Final answer:
The main problem for secular officials with heresy lies in the disruption of societal order and challenges to the authority of the state's governance, which historically has been intertwined with religious orthodoxy. Heresy can cause civil unrest, contradict established law, and lead to violence. It also conflicts with the principles of political secularism, contributing to political and social tension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main problem for secular officials with heresy concerns the disruption of political and social order. Heresy can undermine the authoritative framework established by religious orthodoxy, which in many historical contexts, played a central role in governing and unifying society. Secular officials often viewed heresies as threats to societal stability and the cohesion of the state. As Christianity evolved, for instance establishing a singular orthodoxy became challenging due to diverse interpretations of beliefs, prompting the institutional church to define an official doctrine at the Council of Nicaea. This, however, did not prevent the emergence of alternative interpretations that would be labeled as heretical.
Secularism and the governance based on non-religious principles further highlighted the friction between religious doctrinal purity and the broader, more inclusive scope of civil governance. Secular officials faced the challenge of managing the practical issues arising from heresy, such as civil unrest, the undermining of established laws, and even acts of violence or rebellion fueled by religious schism. Moreover heresy often challenged not just the theological assertions of the ruling religious orthodoxy, but also questioned the legitimacy and authority of secular institutions that were intertwined with religious power structures. Religious extremism is an approach to politics that arises in response to the mainstream acceptance of multiple interpretations and faiths within a society. It views religious revelation as the only source of truth and rejects political secularism. This underscores the tension that can exist between secular officials who might prioritize the stability and practical governance of the state and those who fervently believe that government should follow a specific religious doctrine.