Definition of the word heresy

The word "heresy" has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the term "hairein," meaning "to choose" or "to select," and the suffix "-sis," forming a noun. In the context of early Christianity, "heresy" referred to a choice or selection of a particular belief or teaching that diverged from the established orthodoxy. The term was first used by the Greek philosopher Plato to describe a particular philosophical school. Later, early Christian writers, such as Tertullian and Origen, adopted the term to describe deviations from orthodox Christian belief. Over time, the connotation of "heresy" shifted from simply describing a divergence to implying a rejection of established truth, and often carrying a negative or pejorative tone. Throughout history, the word "heresy" has been used to label various beliefs and movements considered unacceptable by religious or cultural authorities.