Final answer:
Factionalism relates to heresy in that both involve disputes over belief systems within religious contexts, leading to factions or schisms such as the Arian controversy or the Protestant Reformation. These factional divides can also evolve into significant political forces and sometimes incite conflict or global activism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factionalism is closely linked to heresy within religious contexts, as it often emerges from disputes over orthodox beliefs and practices. In historical terms, heresy can be seen as a factional stance within a religious body that stands in opposition to the prevailing orthodoxy; for example, the Arian and Donatist controversies in early Christianity were instances of factional divisions over theological doctrine. Throughout history, factional divisions have led to schisms, such as the Great Schism or the division between Catholics and Protestants, and these religious factions sometimes transform into political forces, shaping national and global events.
Orthodoxy defines the accepted doctrine within a religion, and any deviation from this can be labeled as heresy. Schisms demonstrate the enduring nature of religious factions. Attempts to resolve the underlying causes of factionalism can lead to consolidation around a strict orthodoxy or, conversely, the fostering of sectarianism as seen with the rise of sects claiming closer adherence to 'fundamental' beliefs.
Historically, religious factions have occasionally escalated into conflicts and violence, and they can also form global communities advocating for change, as with religious non-state actors (RNAs). Controlling the effects of factionalism often involves navigating complex social dynamics within affected societies.