Concept in Definition ABC

The term anathema must be understood in the religious context, especially in relation to the Catholic Church. In this way, when the official position of the Catholic Church considers that a conduct or some ideas are contrary to the postulates of Catholic doctrine, the people involved are declared anathemas. The declaration of anathema is usually accompanied by excommunication, that is, expulsion from the bosom of the church. In this sense, declaring someone anathema implies a form of severe punishment, since it implies having breached some sacred precept.

As for the origin of the term, it comes from the Greek anathema, which initially meant something despicable, rejectionable or horrendous. This meaning was later adopted by the tradition of Catholic theology and the declaration of anathema came to mean something contrary to the faith and, at the same time, something cursed.

The Bible is the reference to establish this form of punishment

In the Holy Scriptures there are various references in relation to this concept. In this way, anyone who opposes Jesus Christ or who departs from his teachings and doctrines is considered anathema, a term that in the Bible is equivalent to cursed. An example of conduct contrary to Jesus Christ would occur in the event that someone preached a false gospel.

In the Bible this term is alluded to to indicate that a people, a family or a person had breached the law of God and therefore a sin had been committed. When this happened, the anathema was accompanied by its corresponding punishment. With the passage of time the Catholic Church established different formulas of ex communication and, therefore, if someone is excommunicated he is also anatemized.

In the history of Catholicism the most famous statement of anathema was applied to the Protestant Reformation. It was precisely at the Council of Trent that the Catholic Church officially declared that the Protestant doctrine promoted by Luther was anathema.

Heresy, apostasy, blasphemy and anathema

These terms have a certain likeness, but each of them has a uniqueness. Thus, according to the Roman Catholic Church a heresy is a interpretation incorrect regarding true faith. Consequently, heretical conduct is one that is opposed to the official criteria of Catholicism.

Apostasy occurs when a Catholic renounces his faith and turns away from the teachings of the church. A blasphemy is an offensive action against God. In short, heresy, apostasy or blasphemy can be declared anathemas, since it is about positions or behaviors contrary to the official truth, which in theological terms is known as healthy doctrine.

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