Speaking of Heresy...

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Speaking of Heresy…

            The word “heresy” is generally within a lay Christian’s arsenal of theological terms, but how frequently is it used improperly?  I contend that we should use this term sparingly and cautiously when speaking to or about fellow Christians. Heresy is intended to be a serious offense—one that could lead to capital punishment in the ancient world and even within the last one-thousand years. Although capital punishment of this sort is not found today, the severity of heresy should be considered similarly.

A few helpful tips to remember…

1. We should note the difference between a heretical view, a heretical belief system, and a heretical person. As a matter of respect for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, if a particular heretical view is believed by him or her, we should not be quick to label them as a “heretic.” Following this rule of thumb offers the pragmatic benefit of maintain a non-hostile environment for discussion. If a brother or sister has a heretical view, then the goal is to bring them back into orthodoxy. Doing so requires a safe and respectful environment. Otherwise, the brother or sister may maintain a defensive attitude and closed-mindedness as a result of being labelled a heretic. Avoiding labels that appear to attack the character of a person strengthens the ability to have fruitful discussion in hope of progress towards orthodoxy. By heretical belief system, I mean a religious institution that claims to be Christian but is not within Christian orthodoxy. Primary examples of this would be Jehovah’s witnesses and Mormons.

2. Heresy can be thought of in two different ways: a view that opposes an ecumenical council or creed, or a view that opposes a required belief for salvation. In the historical or ecumenical sense, a heretical belief is one that disagrees with a view that the Church has bound itself to. For example, if a person denies the descension of Jesus to hell before His resurrection, then that person holds a heretical view according to the “Apostles Creed.” According to the Roman Catholic Church, Protestantism is heretical in its view of justification by faith alone, as addressed in the Council of Trent. It is largely because of ecumenical councils and creeds that we can know which views fall outside of Christian orthodoxy.

A second way to define heresy relates to the salvific implications of certain beliefs. These implications are directly tied to the explicit biblical teachings. In terms of a doctrinal hierarchy, this would constitute the beliefs at the highest level of the hierarchy—the most central to the Christian faith. Believing in them is essential to salvation. Included in this scope of essential beliefs would be those related to the nature of God, the nature of Christ, the atoning death of Christ for sin, the bodily resurrection of Christ, and the doctrines of Scripture and salvation. Specifically, the view that Christ is not the Messiah would seem to prevent someone from receiving salvation. Likewise, a person cannot be a Christian and believe that Christ did not die on the cross for sin. Contradicting what is essential to believe in order to inherent salvation is deemed a heresy.

3. Based on the second definition of “heresy,” there aren’t an abundance of views that fall under this category. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, differences in beliefs among Christian brethren is not heretical. Rest assured that although a particular view may be untraditional or appear strange, it is unlikely to require further action. If you find that a Christian in your local church disagrees with a particular non-essential teaching, then you may discuss at your own volition without labelling their view as heretical.

4. I would like to add the tip that we should allow our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ space to sort through their views. There is, rightly so, a strongly negative connation that comes with the term “heresy.” If a Christian, especially an infant Christian, is working through their theology but happens to be a genuinely misguided, be slow to call their view heretical, and always respond with grace and compassion. Do not resort to labels of heresy. This goes back to our first tip—graciousness towards other Christians enables productive dialogue. Even if their view contradicts a salvific doctrine, help them in their theological understanding rather than accuse or rebuke them initially. Only with persistence in adopting heretical views should there be stark rebuke.