[malakhi]

calling someone a heretic, especially done without any qualifiers, is, shall we say, confrontational and at Free Republic, such is taken almost universally as an invitation to "war". On the other hand, couching your objection to another's tenet as a question wondering about its orthodoxy - clearly seeking clarification - is another thing entirely.

If I may elaborate, its all in how you say it. There is a world of difference between saying "YOU HERETIC!" vs. "according to the beliefs of my church/denomination/religion, doctrine X is considered heretical". One is making a judgment and a declaration of absolute truth. The other is expressing an opinion.

[Ex-Wretch]

One is making a judgment and a declaration of absolute truth. The other is expressing an opinion.

Can't you just say "then IMHO YOU ARE A HERETIC" cutting to the chase and all.