heterodoxy
they reject the divine origins of the Vedic hymns, whereas Jains and
Buddhism experience their own controversies over doctrine and practice
that result in schisms. Heretics are recognized in Islam where the greatest
violation that one can make is to deny the reality of God (kāfir) or to
claim to be God, which is called shirk. By introducing any innovation of
practice not divinely revealed in the Qur’an, this practice is called inno-
vation (bid’a), while expressing contempt for the prophet is equally a
heinous violation. Those deemed heretical by an orthodox group are des-
ignated as non-conformist and operate as liminal beings outside of the
orthodox sphere.
Further reading: Betz (1965); Leff (1967); Troeltsch (1931)
HETERODOXY
A concept that originates from the Greek terms hetero (other) and doxa
(teaching). A heterodox teaching deviates from the orthodox position but
falls short of heresy. A heterodox position is often held in good faith and
the holder of such beliefs is usually a member in good standing just as
long as the individual’s position does not contradict the orthodox stand-
point.
Further reading: Leff (1967)
HOLINESS
It is derived from the Old English term halignes (without blemish).
Within a ritual context, holiness presupposes a process of purification,
which sets a person or thing apart as something special and without stain.
In Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, God is identified as the most holy
being and wholly other. In Judaism, God instructs His people to be holy
just as He is holy (Lev. 19.2). Interpreted by the great Jewish thinker
Maimonides, this means keeping the commandments given by God,
whereas the Holy Spirit plays the role of sanctifier in Christianity. The
apostle Paul instructs early believers to become temples of the Holy
Spirit (1 Cor. 6.11). Holiness is used interchangeably with the sacred and
is closely associated with purification.