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I have been called a heretic (by Catholics twice) with the implication that I have spoken in error. That is the generally accepted meaning of the term, but it is not the etymological meaning.
The Greek word translated as heresy in the New Testament is, hairesis, meaning “a choice” as in a group, thus implying “disunion”. It is derived from aihreomai which means "to take for one's self". It is also translated as “sect”. It does not mean error or being wrong.
Heresy began in the first century and we read Paul's rebuke to the Corinthians:
What then was the “same mind” and “same judgment” that Paul referred to? He tells us in the next chapter:
Yet as we continue reading his rebuke to the Corinthians he says:
You can see people are already dividing into camps, (denominations) as they focus on the teaching, preaching and baptizing of the various servants of God.
So many people get on their high horse as the champion their pet doctrines which Paul calls in Romans “doubtful disputations” (Rom. 14:1). Apart from the deity of Christ and our need for salvation by his death and resurrection, everything else is doubtful disputations, or doctrines of men (Col. 2:22) or, worse, doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1). Regarding doctrines of demons we should contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) but regarding the doctrines of men and doubtful disputations we should not be carried about by varied and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9).
So this is why I say all denominations are heresy, including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Coptic and the hundreds of Protestant and Independent organizations. Every denomination is a business franchise requiring adherence to their opinion of doctrines and worship. Christ is not divided. All believers who have the new birth through faith in the deity of Christ and his death and resurrection are brothers and sisters and members of his body and bride. What say ye?
The Greek word translated as heresy in the New Testament is, hairesis, meaning “a choice” as in a group, thus implying “disunion”. It is derived from aihreomai which means "to take for one's self". It is also translated as “sect”. It does not mean error or being wrong.
Heresy began in the first century and we read Paul's rebuke to the Corinthians:
1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
What then was the “same mind” and “same judgment” that Paul referred to? He tells us in the next chapter:
1Co 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Yet as we continue reading his rebuke to the Corinthians he says:
1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
You can see people are already dividing into camps, (denominations) as they focus on the teaching, preaching and baptizing of the various servants of God.
So many people get on their high horse as the champion their pet doctrines which Paul calls in Romans “doubtful disputations” (Rom. 14:1). Apart from the deity of Christ and our need for salvation by his death and resurrection, everything else is doubtful disputations, or doctrines of men (Col. 2:22) or, worse, doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1). Regarding doctrines of demons we should contend for the faith (Jude 1:3) but regarding the doctrines of men and doubtful disputations we should not be carried about by varied and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9).
So this is why I say all denominations are heresy, including Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Coptic and the hundreds of Protestant and Independent organizations. Every denomination is a business franchise requiring adherence to their opinion of doctrines and worship. Christ is not divided. All believers who have the new birth through faith in the deity of Christ and his death and resurrection are brothers and sisters and members of his body and bride. What say ye?