Dogma vs. Doctrine: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 14, 2023
Dogma is a principle or belief considered to be absolutely authoritative within a religion, while doctrine is a set of beliefs held and taught by a religious, political, or other group.
Key Differences
Dogma refers to beliefs or principles that are viewed as unquestionably true and authoritative within a specific religious context. These beliefs are often deemed essential for the followers of that religion. Doctrine, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of beliefs and teachings held by a religious, political, or philosophical group, and may be open to interpretation or debate.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Dogma usually carries a sense of being divinely inspired or revealed, making it inviolable and beyond human critique. Doctrine, however, can be the result of human thought, discussion, and consensus, and can evolve or change based on new insights or interpretations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Dogma can be thought of as the core, non-negotiable tenets of a faith, often central to its identity and practice. Doctrine, while also essential, is more about general teachings and can include various positions on theological or philosophical matters that are not as rigidly defined.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Both dogma and doctrine play vital roles in religious and philosophical systems. While dogma provides foundational truths that are often viewed as eternal and unchanging, doctrine offers a more comprehensive set of beliefs, which can adapt and respond to new understandings or challenges.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Principles viewed as absolutely authoritative.
Set of beliefs held and taught by a group.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
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Origin
Often considered divinely inspired.
Result of human thought or consensus.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Flexibility
Inviolable and non-negotiable.
Can evolve based on new insights or interpretations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Application
Central to a faith's identity and practice.
Offers a comprehensive understanding of beliefs.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Dogma and Doctrine Definitions
Dogma
A principle or belief viewed as incontrovertibly true.
The church's dogma on the nature of the divine was clear.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
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Doctrine
An official policy or position on a particular issue.
The president's foreign policy doctrine was clear and assertive.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Dogma
An authoritative, unchanging belief in a religion.
Followers strictly adhere to the central dogma of their faith.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Doctrine
A stated principle of government policy.
The Monroe Doctrine shaped US foreign relations for many years.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 01, 2023
Dogma
A doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals.
The tenets of the faith are grounded in ancient dogma.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Doctrine
A body of teachings in a particular religious or philosophical system.
Buddhist doctrine promotes compassion and mindfulness.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
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Dogma
A point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds.
His ideas, seen as mere dogma, lacked empirical evidence.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Doctrine
A belief or set of beliefs held by a church, political group, or other entity.
The military doctrine has changed in response to new threats.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Dogma
A belief or set of beliefs that are accepted by the members of a group.
The dogma of that political party has shifted over the years.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 01, 2023
Doctrine
A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief.
The doctrine of free speech is central to democratic societies.
Janet White
Nov 01, 2023
Dogma
A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a religion.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Doctrine
A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Dogma
A principle or statement of ideas, or a group of such principles or statements, especially when considered to be authoritative or accepted uncritically
"Much education consists in the instilling of unfounded dogmas in place of a spirit of inquiry" (Bertrand Russell).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
Doctrine
A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 11, 2023
FAQs
Is dogma always religious?
Primarily, but dogma can also refer to beliefs in other contexts that are accepted without question.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can doctrine change?
Yes, doctrines can change based on new insights or interpretations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
What is dogma?
Dogma refers to beliefs viewed as absolutely authoritative within a specific religious context.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
What's an example of a political doctrine?
The Monroe Doctrine, which related to U.S. foreign relations, is an example.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is every religious belief a dogma?
No, not every belief is dogmatic; many are doctrines open to interpretation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Are all dogmas doctrines?
Yes, all dogmas can be considered doctrines, but not all doctrines are dogmas.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
What is doctrine?
Doctrine is a set of beliefs held and taught by a religious, political, or other group.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Are dogma and doctrine the same?
No, while both relate to beliefs, dogma is often seen as inviolable, whereas doctrine can evolve.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Who determines doctrine?
Doctrines are often determined by religious or political leaders, councils, or assemblies.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
How are new doctrines established?
New doctrines can arise from discussions, debates, and consensus among leaders or followers.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Are there non-religious dogmas?
Yes, dogma can also refer to unquestioned beliefs in non-religious contexts, such as political ideologies.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Is dogma specific to Christianity?
No, dogmatic beliefs can be found in various religions around the world.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can dogma be debated?
Dogmas are usually considered non-negotiable and beyond critique within their specific religious context.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Why is dogma important?
Dogma provides foundational truths for a religion, often central to its identity and practice.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can doctrine exist outside of religion?
Yes, doctrines can be found in political, philosophical, and other systems.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
How does one differentiate between dogma and doctrine in a religion?
Dogma refers to core, non-negotiable beliefs, while doctrine is a broader set of teachings that might be open to discussion.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can doctrines be foundational to a faith?
Yes, while dogmas are inherently foundational, certain doctrines can also be foundational to a faith.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Who can challenge a doctrine?
Depending on the context, doctrines can be challenged by religious leaders, scholars, or followers.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Why are both dogma and doctrine important in religious contexts?
Both provide a framework of beliefs, with dogma offering foundational truths and doctrine giving a more comprehensive set of teachings.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
What happens if one disagrees with a dogma?
Depending on the religion, disagreeing with dogma may result in excommunication or other consequences.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
