Full Disclosure – I have been called a Heretic for most of my life. I know that comes as no surprise to most people, but it is important to put that out there when dealing with this topic. Orthodoxy, simply put, is that which is considered correct thinking. It is adhering to the majority opinion about a religion, or any group that has set beliefs. Heresy is to have a different belief. Reformations and rebellions are usually about heretics – those who think or believe differently – trying to change or get rid of those in power – the orthodox. One of the reasons people in power are so afraid of diversity, equity, and inclusion is that this challenges the idea that there is one right way to do, believe, or think. Orthodoxy is about controlling the way we do all those things; heresy is about allowing for difference.
That doesn’t mean that orthodoxy isn’t right sometimes; some heresies are pretty far out on the fringe, and the acceptance of their way of life could mean mass destruction and devolution. Different thinking, however, is necessary for growth and evolution, which orthodoxy often fights against with all its might. In America, racism, sexism, and xenophobia were orthodoxy for most of our existence, and the movements that have tried to eradicate them have been seen as heretics, denigrated for their insistence that equality and freedom belonged to everyone. Orthodoxy opposed same-sex marriage, for example. We heretics see nothing wrong with it.
The danger of orthodoxy is that it codifies who is in and who is out. By the way, Jesus was a heretic; His message challenged the common practices of His day both religiously and politically. He preached that the Kingdom of God would replace the kingdom of Caesar; if that isn’t theological and political, I don’t know what is. Orthodoxy isn’t always wrong; it can be a mooring by which society gives itself structure and stability. It becomes a danger, however, when it shuts out all other voices, believing that only those in power know what is right. There is no “both/and” in orthodoxy because it is a stepping stone into fascism and totalitarianism. It sees difference as dangerous, dissent as anarchy. It bristles at the idea of change and does everything in its power to keep things in stasis. It thrives on fear and demonizes those who disagree with it. It pines for the good old days and lives in fear of new things.
After 50 years of moving towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable society, America is turning back towards orthodoxy. Many religious communities have dreamed of this happening; the power of control and domination is seductive. Beware the peddlers of orthodoxy as the answer to life’s problems; their answer is almost always that we need to have more limits and less freedom. Orthodoxy is a dangerous way to live because it opposes democracy and puts us all in danger. It is the opposite of freedom – it is the opposite of God.
Prayer – Holy God, we want to live right and do right; help us see that path without stomping on those who disagree with us. Amen.