious doctrine or truth; heterodoxy

  3. Heresynoun

    an offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some essential doctrine, which denial is publicly avowed, and obstinately maintained

  4. Etymology: [OE. heresie, eresie, OF. heresie, iresie, F. hrsie, L. haeresis, Gr. a taking, a taking for one's self, choosing, a choice, a sect, a heresy, fr. to take, choose.]

Wikidata

  1. Heresy

    Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs. Heresy is distinct from both apostasy, which is the explicit renunciation of one's religion, principles or cause, and blasphemy, which is irreverence toward religion. Heresy is usually used to discuss violations of religious or traditional laws or legal codes, although it is used by some political extremists to refer to their opponents. It carries the connotation of behaviors or beliefs likely to undermine accepted morality and cause tangible evils, damnation, or other punishment. In Abrahamic religions, it also implies that the heretic is in alliance with the religion's symbol of evil, such as Satan or chaos. In certain historical Christian, Jewish, and some modern cultures, espousing ideas deemed heretical was punishable by law.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Heresy

    her′e-si, n. the adoption and maintaining opinions contrary to the authorised teaching of the religious community to which one naturally belongs: an opinion adopted for one's self in opposition to the usual belief: heterodoxy.—ns. Heresiarch (her′e-si-ärk, or he-rē′zi-ärk), a leader in heresy, a chief among heretics; Heresiog′rapher, one who writes about heresies; Heresiog′raphy, a treatise on heresies; Heresiol′ogist, a student of, or writer on, heresies; Heresiol′ogy, the study or the history of heresies; Her′etic, the upholder of a heresy.—adj. Heret′ical.—adv. Heret′ically.—v.t. Heret′icate, to denounce as heretical. [O. Fr. heresie—L. hæresis—Gr. hairesishairein, to take.]

Suggested Resources

  1. heresy

    Song lyrics by heresy -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by heresy on the Lyrics.com website.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of heresy in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of heresy in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of heresy in a Sentence

  1. Chaim Fishman:

    I was getting into trouble for asking questions, we don’t talk with anyone; we believe once we start talking to other people, we will assimilate to their ways and lose our traditions. It’s heresy.

  2. Wieland:

    It is commonly a dangerous thing for a man to have more sense than his neighbours. Socrates paid for his superiority with his life; and if Aristotle saved his skin, accused as he was of heresy by the chief priest Eurymedon, it was because he took to his heels in time.

  3. John Milton:

    A man may be a heretic in the truth; and if he believe things only because his pastor says so, or the assembly so determines, without knowing other reason, though his belief be true, yet the very truth he holds becomes his heresy.

  4. Christen Kuikoua:

    In the name of acceptance, abominations embraced, What was unholy now applauded and praised. Same-sex unions paraded in false equity, A mockery of God's plan, a blatant heresy

  5. Bret Stephens:

    Good journalism, like good science, should follow evidence, not narratives. It should pay as much heed to intelligent gadflies as it does to eminent authorities. And it should never treat honest disagreement as moral heresy, anyone wondering why so many people have become so hostile to the pronouncements of public-health officials and science journalists should draw the appropriate conclusion from this story. When lecturing the public about the dangers of misinformation, it’s best not to peddle it yourself.

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"heresy." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/heresy>.

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