orthopraxy

Definition

Correctness of practice or action in regard to religion and especially religious ritual, particularly in juxtaposition to "correct doctrine", or "correct belief" (that is, "orthodoxy").

Etymology

A modern, nineteenth century derivation mimicking that of Ancient Greek ὀρθοδοξία (orthodoxía), using the stems of ὀρθός (orthós, “correct”) + πρᾶξις (prâxis, “action, deed; conduct, practice”), and the English suffix -y creating abstract nouns.

Example Sentences

• "At times, the powerful forces for change threaten traditional values, and religious communities may hold tightly to an orthopraxy in order to maintain traditional values. At other times, orthopraxy evolves along with community acceptance of new realities and values, as in the loosening of regulations on drinking and card playing among American Methodists in the mid-twentieth century or the changes in Catholicism following Vatican II. An earlier example of this is the acceptance of married clergy among Pure Land Buddhists in Japan[.]"