herejía

Herejía is a Spanish word derived from the Latin "haeresis," which itself comes from the Greek "hairesis," meaning "choice," "faction," or "sect." In a religious context, herejía refers to a belief or doctrine that contradicts the established dogma or teachings of a particular religion, typically Christianity. It denotes a deviation from what is considered orthodox or true within that faith.

Historically, the concept of heresy has been significant in the development and enforcement of religious orthodoxy. Those deemed heretics were often accused of deliberately choosing to believe or teach falsehoods, posing a threat to the spiritual well-being of individuals and the unity of the religious community. The Church, in various forms throughout history, has developed mechanisms to identify, condemn, and sometimes punish heresy.

The definition of what constitutes heresy can vary depending on the specific religious tradition and the historical period. What might be considered heretical in one era could become accepted doctrine in another, or vice versa. The term has also been applied more broadly outside of religious contexts to describe dissenting or unconventional opinions in other fields, though its primary and most common usage remains within theology and religious history.