Hearsay vs. Heresy — What's the Difference?

Hearsay evidence, in a legal forum, is testimony from a witness under oath who is reciting an out-of-court statement, the content of which is being offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In most courts, hearsay evidence is inadmissible (the "hearsay evidence rule") unless an exception to the hearsay rule applies.

Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, in particular the accepted beliefs of a church or religious organization. The term is usually used in reference to violations of important religious teachings, but is also used of views strongly opposed to any generally accepted ideas.

Unverified information heard or received from another; rumor.

Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (especially Christian) doctrine

(Law) Evidence that is not within the personal knowledge of a witness, such as testimony regarding statements made by someone other than the witness, and that therefore may be inadmissible to establish the truth of a particular contention because the accuracy of the evidence cannot be verified through cross-examination.

An opinion or a doctrine at variance with established religious beliefs, especially dissension from or denial of Roman Catholic dogma by a professed believer or baptized church member.

Information that was heard by one person about another that cannot be adequately substantiated.

Adherence to such dissenting opinion or doctrine.

(law) Evidence based on the reports of others, which is normally inadmissible because it was not made under oath, rather than on personal knowledge.

A controversial or unorthodox opinion or doctrine, as in politics, philosophy, or science.

(law) An out-of-court statement offered in court for the truth of the matter asserted, which is normally inadmissible because it is not subject to cross-examination unless the hearsay statement falls under one of a number of exceptions.

Adherence to such controversial or unorthodox opinion.

Report; rumor; fame; common talk; something heard from another.

(religion) a doctrine held by a member of a religion at variance with established religious beliefs

Gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth

A controversial or unorthodox opinion held by a member of a group, as in politics, philosophy or science.

Heard through another rather than directly;

An opinion held in opposition to the established or commonly received doctrine, and tending to promote a division or party, as in politics, literature, philosophy, etc.; - usually, but not necessarily, said in reproach.

Religious opinion opposed to the authorized doctrinal standards of any particular church, especially when tending to promote schism or separation; lack of orthodox or sound belief; rejection of, or erroneous belief in regard to, some fundamental religious doctrine or truth; heterodoxy.

An offense against Christianity, consisting in a denial of some essential doctrine, which denial is publicly avowed, and obstinately maintained.

Any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position

A belief that rejects the orthodox tenets of a religion