Definition of "heresy" []

• An opinion or a doctrine at variance with established religious beliefs, especially dissension from or denial of Roman Catholic dogma by a professed believer or baptized church member. (noun)
• Adherence to such dissenting opinion or doctrine. (noun)
• A controversial or unorthodox opinion or doctrine, as in politics, philosophy, or science. (noun)
• Adherence to such controversial or unorthodox opinion. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I think the term heresy should be retained, but only used in instances of doctrine that clearly attacks the nature of God, of Christ, or of Salvation, or otherwise directly contradicts plain Scripture."
• "In fact, the word heresy originally just meant choice."
• "The term heresy connotes, etymologically, both a choice and the thing chosen, the meaning being, however, narrowed to the selection of religious or political doctrines, adhesion to parties in Church or"