How to Greet a Heretic

Being labeled a heretic is grim business.  Since it is almost exclusively used and abused in a religious context, a study of the definitions of “heresy” may help.  Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words declares the original Greek (hairesis) to mean “that which is chosen…especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division…”  Webster’s New World College Dictionary (4th ed.) gives the more institutionally bound perspective, which boils down to mean:  religious belief opposed to the teaching of an organization(s) which has established itself as the mouthpiece of God to the people.  One definition derives from the basis of truth, the other from worldly power.
Ironically, “heretic” is most often a label attached to true Christian believers by  Manipulative and Authoritarian Religious Rulers.  Such persons will henceforth be referred to as MARR, in recognition of how their teachings mar and disfigure the gospel.  It is actually their teachings that cause divisions, in essence denying Jesus as the Christ.  They create their own image and call it Jesus Christ.  They use His name “in vain”, misrepresenting His love and truth, thus devising bondage for their adherents, coupled with hatred for “outsiders.”  Then they have the gall to patronizingly accuse Christian believers of error.
So what is a Christian to do?  There are Biblical injunctions to not “greet” these kinds of troublemakers.  First of all, a Christian should be careful about applying this classification.  There is much more written about tolerating differences of conviction or being understanding of varying levels of maturity.  Over and over, the straightforward core message of Jesus Christ is stated, followed by cautions about false or misleading teachings of too many rules.  The choice to not fellowship should be soberly decided with these attitudes:  1) sorrow at the loss, and 2) humility in remembrance of the full mercy we have received.  (Fellowship is different than what buildings happen to be entered.)
It reminds me of the dynamics among my seven children when they were growing up.  I adopted the point of view that they needed to be free to inform me of activities of siblings that might be hurtful or destructive.  However, a messenger had better be very humble and concerned about the other child’s well-being, or, as they had had it thoroughly explained, they would be at risk of also receiving whatever action needed to be taken.  This approach helped them see their siblings through more tender eyes.  So should be our attitudes towards others.  There should not be an ounce of pride or superior feeling.   If we have any good qualities or knowledge of truth, it is because He works in us.  Thus, if a person confesses Christ in the simplicity of the gospel, they should be greeted.
There is, unfortunately, a category of people who, over time, show themselves to be “not really of us.”  (1 John 2:19)  Their vocabulary has been correct, but their hearts’ were not truly God’s.  With “smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”  (Romans 16:18b)  These are concerned about who follows them, not who follows Christ.  They malign those who won’t follow them. (3 John 10)  They avoid words of John such as “you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things…. ” (1 John 2:27).  They often develop into MARR.  We are told to not “greet” them.
To greet someone is to welcome them, show respect for them.  In context with the body of believers, it seems to imply an interchange that affirms acceptance of the person as a representative of Jesus Christ.  One reason God had to allow the nations of Israel to be conquered was that they continued to claim to be His people when they had, in fact, rejected Him.  The other nations’ ideas of God were affected by this.  Those who claim to represent God should be very careful.  God is jealous of His reputation.
Polite acknowledgment of someone’s presence or just saying “hello” is not the equivalent of a greetings among Christian brothers and sisters.  There are principles of conduct necessary for the flow of civilization.  Acknowledging someone can be done in a way that confirms that it is NOT a validation.  This will probably depend on culture.  Possibly a nod of the head; or a hello without a smile.  Choose something that makes you in charge of the relationship and keeps them at arm’s length.  Of course, one must be prepared for their anger and incrimination, but you are in good company.  The Pharisees claimed Jesus worked by the power of Beelzebub.  Accusations don’t get much worse than that.  Yes, they proceeded to kill Him, but we all know how that turned out.
(all Bible passages from the New American Standard Version, updated)