Devoir de Philosophie

dogma and doctrine

Publié le 22/02/2012

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A religion's offi cial beliefs and teachings. Religions create unity in many ways. Members of a given religion may see themselves united by shared behavior, which usually includes both participation in religious RITUAL and living according to prescribed ways of life. A good example is traditional orthodox JUDAISM. Other religions stress correctness of belief. Members are united by shared adherence to dogma (what the group offi cially believes) and doctrine (what it offi cially teaches). These terms appear often in discussions of CHRISTIANITY, since Christianity grew by attracting people to a set of new beliefs rather than as a shared way of life. Christians have recognized several sources of dogma and doctrine. Protestants derive Christian truth from the BIBLE (see PROTESTANTISM.) Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians derive Christian truth also from tradition (see ROMAN CATHOLICISM and EASTERN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY). Most, but not all, Christians recognize the ancient CREEDS and the decrees of the ancient church councils as defi ning their dogma and doctrines. Individual churches often have their own special statements as well. Examples include the Pope's pronouncements in the Catholic Church and the "confessions" of various Protestant churches.

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