What is a heretic

[Catweazle]

I often hear the word heretic used my mainstream Christians, mostly as an insult...

What is a heretic?

[Ginger]

I suppose some people do use it as an insult.

I use the word "heresy" to describe a teaching contrary to the Word of God.

Even satan masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Cor 11:14 )

Every heresy/false religion starts with a truth to draw seekers in and then slowly twists the truth into a lie using human logic and reason.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 )

*The dictionary defines a heretic:

1. a professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church.
2. Roman Catholic Church. a baptized Roman Catholic who willfully and persistently rejects any article of faith.
3. anyone who does not conform to an established attitude, doctrine, or principle.

These are definitions we frown upon in this forum.  No one has all the answers, so it would be untrue to call someone an heretic simply because they don't agree with everything you believe.