Orthopraxy

In the study of religion, orthopraxy is correct conduct, both ethical and liturgical, as opposed to faith or grace.[1][2][3] Orthopraxy is in contrast with orthodoxy, which emphasizes correct belief.[citation needed] The word is a neoclassical compound—ὀρθοπραξία (orthopraxia) meaning 'right practice'.

While orthodoxies make use of codified beliefs, in the form of creeds, and ritualism more narrowly centers on the strict adherence to prescribed rites or rituals, orthopraxy is focused on issues of family, cultural integrity, the transmission of tradition, sacrificial offerings, concerns of purity, ethical system, and the enforcement thereof.[4][5]

In Hinduism, orthopraxy and ritualism are often interconnected. Judaism and Christianity are also considered both religions and orthopraxies, as they guide adherents in both practice and belief.[6][7]

  1. ^ Jackson, Elizabeth (2007). The Illustrated Dictionary of Culture. Lotus Press. p. 147. ISBN 978-81-89093-26-6.
  2. ^ Westley, Miles (2005). The Bibliophile's Dictionary. Writer's Digest Books. p. 91. ISBN 978-1-58297-356-2.
  3. ^ McKim, Donald K. (1996). Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms. Westminster John Knox Press. p. 197. ISBN 978-0-664-25511-4.
  4. ^ Antes, Peter; Armin W. Geertz; Randi R. Warne (2004). New Approaches to the Study of Religion: Regional, Critical, and Historical Approaches. Vol. 2. Walter de Gruyter. p. 86. ISBN 978-3-11-018175-3.
  5. ^ "Ritualism". Princeton University. Retrieved September 10, 2008. (1) the study of religious or magical rites and ceremonies; (2) exaggerated emphasis on the importance of rites or ritualistic forms in worship[dead link‍]
  6. ^ Biale, David, Not in the Heavens: The Tradition of Jewish Secular Thought, Princeton University Press, 2011, p.15
  7. ^ Murphy, Francesca Aran (1995). Christ, the form of beauty : a study in theology and literature. Edinburgh: T & T Clark. ISBN 0-567-09708-0. OCLC 35792467.