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Orthopraxy

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Orthopraxy is a term derived from Greek (ὀρθοπραξις) meaning "correct practice" (as orthodoxy means "correct belief/opinion"), referring to emphasis on religious ritual as opposed to faith or grace etc.[dubiousdiscuss]

Typically, traditional or ethnic religions (paganism, animism) are more concerned with orthopraxis than orthodoxy, and some argue that equating the term "faith" with "religion" presents a Christian-biased notion of what the primary characteristic of religion is.

Christianity

The Ten Commandments on a monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The third non-indented commandment listed is "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy".

The purpose of Divine law is disputed among Christian denominations. A minority are torah-observant, see also Jewish Christians, and at the other extreme are antinomistic views. In between, most Christians believe that the Ten Commandments are binding. See also Ministry of Jesus.

Eastern Christianity

Orthopraxis would include attendance of church services which are designed to benefit the practitioner of the Eastern Orthodox faith. It refers to accepted religious practices and may include both ritual practices as well as interpersonal acts. The Orthopraxy ties into the concept of Phronema and is meant to work together toward the goal of theosis.

Anglican church

Judaism

Judaism is orthopraxic to some extent, with obedience to its laws being the mark of an "observant" Jew. However certain laws/commandments of the Torah require the internalization of certain beliefs, such as Positive Mitzvah 1 and Positive Mitzvah 2 in Sefer HaMitzvos, which mandate the belief in God and His indivisible unity. As such describing Judaism solely in orthopraxic terms is not entirely accurate. Additionally Maimonides’ codification of Jewish law (the Mishneh Torah) contains a section entitled Yesodei HaTorah which delineates the legally required beliefs of Judaism, further bolstering the contention that praxis alone is insufficient.

Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam fundamental to Sunnis prescribe Islamic practice, while Shahadah (profession of faith) defines Islamic belief. Generally stresses Orthopraxy over Orthodoxy, but since the practice is held to come from doctrine, this is essentially orthodoxy applied to practice.

Hinduism

Emphasis on ritual vs. personal salvation (moksha) was a major division in classical Hindu philosophy, epitomized by Purva Mimamsa vs. Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta).

Ritual (puja) continues to play a central role in contemporary Hinduism, but the enormous complexity of ancient ritual (yajna) only survives in a tiny minority of Shrauta practitioners.

Neopaganism

British Traditional Wicca is highly orthopraxic, with "traditions" (as denominations in Wicca are called) being precisely that - defined by what is traditionally done, rather than shared beliefs. Other denominations of religious witchcraft may or may not share this quality.

See also