heresy

     People were once tried for heresy, and usually, once they were accused, they were executed. Heresy means failing to believe the accepted religious doctrine that everyone else believes. Once people were accused of heresy, there was really very little defense--how can you prove what you believe or don't believe? Most heretics were convicted, and many were burned at the stake--that means tied to a post over a large bonfire. Religious people no longer burn heretics at the stake, but many  still think that there is only one "right" thing to believe--and that everyone else should believe it as they do.