Ortodokside

Ortodokside is a term encountered mainly in speculative fiction and online discourse to describe a stance or faction defined by strict adherence to a canonical doctrine or tradition. The word appears to be a neologism blending elements of orthodoxy with the suffix -side, and there is no single authoritative definition. As used by different writers, Ortodokside can denote either a social movement, a political-religious faction, or a philosophical posture.

In its common usage, Ortodokside refers to a dogmatic, ritualized form of belief enforcement characterized by centralized authority, ritual conformity, and suspicion of dissent. Adherents are portrayed as prioritizing doctrinal purity over nuance, sometimes opposing reforms, syncretism, or pluralism. Critics describe the term as a shorthand for inflexible conservatism or anti-innovation.

Because Ortodokside is not a standardized concept, its scope varies widely. It may function as a descriptive label in literary analysis, a factional identifier in a game world, or a theoretical construct in discussions of religious or ideological rigidity.

In fiction and game settings, Ortodokside factions often oppose reformist or heterodox groups, providing a source of conflict and thematic exploration of freedom, authority, and tradition. Real-world references to Ortodokside tend to appear in essays, online debates, or author notes rather than as established scholarly terms.

See also: Orthodoxy, Dogmatism, Heterodoxy, Sect, Orthopraxy.