Heresy

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 25, 1886

A HERETIC is one who creates divisions or factions, but it will not do to conclude therefore that every one who divides or separates is a heretic in the Scripture sense of that term. Elijah was a factionist in the eyes of the united prophets of Baal. Jesus said he came to divide and not to send peace. The Roman Church has always averred that Luther was a heretic, a schismatic, an innovator against the established and uniform faith. Wesley was a separatist of the worst kind, in the eyes of a world-loving church. In many parts of our country the Baptists, not very long ago, were looked upon as troublesome people, disturbers of the peace of modern Zion. Roger Williams was a notable heretic, not to be tolerated by his orthodox neighbors.

By this it will be seen that the common use of

the term has always been very different from its Scriptural use. A facetious divine once said, when asked to define orthodoxy and heterodoxy, “Orthodoxy means my doxy, and heterodoxy means your doxy.” And this definition is adopted by many unto this day. If any variation is admitted, it is to this extent, that that which is popular is orthodox, and unpopularity is heresy.

In the popular sense the Catholics are the only body of professed Christians free from heresy. Protestants have always shown a tendency to divisions, sects, or factions—heresies if you wish. The Roman Church is the only one which is truly “stable.” Catholics say it is because they are better established in the truth. Others say it is because they do not allow of any growth or development in the truth.