Orthodoxy in a Changing World- Tradition vs. Innovation
My reaction to hearing the word orthodoxy is neutral. I believe that orthodoxy is a necessity for a society to be functional. By this, I am acknowledging the role of orthodoxy in providing structure and coherence within belief systems, as well as other areas, including science. Orthodoxy often serves as a basis for understanding and deducing foundational principles, teachings, or doctrines within a specific system, whether religious, philosophical, or ideological. By having this perspective, I would argue that orthodoxy can offer a sense of stability and continuity, providing a common set of beliefs and practices that unite individuals within a community. Subsequently, it helps establish boundaries and norms, guiding behavior and shaping identity. This stability can be comforting for many people, offering a sense of security and belonging.
Nevertheless, by taking a more neutral stance, I also fully acknowledge that orthodoxy also has the likelihood to suppress growth and diversity of thought. Consequently, devotion to traditional principles may discourage critical inquiry, creativity, and innovation when it becomes too unyielding or dogmatic. It can lead to a reluctance to question or challenge prevailing ideas, hindering intellectual and spiritual growth. Moreover, an overly strict adherence to orthodoxy can sometimes result in exclusivity and narrow-mindedness towards contradictory perspectives (Marie and Petersen, p 2). As a result, this limits discourse and understanding between individuals or groups with differing viewpoints, possibly leading to conflict or division.
In conclusion, by taking a neutral stance towards orthodoxy, I recognize its importance in providing structure and consistency to belief systems. Still, I am also wary of its probable limitations in promoting growth and diversity of thought. Therefore, I seek to strike a balance between honoring tradition and remaining open to new ideas, allowing for growth and adaptation within their beliefs and practices.
Works Cited
Marie, Antoine, and Michael Bang Petersen. The Cognitive Foundations of Ideological Orthodoxy, 10 Mar. 2023, https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/78puz.
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Question 
Religions rarely spring from the earth fully formed and, in this course, we see that to be the case with both Christianity and Islam, the two largest religions on earth. This can be an uncomfortable idea for religious devotees, and the process of adopting an official Orthodoxy, or a set of agreed-upon texts, beliefs, and practices, within any religious group has often been bloody.
Orthodoxy in a Changing World- Tradition vs. Innovation
At a time when fewer and fewer Americans (especially young Americans) are identifying as part of a religious group, I am curious to hear your reactions to the word, “Orthodoxy,” something that exists within all organized religions. Does this word have a positive, negative, or neutral association? Why do you think that is?