Defining Heresy

[stilllearning]

The simple definition of heresy is: (any religious belief that is opposed to orthodox doctrines)
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But “orthodox” is loaded word........
I.e. (conforming with established or accepted standards, as in religion, behavior, or attitudes)

By this definition, Jesus was unorthodox.

Today, a lot of things are orthodox, that were unorthodox years ago.
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Therefore we should define heresy as, (Departing from sound Doctrine)!

 

[psalms109:31]

Sound doctrine

1Ti 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

[Tom Butler]

When one gets one of the big things wrong, note that a lot of other errors will also show up.

Here's a biggie: the deity of Jesus Christ. Those who hold that Jesus is not deity are wrong about a lot of other things.

Salvation by works.

Baptismal regeneration

The Word-Faith movement. It places God under our command.

The view that some things God doesn't know and can't know.

That'll start the list.

Now, there are some things that I believe are wrong, but don't call them heresy. All those views on eschatology, for instance, can't be right, but are not tests of fellowship.

 

[SolaSaint]

I agree Tom, when someone changes the esssence or an attributes of God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit then they are removing God from His throne and placing man upon it.

 

[Humblesmith]

The doctrines which qualify as heresy are the ones that have a false view of:
--the nature of God
--the person and work of Jesus
--the nature of man (such as saying man is god, is not a sinner, etc.)
--how we are saved

 

[Robert Snow]

We too often define heresy as anything different than what we believe.