unorthodoxy

Unorthodoxy refers to the quality or state of deviating from an established or widely accepted doctrine, belief, or practice. The term derives from the combination of orthodox, from the Greek orthodoxos meaning "correct opinion," with the prefix un-, indicating negation. In common usage, unorthodoxy characterizes views that lie outside the official or mainstream consensus but are not necessarily condemned by law or custom.

In religion, unorthodoxy denotes beliefs or practices that depart from official dogma or creed. It is closely related to, but not identical with, heresy or heterodoxy; heresy implies formal condemnation by the authorities of a religious community, while heterodoxy may refer to nonconformity within a broad tradition. Unorthodox positions may be tolerated, marginalized, or suppressed depending on context, era, and institutional power. Historically, unorthodoxy has accompanied dissent, reform, and schism, from early Christian sects to later religious movements seeking reform.

In secular usage, unorthodoxy describes ideas that challenge dominant scientific, political, or cultural orthodoxies. It can signal the incipient phase of innovation or social change, but also risk being dismissed or attacked. The term is value-neutral in itself, but its interpretation depends on prevailing standards of evidence, authority, and social norms. Examples include unconventional scientific hypotheses, controversial economic theories, or dissenting political viewpoints that fail to fit the prevailing orthodoxy at a given time.