Is Queer Theology heresy? What is the difference between heresy and orthodoxy?

Heresy is generally defined as “a false teaching.” In the context of religion, it’s a teaching that goes against some essential teaching of a church. Now if you’re Catholic, the Catechism’s official definition of heresy is "the obstinate post-baptismal denial of some truth which must be believed with divine and catholic faith, or it is likewise an obstinate doubt concerning the same; (CCC2089). The problem with this definition is that it’s intentionally left vague -- leaving you wondering what are examples of “truths which must be believed with divine and catholic faith?” Are they the truths explicitly stated in the Nicene Creed? Or are the ones that the pope has specifically claimed infallible? Or are all teachings of the official church catechism considered truths that must be believed? Does it also include Catholic customs such as not eating meat on Fridays?

Unfortunately, with all of my years in Catholic education, I actually don’t have an answer for you here. And even more difficult, past examples of “true heretics” are now subject to debate: Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther was certainly considered a heretic during his era, but most recently Pope Benedict said that’s not so black and white. The founder of liberation theology, Gustavo Guiterrez was considered to be a heretic by conservative bishops for what they considered morphing traditional interpretations of scripture and church teachings to cater to the poor and marginalized, but was recently unblack-listed by Pope Francis. And speaking of Pope Francis, even he...with his semi-progressive message, has been accused of heresy.

Is heresy simply a matter of opinion? Is a heretic anyone who happens to disagree with what you believe? Would then…. everyone be a heretic to one another since let’s just admit that nobody believes the exact same thing?

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