Heresy
Overview
Heresy (異端) refers to claims or belief groups that deviate from the authoritative orthodox (正統) doctrine within a given religion or system of thought. Originally a neutral term meaning a 'chosen school,' it hardened into a negative concept denoting doctrines that departed from orthodox teaching after Christianity became officially recognized. Today it has become a complex topic entangled not only with questions of religious doctrine but also with social stigma, legal disputes, and discourse on protecting victims.
Main Content
Etymology and Shifts in Meaning
The word 'heresy' comes from the Greek hairesis (αἵρεσις), which originally meant 'choice,' 'faction,' or 'school.' In the New Testament as well, it initially simply meant a branch or sect, but after the 2nd century, as the church established its canon and norms of faith on the basis of apostolic tradition, the dichotomy of 'orthodoxy versus heresy' took hold. In the East Asian Han-character cultural sphere, Buddhism's concept of 'outer path' (外道) and Confucianism's term 'heresy' (異端) performed similar functions.
Heresy Debates in Christian History
The early church defined Gnosticism, Marcionism, and Montanism as heresies. The Council of Nicaea in 325 rejected Arianism and established the doctrine of the Trinity, while the Council of Ephesus in 431 and the Council of Chalcedon in 451 settled the Christological controversies. In the Middle Ages, the Inquisition was established and suppressed the Cathars, the Waldensians, and others, and the 16th-century Reformation brought the question of 'who is orthodox' back to the fore. In other words, the designation of heresy was both a theological judgment and a historical process involving power and institutions.
The Heresy Discourse of Korean Protestantism
In Korea, a practice has taken hold in which denominational heresy-countermeasure committees designate specific groups as 'heresy·cult' and issue warnings to pastors and believers. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony; the World Mission Society Church of God; JMS (Christian Gospel Mission); and groups affiliated with the Salvation Sect have typically been mentioned, and there is considerable disagreement among denominations over the criteria and procedures for such designation. The problem is that in not a few cases, a ruling of 'heresy' goes beyond theological debate and escalates into human rights violations, defamation, and the so-called 'heresy hunting' controversy.
Legal and Social Issues
Article 20 of the Constitution stipulates freedom of religion and the non-establishment of a state religion, and in principle the state is not permitted to recognize a particular doctrine as orthodox or to punish heresy. Accordingly, the designation of heresy is left to the autonomous judgment of religious communities, but publicly naming and slandering a specific group can raise issues of criminal defamation or insult. Meanwhile, in cases where actual harm has occurred—such as obstructing withdrawal, family breakup, extortion of money, or sexual crimes—what is required is a legal response to the criminal acts themselves rather than the religious label of 'heresy.'
Similar Concepts in Other Religious Traditions
In Islam, a concept referring to sects that broke away from the Islamic community developed from early on, and in Buddhism, views deviating from the true dharma (正法) were called outer paths. In the Confucian cultural sphere, there was a tradition of defining doctrines that disturbed the Confucian order as heresy. In this way, the framework of 'orthodoxy and heresy' is a universal cultural phenomenon not limited to any particular religion.
Latest Trends
In 2024–2025, documentaries and content based on true stories dealing with cult-related harm were released one after another, raising public interest. As a result, voices have grown louder arguing that religious heresy debates should not be treated solely as 'a matter of faith' but should shift toward institutional responses to organized human rights violations and economic exploitation. In the National Assembly, legislative discussions continue on protecting those who leave, regulating proselytizing to youth, and strengthening the accounting transparency of religious organizations. At the same time, as proselytizing through online platforms and YouTube has spread, 'cyber heresy verification' content has increased, while concerns are also raised about unfounded labeling and the spread of false information. Amid a decline in religious population and generational change, there is a clear trend toward redefining the boundary between orthodoxy and heresy not from the standpoint of theological authority but from the perspective of harm prevention and restoring trust.
Related Topics
- [[Cult]]
- [[Protestant Reformation]]
- [[Christianity]]
- [[Freedom of Religion]]
- [[New Religious Movement]]
- [[Ecumenical Council]]