Learning from heretics

[Icystwolf]

I don't believe we should learn from a heretic their theology, rather test it with fire and see whether his theology is sound...if it's not, then we know not to follow their doctrine.

If it is sound, then accept him/her.

If you ignore a heretic, then chances are, God might do the same....
I think it's good to keep a heretic in good company, make him feel welcome and if his theology is wrong, then correct him...otherwise theres no choice but to let him go....

 

[cindylou]

I have recently done a little research on this subject (mainly because a friend asked me a question that I couldn't answer without help.) I thought I might share some interesting information.
The question at the beginning seemed to ask: Should we study the heresies of the Church? I answered yes, we should, and here is why.
The endless controversies with heresies have led to the most important doctrinal developments and definition in the history of the Church. Let me explain further.
1. The controversy surrounding the Gnostic Gospels prepared the way for the Canon of the Scripture. Without confusion over which Gospels and letters were "inspired", the Church would never have agreed to FIRMLY set in place a complete set of Scripture, where nothing could be added or removed.

2. Arianism, which pervaded the Church until late in the 6th century, led to a clear concept of the Trinity. Although Arianism is rather involved, Arian taught simply that Christ is NOT God like the Father. He taught 2 distinct persons and natures.

3. Nestorianism, which is just as involved as Arianism but taught that Christ couldn't possibly be God and also the Son (that would be two natures), led to the definitive dogma on the Nature and Person of Christ.

St. Thomas Aquinas defined heresy in this way: A species of infidelity in men who having professed the faith of Christ, corrupt it's dogma.
In essence, there are two ways to deviate from Christianity:
1. One can REFUSE to believe in Christ himself. (Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, etc.)
2. One can RESTRICT belief to certain points of Christ's doctrine selected and fashioned at pleasure. (Heresy: Arianism, Nestorianism, Modernism, Protestanism)
A believer accepts the WHOLE deposit of faith (Truth revealed in Scripture and Tradition). Heretics accept only PARTS of it that they can agree with or deem necessary.
Heresy is not the same as Apostasy. An Apostate ABANDONS the faith of Christ; heretics always RETAIN faith in Christ.

Just an added note: One other heresy that was popular in the early Church was Pelagianism. Pelagius denied original sin and salvation by grace. He claimed that "nature retains the ability to conquer sin and to gain eternal life even without grace." St. Augustine finally was able to squash his voice, but many still held firm to Pelagianism. Unfortunately, many Protestants wrongly believe that the Church teaches this. The Church has NEVER taught salvation without Grace. Apparantly the idea was still flourishing among some groups, as Lutheran's adopted Sola Fide in response. Just as the Church never taught, Salvation without grace, Salvation through Faith Alone was never taught either. This also is a heresy.

Why is it so important for us to read about heresy? Through studying these we can learn why and how the Church developed it's doctrine and dogma. We can learn if our own minds and hearts are in line with the teachings of Christ or the teachings of heretics. We shouldn't be afraid to educate ourselves. Quite frankly without sound teaching, we might all be led astray.

 

[Icystwolf]

True Cindy True!


Heretics cannot be regarded as evil, rather just an outcast.

 

[pmarquette]

No, that is not what Catholics believe.
Yes, we know that Jesus left His church in Peters hands and that Peter has passed it down. However you can speak against a priest and not be a heretic; priests are not the end-all-be-all of the Catholic church as many non-Catholics tend to incorrectly believe.
Ephesians 4.11 speaks of called ones " holy orders " and Ephesians 4.12 speaks of the Laity .... both have some thing to go and do

Dictionary.com had it right...if you largely oppose the teachings of the church (as opposed to an individual priest), then you could meet the criteria to be considered a heretic.
many simply oppose the apathy of the parish , without impuning the faith ...
why do we need a minister to go to the hospital , nursing home , jail , hand out tracts , help others with car , home , children ... all a ministry of helps ..

I can not respond to this one in this forum...er...I don't think

When that prayer is prayed, it is intended for the Lord to say the word and heal us. I don't think Pmarquette was saying that a preacher has the power to 'speak the word and (someone) will be healed'.
The Word is within us by baptism and confirmation ... the word spoken and believed is faith ... what is written in James 5.15 and Mark 16.16-20
we do the speaking and beliving , God does the signs , wonders, and miracles

I believe (but I could be wrong, so Pmarquette please correct me if I misinterpret) he was trying to say...why do we ask the Lord to heal us if the bible tells us He has already said the word.
Isaiah 43.26 remind me of my promises , state your case before me ...
It is the devil who causes sin , sickness , situations , circumstances etc. we are doing what Jesus did in the desert , reminding him of God's words " it is written " ; we are doing battle with our spiritual weapons as paul spoke of in Ephesians 6.10-17
God Bless