How is a "heretic" defined in the context of the Church?

In the context of the Church, a "heretic" is defined as a baptized person who consciously and deliberately rejects the established doctrines or dogmas of the faith. This definition is rooted in the understanding that heresy involves a willful adherence to beliefs that contradict the core tenets of the Church, which can threaten the unity and integrity of the faith community.

The significance of this definition lies in the sacramental aspect of baptism, which connects the individual to the Church. Since the individual has entered into this relationship, rejecting the doctrinal teachings is viewed as a serious offense, often leading to formal repercussions within the Church. Heresy is particularly concerned with doctrinal truths that are essential to Christian faith, making the rejection of these beliefs an act of separation from the Church's teachings.

In contrast, other options do not capture the essence of heresy in a theological context. For instance, breaking canon law pertains to disciplinary actions rather than doctrinal disputes, while leading or being part of a rival religious movement does not necessarily imply rejection of Church dogma. Finally, being a layperson without theological training does not equate to heresy, as individuals of various educational backgrounds can hold varying beliefs without those beliefs necessarily qualifying as heresy unless they contradict established dog