Dogma
Dogma (the plural is either
dogmata or
dogmas) is the established
belief or
doctrine held by a
religion, ideology or any kind of
organization to be
authoritative and not to be
disputed or doubted. While in the context of religion the term is largely descriptive, outside of religion its current usage tends to carry a pejorative connotation — referring to concepts as being "established" only according to a particular point of view, and thus one of doubtful foundation.
Religious dogmata, properly conceived, reach back to proofs other than themselves, and ultimately to
faith. Perhaps the pinnacle of organized exposition of theological dogma is the
Summa Theologiae by
Thomas Aquinas, who proposed this relationship between faith and objection: "If our opponent believes nothing of divine
revelation, there is no longer any means of proving the articles of faith by reasoning, but only of answering his objections — if he has any — against faith" (
I 1 8)..
Dogmata are found in many religions such as
Christianity and
Islam, where they are considered core principles that must be upheld by all followers of that religion. As a fundamental element of religion, the term "dogma" is assigned to those theological tenets which are considered to be well demonstrated, such that their proposed disputation or revision effectively means that a person no longer accepts the given religion as his or her own, or has entered into a period of personal doubt. Dogma is distinguished from theological opinion regarding those things considered less well-known. Dogmata may be clarified and elaborated but not contradicted in novel teachings (e.g.,
Galatians 1:8-9). Rejection of dogma is considered
heresy in certain religions, and may lead to expulsion from the religious group, although in the Christian
Gospels this is not done rashly (e.g.
Mt 18:15-17).
For most of
Eastern Christianity, the dogmata are contained in the
Nicene Creed and the canons of two, three, or seven
ecumenical councils (depending on whether one is
Nestorian,
Oriental Orthodox, or
Eastern Orthodox). Roman Catholics also hold as dogma the decisions of 14 later councils and two decrees promulgated by
popes exercising
papal infallibility (see, e.g.,
immaculate conception).
Protestants to differing degrees affirm portions of these dogmata, and often rely on sect-specific 'Statements of Faith' which summarize their chosen dogmata (see, e.g.,
Eucharist).
In
Islam, the dogmatic principles are contained in the
aqidah.
Dogma is referred to as Doctrine inside many Christian religions.
Many non-religious beliefs are often described as dogmata, for example in the fields of
politics or
philosophy, as well as within
society itself. The term
dogmatism carries the implication that people are upholding their beliefs in an unthinking and conformist fashion. Dogmas are thought to be anathema to
science and scientific analysis, though some small groups may argue that the
scientific method itself is somewhat dogmatic. In a similar way in philosophies such as
rationalism and
skepticism, although
metaphysical considerations are normally not explicit in those fields, traditional religious dogmas tend to be rejected while unexamined
presuppositions are sometimes upheld.
There is also what is called as
secular dogmatism, which to conservative religious and intellectuals, is a tendency not to accept without further discussion any miracle, faith or public religious activity which presupposes a God or gods. Secular dogmatism is also accused of imposing its world view through legislation and other means. [
1]
Since the
Enlightenment, the word 'dogma' has typically been used in a negative and derogatory manner, for example, when employees talk about unpopular company policies. Other examples often come from political or national statements, an example would be article 1 section 3 of the
United Nations Declaration of Principles on Tolerance:1.3 Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), democracy and the rule of law. It involves the rejection of dogmatism and absolutism and affirms the standards set out in international human rights instruments. [Bold added for emphasis]
*
dogmatic definition*
Age of Enlightenment
