Word of the Day

heterodox \HET-uh-ruh-doks\, adjective:
1. Contrary to or differing from some acknowledged standard, especially in church doctrine or dogma; unorthodox.
2. Holding unorthodox opinions or doctrines.

They fight with members of other faiths, who seem to challenge their claim to a monopoly of absolute truth; they also persecute their co-religionists for interpreting a tradition differently or for holding heterodox beliefs.
--Karen Armstrong, Islam: A Short History

Most of the Kurds were Sunni Muslims, but perhaps a quarter or a third adhered to heterodox varieties of Islam that preserved traces of earlier religions.
--Susan Meisalis, Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History

Moreover, heterodox behaviour -- in the form of eccentric chess moves -- was even encouraged, if it led to good results.
--Jon Speelman, "Chess," Independent, October 24, 1998

Mr. Buckley is an American exotic of the far right, who wins some sympathy for his frankness and boldness since, in this sorry world, the heterodox are always laughed at whether right or left.
--Richard L. Strout, "All That Is Out of Joint and Needs Setting Right," New York Times, April 28, 1963

Heterodox comes from Greek heterodoxos, "of another opinion, "from hetero-, "other" + doxa, "opinion," from dokein, "to believe."