What is heresy?
Q: What is heresy?
A: Heresy is a word used by different religious groups to describe someone who has ideas that are different from what the religion or law teaches. Such a person is known as heretic.
Q: How was heresy dealt with in the Middle Ages?
A: In the Middle Ages, if accusations of heresy could be proven, the culprit would go through a ritual which often involved being burnt while tied to a post. This was done in order to save their soul.
Q: How do Muslims treat apostates today?
A: Muslims who apostatize are often treated very harshly and frequently killed even in modern times.
Q: Was Jesus Christ considered a heretic?
A: Yes, Jesus Christ was regarded as a heretic by the Jewish leaders at the time according to Gospel of Matthew 26:57-67.
Q: What were some early heresies within Christianity?
A: Early heresies within Christianity included Monophysitism and Arianism which were christological doctrines that caused great trouble for the Roman Catholic Church.
Q: What are some differences between Protestantism and Catholicism regarding faith and salvation? A: Protestants claim only scripture (the Bible) is relevant for faith (sola scriptura), whereas Catholics say traditions are also important; Protestants say belief is enough to be saved (sola fide) but Catholics say good deeds are necessary as well; Protestants say anyone can be a priest if they have been baptised whereas in Catholic and Orthodox churches priests must be ordained; and finally, Protestants deny Transubstantiation during mass (liturgy).
Q: How does the Roman Catholic Church protect itself against heresies? A: The Roman Catholic Church created The Congregation for Doctrine of Faith which serves as its last instance to decide what constitutes heresy and how it should be dealt with.
