I am making a commitment to avoid using the words orthodox, unorthodox and heresy, but instead use the words biblical, unbiblical and false doctrine. The reason is simple. I want to please God and not men.
The word “orthodox” refers to a set of beliefs that are traditionally held to be true and the word “heresy” refers to those specific doctrines or teachings that fall outside the orthodox view. Tradition, within Biblical parameters, can be a good thing, but, unfortunately, the Church, over the years, has exalted many traditions and doctrines of men over the Word of God. Followers of men then use words like orthodoxy and heresy to bully people into conforming with their false teachings.
I am not saying that this is always the case. Sometimes these words are used in a God honoring way to point out error. I just personally believe that it is far better to stand upon the Word than to rest upon tradition.
The Pharisees were castigated by Jesus for elevating the teachings of men to be equal with the Word of God. Judaizers pressured the Gentiles into keeping the traditions of Law, abandoning the the Holy Spirit inspired teachings of the Apostle Paul that clearly stated that they were not under the law. Even the Apostle Peter played the role of a hypocrite by not dining with Gentiles in the presence of the Jews. The Law forbade Jews from keeping company with the “unclean” Gentiles but Peter had received revelation from God, himself, that he was no longer to call unclean that which God had made clean (Acts 10:15). Peter was more concerned with keeping the tradition of the Law before men than obeying the new instruction of the Lord.
That is why I must choose to let the Bible define truth rather than the consensus of mere men. “Let God be true though every one were a liar.” (Rom 1:10) I may not always be orthodox, but God help me if I am not Biblical.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Galatians 1:10
