Orthodox - is an adherent of the right doctrine or religious fanatic?

The word "orthodox" in the understanding of modern society, as a rule, is associated with religion. This applies to Orthodox believers, Muslims, and adherents of certain philosophical currents. In fact, the orthodox is not necessarily associated with religion.

Terminology and examples

The very word originated from "orthodox", which means "correct", "direct opinion", "correct teaching" in Russian translation. Often it is used in the context of a particular religious movement. For example, in Judaism, among many different directions, there are orthodox. The Orthodox faith is also called the orthodox throughout the world.

In philosophy, the term is quite appropriate. It means something radical, which is on the verge of reasonable. Orthodox philosophical schools, whose teachings are close to religious, are not uncommon for Indian and Chinese cultures. It's no secret that most Asian communities have radical life positions. But in Europe they also meet. The same Marxism, which is a vivid example of radical philosophy.

Orthodox direction in Christianity

Among the existing trends of one of the most famous world religions and the strictest is the Orthodox faith. It is sometimes referred to as radical trends. In translation into many languages, orthodox - this is Orthodox, including. That is, already one name makes one think about the truth of such an association. Secondly, it is this direction in Christianity that is the most strict in terms of rites and rules. Divine services in Orthodox churches, in contrast to Catholic or Protestant, are performed standing (and sometimes on their knees). In none of the Christian trends are there so strict and numerous posts and obediences. On the other hand, many Orthodox do not consider their observance mandatory. What can not be said about other Christian directions.

Orthodox in Judaism

According to the believers themselves, this current allows a person to live in harmony with his own mind and conscience. In the Jews, the orthodox is a deeply believing, often exposing his beliefs for show. True, in the modern world this behavior is not always appropriate and not convenient for everyone. It is this fact that has become fundamental for the emergence of orthodox modernism, according to which it is possible to adhere to all the same principles without detaching oneself from modern civilization.

In Israel, quite a lot of people follow this current, bordering on Zionism. According to some philosophers, such an adaptation not only did not damage the orthodox-religious trends of the Jews, but also benefited them. Thanks to the modernization of concepts, such communities do not cease to attract young people. And this is extremely important for any religion, philosophical school and even a club of interests.

Orthodox Jews are distinguished not only by behavioral aspects (Torah reading, food-related restrictions, holidays), but also externally (by clothing, wearing different symbols). Similar trends are characteristic of most of the world's religions, in particular Islam. What can not be said about orthodox modernism.

Philosophical schools of the East

In India and China, the orthodox is the norm. There is a mass of schools and currents both in the religious direction, and based on science or logic. Most of them are on the verge of these concepts. Thus, in India the most numerous and popular are Nyayu (symbiosis of Buddhism and logic), Sankhu (orthodox philosophy of numbers), known throughout the world as Yoga and Brahmanist Purva-mimansu. There are also a number of directions, united by the common name Vedanta (syncret theology, cosmology and religion).

The orthodox currents in the world are many. Some of them are of a religious nature, the other is philosophical. There are also intermediate options. Basically, they are inherent in the East, but they are also found in Western cultures. Despite significant differences, there is one principle that unites them all - this is faith. In God, in the Higher Reason, in the truth of one's own convictions or the correctness of actions.