Orthopraxis

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Orthopraxy is a term derived from Greek (ὀρθοπραξις) meaning "correct practice" (as orthodoxy means "correct belief/opinion"), referring to emphasis on religious ritual as opposed to faith or grace etc.

Typically, traditional or ethnic religions (paganism, animism) are more concerned with orthopraxis than orthodoxy, and some argue that equating the term "faith" with "religion" presents a Christian-biased notion of what the primary characteristic of religion is.

Eastern Christianity

Orthopraxis would include attendance of church services which are designed to benefit the practitioner of the Eastern Orthodox faith. It refers to accepted religious practices and may include both ritual practices as well as interpersonal acts. The Orthopraxy ties into the concept of Phronema and is meant to work together toward the goal of theosis.

Anglican church

Judaism

Judaism is orthopraxic to some extent, with obedience to its laws being the mark of an "observant" Jew.

Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam fundamental to Sunnis prescribe Islamic practice, while Shahadah (profession of faith) defines Islamic belief.

Hinduism

Emphasis on ritual vs. personal salvation (moksha) was a major division in classical Hindu philosophy, epitomized by Purva Mimamsa vs. Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta).

Ritual (puja) continues to play a central role in contemporary Hinduism, but the enormous complexity of ancient ritual (yajna) only survives in a tiny minority of Shrauta practicioners.

Neopaganism

British Traditional Wicca is highly orthopraxic, with "traditions" (as denominations in Wicca are called) being precisely that - defined by what is traditionally done, rather than shared beliefs. Other religious witchcraft traditions may or may not share this quality.

See also




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Last updated on Thursday February 28, 2008 at 08:08:37 PST (GMT -0800)
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