Religious leaders have always feared heretics more than infidels. Those who don't "get it" at all are typically ignorant outsiders at worst, prospective converts at best. Those who almost get the message, but change it a bit, can be far more dangerous. From the orthodox standpoint, the heretic can mislead those who are sincere but whose knowledge is lacking. The skeptical might say instead that the heretic points out flaws in the orthodox position… and, through charisma and plain speaking, becomes a threat to that position. Of course the term "heretic" is a relative one. Many, perhaps most, religions get their start as heresies. Yesterday's heresy may be today's orthodoxy, striving diligently to keep its tradition "pure" and to avoid "innovations." One man's heretic may well be another man's saint. The following have all been called heretics: each of them left their mark on the world, inspiring millions to take up their banner.
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| Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammed
and Mírzá Husayn |
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