Orthodoxy

Orthodoxy is from the Greek ortho (correct, straight) and doxa (opinion, belief, or also glory)[1]. The literal sense is right belief or correct opinion. In Christian usage the term has come to refer both to a specific family of churches (Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox) and more broadly to the state of holding correct doctrine[2]. In Jewish usage Orthodox names a specific movement within modern Judaism.

orthodoxy is often paired with orthopraxy, and the balance between the two differs across traditions.

Christian Orthodoxy as a family of churches includes Eastern Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Romanian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Georgian, and other autocephalous communions, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople holding a position of honor) and Oriental Orthodox (Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, Armenian, Syriac, Indian Orthodox of the East). The Eastern Orthodox communion remained in communion with Rome until the Great Schism of 1054. The Oriental Orthodox communion separated earlier, over the Council of Chalcedon in 451.

Orthodox theology emphasizes continuity with the early church, the importance of the seven ecumenical councils (Eastern Orthodox; Oriental Orthodox accept the first three), the role of tradition alongside scripture, the centrality of the Divine Liturgy and the seven sacraments (mysteries), the veneration of icons (defended against iconoclasm at the Second Council of Nicaea), and the goal of theosis (divinization, becoming by grace what God is by nature).

In the broader sense, orthodoxy names the state of holding correct doctrine, often paired with orthopraxy (right practice). Traditions across religions distinguish between teaching consistent with the recognized tradition and teaching that departs from it. The criteria for orthodoxy vary by tradition.

Orthodox Judaism is a modern movement (the term emerged in the 19th century in contrast to Reform Judaism) that holds the binding authority of halakhah as traditionally transmitted. Within Orthodox Judaism there are major sub-movements: Modern Orthodox, Haredi (often called ultra-Orthodox in English, a term Haredim themselves often resist), Hasidic, and others. Conservative Judaism affirms binding halakhah with greater openness to historical adaptation; Reform Judaism treats observance as more matter of conscience.

In Islamic context, the closest analogues are Sunni terminology like ahl al-sunnah wal-jamaah (people of the Sunnah and the community), distinguishing the mainstream from various sects. The category of orthodoxy is not used quite the same way.

Orthodox theology and history is a developed field. Timothy Ware's The Orthodox Church remains a standard introduction[3]. John Meyendorff's Byzantine Theology[4], John Behr's work on the Nicene faith, and Andrew Louth's scholarship have contributed significantly. Orthodox-Catholic and Orthodox-Protestant dialogue has produced substantial literature.

• The Orthodox Churchby Timothy Ware (Kallistos Ware)
  book
• Byzantine Theologyby John Meyendorff
  book