There are over 3,000 Christian denominations, thousands of independent churches, and multiple cults that have sprang out of Christianity.
What is the difference in being wrong in an interpretation of scripture, and being heretical?
Who gets to determine if an incorrect teaching has veered into heresy?
Great question!
With over 3000 denominations, there are automatically 3000 definitions of heresy. Each one of these organizations determines for themselves what their orthodoxy is, and anything other than those particular accepted beliefs becomes heresy by definition.
“Beliefs or opinions that are contrary to the accepted (orthodox) beliefs and opinions of an established organization.”
Heresy implies a salvation issue. Things all Christians must agree on.
