Topical Encyclopedia A heretic, in the context of Christian theology, is an individual who persistently rejects or deviates from the established doctrines of the Christian faith. The term is derived from the Greek word "hairetikos," meaning "able to choose" or "factional." In the New Testament, heresy is often associated with false teachings and divisions within the church.Biblical References: 1. Galatians 1:6-9 : The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of heresy in his letter to the Galatians, expressing astonishment that some are turning to a different gospel. He writes, "I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!" 2. 2 Peter 2:1 : Peter warns of false teachers who will introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them. "Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies that will even deny the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." 3. Titus 3:10-11 : Paul advises Titus on how to deal with a divisive person, often interpreted as a heretic. "Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned." Historical Context: Throughout church history, heresy has been a significant concern for Christian leaders. The early church faced numerous heretical movements, such as Gnosticism, Arianism, and Pelagianism, each challenging core doctrines like the nature of Christ, the Trinity, and salvation by grace. The ecumenical councils, such as Nicaea (AD 325) and Chalcedon (AD 451), were convened to address these heresies and affirm orthodox Christian beliefs. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, heresy is not merely an intellectual error but a spiritual danger that can lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel. Heretics are often seen as those who, through pride or deception, choose to follow their own interpretations rather than submit to the authority of Scripture and the historic teachings of the church. Church Discipline: The New Testament provides guidance on how to handle heresy within the church. Church leaders are called to protect the flock from false teachings (Acts 20:28-30) and to correct those who are in error with gentleness and patience (2 Timothy 2:24-26). However, persistent heretics who refuse correction are to be rejected and removed from fellowship to preserve the purity and unity of the church (Romans 16:17-18). Modern Considerations: In contemporary Christianity, the challenge of heresy remains relevant as new interpretations and teachings emerge. The church continues to uphold the authority of Scripture and the creeds as benchmarks for orthodoxy, while engaging in discernment and dialogue to address theological differences. The role of apologetics and sound doctrine is emphasized in equipping believers to recognize and refute heretical teachings. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who believes some doctrine contrary to the established standards or prevailing religion.2. (n.) One who having made a profession of Christian belief, deliberately and pertinaciously refuses to believe one or more of the articles of faith determined by the authority of the universal church. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HERETIC; HERETICALher'-e-tik, her'-e-tik, he-ret'-i-kal (hairetikos): Used in Titus 3:10, must be interpreted according to the sense in which Paul employs the word "heresy" (1 Corinthians 11:19 Galatians 5:20) for "parties" or "factions." According to this, the Scriptural meaning of the word is no more than "a factious man" (American Standard Revised Version), an agitator who creates divisions and makes parties. Weizsacker translates it into German ein Sektierer, "a sectarist." The nature of the offense is described in other words in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 11. Greek 141. hairetikos -- causing division ... heretic. From the same as hairetizo; a schismatic -- heretic (the Greek word itself). see GREEK hairetizo. (airetikon) -- 1 Occurrence. 140, 141. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/141.htm - 7k 3531. Nikolaites -- a Nicolaitan, a follower of Nicolaus 3532. Nikolaos -- Nicolaus, a Christian, probably not connected ... Library A Treatise against the Heretic Novatian by an Anonymous Bishop. Letter cxv. To the Heretic Simplicia. Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus; Alliance Between Heresy and the ... Letter xvi. Against Eunomius the Heretic. Obstinacy Makes the Heretic. Coelestius the Bolder Heretic; Pelagius the More Subtle. If, Honoratus, a Heretic, and a Man Trusting Heretics Seemed to Me ... The Absurd Opinion of Epicurus and the Profane Conceits of the ... Jesus Christ, the Revealer of the Creator, could not be the Same ... Verulus of Rusiccade Said: "A Man that is a Heretic Cannot Give ... Thesaurus Heretic (1 Occurrence)... universal church. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HERETIC; HERETICAL. her'-e ... 6, 11. Multi-Version Concordance Heretic (1 Occurrence). Titus 3 ... /h/heretic.htm - 7k Heretical (1 Occurrence) Syriac (2 Occurrences) Dogma Catechist Catechumen Hereth (1 Occurrence) Stephen (13 Occurrences) Alexander (5 Occurrences) Amorites (82 Occurrences) Resources Is S. Michael Houdmann a false teacher? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joan of Arc? | GotQuestions.org Why did John Calvin have Michael Servetus burned at the stake for heresy? | GotQuestions.org Heretic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Heretic (1 Occurrence)Titus 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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