What is more important to you? Orthodoxy (right belief) or Orthopraxy (right conduct)?

Answer 1

A rather pretentious presentation of the old faith vs. works question, wouldn't you say? Belief without conduct is indefensible. Conduct without belief is mere humanitarianism. Neither is sufficient unto salvation.

Answer 2

I had this discussion on several occasions. There is a poster at my workplace that says, "Think Integrity!"

I said, "Hell, what does that mean?" If you thought integrity, but acted without integrity, it was okay?

If your actions follow your beliefs that's great. It shows that you don't just think about it, but you set the belief into action.

There's a story that has been going around. There is a pastor that has been called to this new church and in an area where no one knows him. So one day he gets on a bus. The bus driver tells him the fare is $2.00 and the pastor hands the driver a $5.00 bill and the driver gives him a $10 and 2 $1. So the pastor goes to sit down and he starts to put his money away and notices the $10. He thinks for a moment about what he could do with the $10. Then when he's getting off the bus, he goes the driver and says, "I believe you meant to give me a $1 instead of a $10." The bus driver says, "Well, most people wouldn't have been so honest." The pastor says, "Well, I believe that I have enough to answer to God for, I don't need to take your money." The bus driver says, "Well, you know, I heard your sermon Sunday on being honest and I want to let you know that I'll be back this Sunday to hear your next sermon especially now that I know you practice what you preach."

Answer 3

Now that's a question that makes me think and I'm only on my first cup of coffee.
With out belief or faith I don't think your make it to heaven and if you lose that I think you would also lose hope.
Good conduct well I don't think if you don't have that you won't be able to bring others to Jesus but the Bible says you can't get to Heaven by your own works, a person could be real good and treat others with a lot of kindness but if they don't believe there not going to Heaven.
I think if you truly believe in Jesus the good conduct will just become a part of your life, Jesus has a way of changing people in there hearts about what they say and do, so If I had to chose I think I would chose BELIEF, as believing in God can get me into heaven but just good conduct without belief will not.

Answer 4

Before I answer the question posed, I would like to compliment you on the correct usage (and definitions) of the terms in the question. Most people would not bother to define those terms for the benefit of people who do not speak or read the parent language they come from (Greek).

That being said, as a Hellenic Reconstructionist Pagan, Orthopraxy is central to my religious practice. I realize that there are differances of opinion even within the Hellenic Pagan community on what the actual historical practices were, but there is a sense of agreement within that community that proper conduct in all one's affairs is central to our religion.

The differances in practice do not amount to differances in the core beliefs but there is not as much emphasis on "correct" belief as we understand that the Gods speak to their worshippers in different ways. That is, my understanding of Ares (for example) is not necessarily the same as the understanding that a votary of Ares would have as I tend to feel closer to Hestia and Hera......

Answer 5

Since I believe that conduct derives from beliefs, right beliefs are more important.

Answer 6

Orthodoxy is important to me for its teaching of theological and doctrinal observance of religion than orthopraxy which gives emphasis on religious ritual as opposed to faith or grace.

Answer 7

Belief is important, but it is our conduct that influences others. We are more likely to draw others to Christ by our actions than preaching our beliefs at them. When they have closed their ears to what we say about Christ, they will still be able to see the things that we do to benefit others. This is what Jesus meant when he said "A new command I give to you. Love one another as I have loved you. By this all people will know that you are my disciples."

Answer 8

It is to be hoped that one would lead to the other. It's hard to have the praxy without the doxy, though some manage it; as Paul says, they are "laws to themselves" (the origin of this phrase, which in context does NOT mean "making your own rules." It means you behave right and obey God's rules even before you know them.)
We all have a conscience, and sadly, some believers choose to ignore it, but I agree with Colin Urquhart: we know in our hearts whether we're sheep or goats.
You really can't have one without the other.

Answer 9

Right belief can lead to right conduct.
Both, right belief and right conduct is important.

Answer 10

Hello Kidd
i would have to say 'right belief'....
being it should bring on the true nature
which would be the 'right conduct'....
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
which we are to live out in our very own lives...
however...
i'll say good night here
soooo.....good night and God bless you<><