Meaning of heresy (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Heresy:

Heresy is understood as the opposition to a group or set of ideas that are held in relation to those beliefs that have been considered irrevocable and immutable by a group of people at a certain time or age.

There is generally a religious ideal that is based on the imposition of a doctrine, a philosophy, a dogma, a faith, which must be respected without observation by its believers. Whoever reveals himself, stands up, or who contradicts these ideals is said to practice heresy.

Heresy is given by a contrast, because a dissent arises in relation to the way in which two or more groups understand the truth of the human being, understood this truth as an aspect of philosophy, since some will go more for reason and science, and others for science and experience.

That is why heresy is said to be a trend, theory or belief that despite being innovative only seeks to contradict the dogma or faith of the believers of a specific religion or sect.

Heresies appeared throughout the history of the Church due to the voluntary denial or challenge of one or more affirmation of Faith. Because of their theological and political significance, heresies related to the nature and mission of Christ, to freedom are distinguished. of man and the action of grace, for the function and constitution of the Church, among other points.

In relation to the above, from the 4th century onwards the ecumenical councils became the main ecclesiastical instrument for the condemnation of heresies, and from the 16th century doctrinal vigilance was exercised by the Sacred Congregation of the Inquisition, called the Holy Office since the year 1908, and Doctrine of Faith from 1965.

On the other hand, the word heretic identifies that person who professes a heresy, that is, who raises certain questions, some philosophical thesis, or religious belief through a completely controversial and innovative concept.

The heretic is the person who reveals himself against the principles or dogmas of a certain religion, culture or sect, who does it or qualifies him as that heretic person, due to his opposition to the others.

Etymologically, the word heresy is of Greek origin "hairesis" which means "option".

Heresy in the Bible

Heresy, as previously stated, is a doctrine that is completely opposed to the dogmas of the Church. The term heresy is observed in the Bible, in some verses like:

• "But there were also false prophets among the people, as there will be false teachers among you, who will covertly introduce destructive heresies, and even deny the Lord who rescued them, drawing upon themselves sudden destruction." (Peter 2: 1) "For there must be dissensions among you (" haireseis "), so that those who are approved may become manifest among you." (Corinthians 11:19).

Christological heresies

Christological heresies are ideas or doctrines regarding Jesus Christ that are against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Some of these doctrines are: Docetism, Adoptionism, Ebionism, Arianism, Apollinarianism, Monothelism, Monophysitism, Nestorianism, among others.

Heresy in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, during the Inquisition Catholicism begins to feel that its bases and principles are being affected and threatened by those people who criticized its teachings and ideals as well as the questioning of the Holy Scriptures, it is when a war and persecution against of those suspected of heresy, this movement was led by Pope Gregory IX in the 13th century, establishing the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition.

At that time the religious court was created that was closely linked to the State Power, for which reason it also fought against illegitimacy by virtue of the alliance that existed between the State and the Catholic Church.

The suspects were severely punished, tortured to confess their "impure acts" and then hanged or burned alive to "cast out the demons" that had possessed their bodies to carry out such acts of heresy.

The Bull Gratia Divina in 1656 defines heresy as "the belief, teaching, or defense of opinions, dogmas, proposals, or ideas contrary to the teachings of the Holy Bible, the Holy Gospels, tradition, and the magisterium."

Whoever commits acts of heresy, it can be affirmed, that he also committed or could commit injury and / or blasphemy, since he could verbally or with his actions offend everything that is venerated or idolized by a religion, that dogma, that theory, that faith it can be affected by said actions of the heretic since his words or actions could offend the divine majesty which was a public crime against God.

The end of this persecution begins its harsh process after the French Revolution after blasphemy was abolished when they managed to develop freedom of religion and worship as well as freedom of the press.