Orthopraxis or Orthodoxy? (ritual, gospel, choices, choice, mission)

[MaddLlama]

One thing I've often noticed about the differences in Paganism when contrasted to other faiths (of course, mainly of the Judeo-Christian variety) is the difference in focus - Paganism, more often than not, focuses on Orthopraxis (for the uninitiated, "Orthopraxis" means "right practice" and refers to a focus on proper ritual rather than theology). whereas religions like Christianity focus more on Orthodoxy.

I'm not entirely sure why this is, but my best guess is because indigenous polytheistic faiths had no central organization to really come up with a set theology like Christians had, ad relied on local customs instead. However, that may be totally off base.

So, my question really is which does your religion focus on, and why? Do you think there is benefit in the other way of thinking, or do you have any insight as to why there is this difference (if you think it's there at all)?

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

One thing I've often noticed about the differences in Paganism when contrasted to other faiths (of course, mainly of the Judeo-Christian variety) is the difference in focus - Paganism, more often than not, focuses on Orthopraxis ... whereas religions like Christianity focus more on Orthodoxy.

Judaism is characterized by its focus on orthopraxis.

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

So, my question really is which does your religion focus on, and why? Do you think there is benefit in the other way of thinking, or do you have any insight as to why there is this difference (if you think it's there at all)?

Unitarian Universalism is based on covenant, which could be translated as being in right relationship with one another. If I had to pick of the two choices offered, I'd say we lean more towards orthopraxis. Tho in truth we have precious little ritual.

[rojse]

What is "right practice" for paganists?

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by rojse

What is "right practice" for paganists?

It depends largely on which subset of Paganism we're talking about, though orthopraxis is usually more applicable to more reconstructionalist oriented paths, but I can see how it can apply to Wicca as well.

Sorry if that answer was chintzy, I promise I'll come back and add something better later. Just in a bit of a rush tonight. =(

[Hope]

The focus in Christianity is definitely orthodoxy. At least in mainline evangelical Christianity. And this is because, in our view, the horse(orthopraxis) should never come before the cart (orthodoxy). Orthopraxis should be a natural outcome of orthodoxy.

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Hope

The focus in Christianity is definitely orthodoxy. At least in mainline evangelical Christianity. And this is because, in our view, the horse(orthopraxis) should never come before the cart (orthodoxy). Orthopraxis should be a natural outcome of orthodoxy.

Amen.... but to clarify for our non-Christian members, we don't view orthopraxis as simply "right action" like we are simply following rules, but look to live our faith in accordance to the Gospel out of LOVE for God and neighbor. Our orthopraxis must be understood with the concept of service and mission, not simply following the "rules" of our faith to "earn" something. Christian orthodoxy can be summed up as LOVE and Christian orthopraxy as LOVE IN ACTION.

Peace,
S

[Gentoo]

As an eclectic pagan, I say neither is important for me. I don't believe there is a right way to honor the gods in ritual, as long as you honor them; I don't believe there is a right viewpoint on them either, as there are many sides to them that we may not have seen.

[Scott1]

Originally Posted by Gentoo

I don't believe there is a right way to honor the gods in ritual, as long as you honor them;

I hope this isn't too far off topic , but I'm really curious to find out how you honor your gods as an eclectic pagan.