Heresy means choice, option, and is a term originating from the Greek term hairesis. Heresy is when someone has a different thinking of a system or a religion, so whoever practices heresy is considered a heretic.
A heresy is a doctrine that directly opposes the dogmas of the Church. Outside the context of religion, a heresy can also be nonsense or nonsense.
Heresy happens when any individual or group decides to go against a religion, especially those that are very strict. Heresy emerged with the Catholic Church in the 18th century, especially in the Middle Ages, when it began to feel threatened by people who criticized its dogmas and teachings. The definition of both the Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches is that heresy is when someone is opposed to the messages taught by Jesus, and heresy is said in the Bible itself.
A heresy consists in the stubborn denial or doubt, on the part of a Christian, of some truth that must be believed with divine faith. Heresies have appeared throughout Church history through the voluntary denial or refusal of one or more statements of faith. Due to its theological and political transcendence, heresies related to the nature and mission of Christ are highlighted (Aryanism, Nestorianism and Monophysitism, among others); in relation to man's freedom and action of grace (Pelagianism, Protestantism), in relation to the struggle between good and evil (Manichaeism, Catharism, etc.); in relation to the function, life and constitution of the Church (Waldenses, Hussites, Protestantism, etc.).
From the fourth century onwards, ecumenical councils became the main ecclesiastical instrument for the definition of orthodoxy and condemnation of heresies and since the 16th century, doctrinal surveillance came to be exercised by the Sacred Congregation of the Inquisition, call Holy Office since 1908 and from Doctrine of the Faith from 1965.
In states where Catholicism was the state religion, persistent heretics were often handed over to the secular branch for civil penalties, which could include the death penalty. In its own sphere, the Church imposes canonical penalties, the most important of which is excommunication.
Christological Heresies
Christological heresies are ideas and doctrines about Jesus Christ that go against the teachings of the Catholic Church. Some of these heretical doctrines are: Docetism, Adoptionism, Arianism, Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, Monophysitism and Monothelism.
Holy Inquisition
The Catholic Church was so concerned with criticism of its teachings that in the 13th century it created the Court of the Catholic Church, better known as The Holy Inquisition. The Inquisition had the objective of prosecuting, trying and punishing people accused of heresy, and these were considered enemies of the state when they committed the acts for more than a year.
The punishments for heresy were very severe, heretics were burned alive, tortured or otherwise strangled, and it lasted for more than five centuries.
See too:
- Inquisition