Orthodox\Orthodoxy

 I sometimes use the word “orthodox” when referring to doctrine. For example, I may say this teaching is orthodox or is not orthodox. Or it is orthodoxy. I am not referring to the branch of Christianity which calls itself the Orthodox Church (Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox etc.) Instead, I mean this is the historically correct teaching or doctrine. 

The word orthodoxy is composed of two Greek words: “orthos” and “doxa”. Combined, they form the Greek word “orthodoxia”. We transliterate it into English as “orthodoxy”.

The word “orthos” literally means “straight”. That is why the study and practice of making your teeth straight is called orthodontics. 

The Greek writing theologians used the word “orthos” to describe teaching that is true.  English speaking people use the word orthodox for that same person. The idea that “straight” can mean “true” is carried over in the language where I grew up. We referred to someone who told the unvarnished truth as a straight talker. We said someone who lived a moral life walked the straight and narrow. You can probably think of others you have heard.

The Greek word “doxa” came to mean “teachings”. So, for Christians, the word orthodox or orthodoxy means Christian doctrine that is correct (straight) and does not change.

There is a constant, continuing battle between those who insist on standing for orthodoxy, or orthodox teaching, and those who want to redefine or eliminate the traditional truths taught by Jesus, the apostles, and the church.