Final answer:
The main similarity between a heretic and a saint is that both are subjects of religious devotion and veneration, often playing significant roles in the religious and political landscapes of their time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main similarity between a heretic and a saint is that both are subjects of religious devotion and veneration. A heretic, in a religious context, is someone who goes against official teachings, but can often still be the focus of a following or a symbol of an alternative belief within that religion. Saints, by contrast, are individuals recognized for their holiness and piety within orthodox religious traditions and are often invoked for protection, intercession, and are celebrated for their exemplary lives.
In the history of Christianity, figures that were once considered heretics have sometimes been reevaluated by later followers and have, in some cases, gained a devout following. Similarly, saints serve as spiritual mediators, especially in medieval Christianity where they were regarded as human yet holy, capable of interceding on behalf of individuals and communities.
The complexity of religion and politics during the medieval period and the subsequent Protestant Reformation showcases how individuals classified as either saint or heretic can hold pivotal roles within religious and political landscapes. Instances like Martin Luther's actions, which initially positioned him as a heretic in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church, later led to the formation of Protestantism, illustrating that the boundary between heresy and sanctity can be influenced by broader societal and political shifts.