In the religious sphere, heresy represents a doctrine that directly contradicts an already established belief. Etymologically this word is derived from the Greek "hairesis" which means "error, deviation". When there is a criterion that is not well seen by the religious authorities, a confrontational situation may arise that would end in the definitive breaking of the bond that unites them in matters of faith.
Therefore heresy is considered as the departure from everything expressed through a religious doctrine and that can lead to a division within the religious society. When there is dissent in the way two or more groups understand the truth of existence, it is there that heresy arises.
From the time of the apostles, heresies existed in abundance: those who doubted the virginity of Mary, those who refuted the divinity of Jesus, others his humanity, and those who fused Christian principles with other beliefs, etc. The heresies came, on many occasions, from the discontented Christians themselves and others from the pagans.
It is important to note that the first inquisition responsible for combating heresy was founded by Pope Gregory lX. On the other hand, within the code of canon law it is stipulated that a heretic is any individual who, after having received baptism, while still maintaining the name of Christian, contradicts the truths of divine faith.
Some of the doctrines considered as heresies by the Catholic Church are:
Gnosticism: according to this doctrine, people who are initiated into it are not saved by faith, or by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but are saved thanks to gnosis, or inner knowledge of the divine, this knowledge is considered superior to faith.
Docetism: This doctrine affirms that Christ did not suffer the crucifixion. Because his body was not real, thus denying the humanity of Jesus.
Abecedarianos: they affirmed that to be able to be saved, people should not know how to read or write.
Adoptionism: defended the belief that Jesus was a human being, who became a divine being, thanks to God's adoption.
