Final answer:
The delineation between orthodox and heterodox in Christianity is historically exemplified by art and rhetoric related to the Iconoclastic Controversy and theological declarations like the concept of the Holy Trinity. These events highlight the ongoing tension and evolution within religious beliefs between universal doctrines and diverse interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses historical instances that delineate the fine line between orthodox and heterodox positions within religious contexts, particularly Christianity. Instances such as the mosaic in Hagia Sophia and Photios's homily illustrate the complexity of this demarcation, as the iconophiles highlighted their triumph over iconoclasm as a win for orthodoxy, often to the point of exaggerating their opponents' transgressions for emphasis. The Council of Nicaea is another pertinent example, establishing official church doctrine and inadvertently fostering grounds for heretical movements due to differing theological interpretations and linguistic and cultural variations within the faith. This historical dichotomy shapes the continuous evolution and interpretation of religious beliefs, evidencing that orthodoxy itself can be sometimes as fluid and dynamic as the heterodox views it defines itself against.
The concept of the Holy Trinity, established in the second and third centuries, contributed to these theological divisions as it introduced a definitive stance, thus providing a platform for dispute and labeling of divergent beliefs as heresy, or 'choice.' The distinction between 'orthodox' and 'heretical' beliefs has continued to cause schisms within religions, leading to conflicts and, at times, violence. The divisive potential of Christianity, stemming from its inception, underscores the inherent tension between holding onto a universal 'correct belief' and embracing a multiplicity of interpretations born from the rich tapestry of human experience and understanding.