Orthopraxis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A concept emphasizing the importance of proper behaviors and actions in moral or religious contexts highlights the practice over ideology
2. This term reflects a focus on the correct performance of rituals and ethical actions rather than merely holding beliefs
3. A principle that prioritizes the execution of correct actions and rituals in ethical and spiritual matters over theoretical beliefs or ideas is outlined here

Etymology: "Orthopraxis" is a compound built from two Greek-derived elements: "orthos," meaning straight, correct or right, and "praxis," meaning action, practice or doing. Put together, it names correctness in action, as opposed to correctness in belief. The pairing is deliberate, since it sets up a contrast with "orthodoxy," which combines "orthos" with "doxa" (opinion or belief). The word is useful because it names a distinction that "orthodoxy" alone cannot. A religion may care less about what its adherents believe than about how they worship, observe rituals, or live out their faith day to day. "Orthopraxis" gives that emphasis its own term, and it is most often used when comparing traditions that stress conduct over creed.