Ep. 225 - When Does Bad Theology Become Heresy?

How wrong can your theology be and you still be a Christian?

Not every theological mistake is heresy—but that doesn't mean every theological error is harmless either. So where exactly is the line?

In this episode of Encounter Grace, Jason and Justin revisit a debate that started during their recent conversation about hell: What's the difference between error, heterodoxy, and heresy?

They explore how Christians have historically understood orthodoxy, why the church's historic witness matters, and what happens when a belief begins moving outside those boundaries. Along the way, they discuss real examples including Apollos, the Galatian controversy, Arianism, classic dispensationalism, annihilationism, and the resurrection debate in 1 Corinthians 15.

They also wrestle with an important distinction: A heretical belief and a heretic aren't necessarily the same thing. How should we respond when a sincere Christian gets something seriously wrong? When does disagreement become dangerous? And how can we defend truth without labeling everyone who disagrees with us a false teacher?

The goal isn't to become better at calling people heretics. It's to become more discerning Christians—holding tightly to biblical truth while extending the kind of grace and humility we hope others will extend to us when we're wrong.

And this conversation isn't finished. Next time, we'll tackle false teachers, wolves, schismatics, and the question that started this whole discussion: What happens eternally to a heretic?

If this episode helps you think more clearly about theological disagreement, share it with someone you've had these conversations with—and let us know where you think the line between heterodoxy and heresy should be drawn.

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