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Question
#37827. greg9570
asks:
What is the derivation of the term "Heretic?" Why was it applied to people who practice unexplainable science?
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gmackematix
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Middle English took this word from the French word "heretique" (acutes on the first two e's). This came from Ecclesiastical Latin haereticus, also meaning "heretic". It is thought that this word comes from the Greek "hairetikos" meaning "able to choose". It looks as though the early Church thought that people should believe what they are told rather han decide for themselves. Scientific experiment would clearly indicate doubt in instructed lore about the way things work and could therefore be seen as heretical.
Aug 23 03, 9:01 AM
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