Difference between revisions of "Dogma" - New World Encyclopedia
Wayne Kreger (talk | contribs) (Expanded "Dogma in Buddhism") |
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== Dogma, Faith, and Logic == | == Dogma, Faith, and Logic == | ||
| − | There are some conceptual similarities between dogma and the [[axiom]]s used as the starting point for [[logic]]al analysis. Axioms may be thought of as concepts so fundamental and clearly evident that disputing them would be unimaginable; dogmata are also fundamental (e.g. "[[God]] exists") yet incorporate also the larger set of conclusions that comprise the religious field of thought (e.g. "God created the universe"). Axioms are propositions not subject to proof or disproof, or are statements accepted on their own merits. Dogmata might be thought to be more complex, the product of other proofs. [[Philosophy]] and [[theology]] | + | There are some conceptual similarities between dogma and the [[axiom]]s used as the starting point for [[logic]]al analysis. Axioms may be thought of as concepts so fundamental and clearly evident that disputing them would be unimaginable; dogmata are also fundamental (e.g. "[[God]] exists") yet incorporate also the larger set of conclusions that comprise the religious field of thought (e.g. "God created the universe"). Axioms are propositions not subject to proof or disproof, or are statements accepted on their own merits. Dogmata might be thought to be more complex, the product of other proofs, though this is not always true. [[Philosophy]] and [[theology]] evaluate all statements, whether classified as axioms or dogmata. Religious dogmata, properly conceived, reach back to proofs other than themselves, and ultimately to [[faith]]. |
== Dogma in Religion == | == Dogma in Religion == | ||
| − | Dogmata are found in many religions | + | Dogmata are found in many religions 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. Rejection of dogma is considered [[heresy]] and may lead to expulsion from the religious group, though this varies between groups. |
=== Dogma in Judaism === | === Dogma in Judaism === | ||
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=== Dogma in Christianity === | === Dogma in Christianity === | ||
| − | For most of [[Eastern Christianity]], the dogmata are contained in the [[Nicene Creed]] and the first two, three, or seven [[ecumenical council]]s (depending on whether one is a [[Nestorian]], a [[Monophysite]], or an [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Christian]]). Roman Catholics also hold as dogma the decisions of | + | For most of [[Eastern Christianity]], the dogmata are contained in the [[Nicene Creed]] and the first two, three, or seven [[ecumenical council]]s (depending on whether one is a [[Nestorian]], a [[Monophysite]], or an [[Eastern Orthodoxy|Eastern Orthodox Christian]]). Roman Catholics also hold as dogma the decisions of fourteen later ecumenical councils and decrees promulgated by [[pope]]s exercising [[papal infallibility]] (see, e.g., [[immaculate conception]]). [[Protestantism|Protestants]] to differing degrees affirm portions of these dogmata, and often rely on sect-specific 'Statements of Faith' which summarize their chosen dogmata (e.g., [[Eucharist]]). |
=== Dogma in Islam === | === Dogma in Islam === | ||
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[[Hinduism]] covers a wide variety of religious traditions, inclusively declaring them all Hindu. Therefore, the concept of dogma does not apply as readily to Hinduism as it does to traditions that are more defined along doctrinal lines. However, some dogmata can found in the Hindu tradition. | [[Hinduism]] covers a wide variety of religious traditions, inclusively declaring them all Hindu. Therefore, the concept of dogma does not apply as readily to Hinduism as it does to traditions that are more defined along doctrinal lines. However, some dogmata can found in the Hindu tradition. | ||
| − | The idea of ''[[ātman]]'', most often translated as "soul" in English, is an idea that permeates Hindu thought. As in other traditions, such as Islam and Christianity, the axiom that human beings possess a soul (though this can be defined in a myriad of ways between and within religions) is an unassailable truth in the tradition. | + | The idea of ''[[ātman]]'', most often translated as "soul" in English, is an idea that permeates Hindu thought. As in other traditions, such as Islam and Christianity, the axiom that human beings possess a soul (though this can be defined in a myriad of ways between and within religions) is an unassailable truth in the tradition. As well, Hindus generally have great respect for the ''[[Vedas]]'', and thus acceptance as spiritually important of these texts is generally a sign that one is Hindu. |
| − | In congruence with other religions born in India Hinduism subscribes to ideas of ''[[karma]]'' and [[reincarnation]]. These concepts form the foundation on which further philosophical and theological constructs are built. | + | In congruence with other religions born in India Hinduism subscribes to ideas of ''[[karma]]'' and [[reincarnation]]. These concepts form the foundation on which further philosophical and theological constructs are built. Though not unique to Hinduism, these are fundamental concepts on which further spiritual discussion is made. |
=== Dogma in Buddhism === | === Dogma in Buddhism === | ||
| − | Some [[Buddhist]] dogmata are shared with Hinduism and [[Jainism]]. Religious concepts innate in the worldview of the people of India, such as ''karma'' and reincarnation, are fundamental to | + | Some [[Buddhist]] dogmata are shared with Hinduism and [[Jainism]]. Religious concepts innate in the worldview of the people of India, such as ''karma'' and reincarnation, are fundamental to the majority of Indian religions. Buddhism is not an exception; however, Buddhists will understand and explain these ideas differently than Hindus or Jains. |
In opposition to the Hindu dogma of ''ātman'' is the Buddhist idea of ''[[anātman]]''. Buddhist dogma dictates that the human being does not possess a soul. | In opposition to the Hindu dogma of ''ātman'' is the Buddhist idea of ''[[anātman]]''. Buddhist dogma dictates that the human being does not possess a soul. | ||
=== Dogma in Confucianism === | === Dogma in Confucianism === | ||
| + | |||
| + | The five relationships found in [[Confucianism]] are excellent examples of dogmata drawn from Chinese religious tradition. The relationships bewteen parents and children (expressed as filial piety), ruler and subject, husband and wife, elder sibling and younger sibling, and between friends are in the Confucian tradition institutions that must be preserved without question. For example, in the ''[[Analects of Confucius]]'' Confucius declares it more honest for a son to lie to defend his father than for that son to testify against his father for wrong-doing (Chapter 13, Verse 18). The dogma of filial piety outweighs the obligation to denounce a parent. | ||
== Dogma Outside of Religion == | == Dogma Outside of Religion == | ||
Revision as of 18:57, 18 May 2006
Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas) is belief or doctrine held by a religion or any kind of organization to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. Dogmata held by a religion are central to the belief, and thus to deny a particular dogma is to deny the tenets of the religion.
Dogma and Doctrine
Explains difference, explores results of rejecting dogma
Dogma, Faith, and Logic
There are some conceptual similarities between dogma and the axioms used as the starting point for logical analysis. Axioms may be thought of as concepts so fundamental and clearly evident that disputing them would be unimaginable; dogmata are also fundamental (e.g. "God exists") yet incorporate also the larger set of conclusions that comprise the religious field of thought (e.g. "God created the universe"). Axioms are propositions not subject to proof or disproof, or are statements accepted on their own merits. Dogmata might be thought to be more complex, the product of other proofs, though this is not always true. Philosophy and theology evaluate all statements, whether classified as axioms or dogmata. Religious dogmata, properly conceived, reach back to proofs other than themselves, and ultimately to faith.
Dogma in Religion
Dogmata are found in many religions 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. Rejection of dogma is considered heresy and may lead to expulsion from the religious group, though this varies between groups.
Dogma in Judaism
Dogma in Christianity
For most of Eastern Christianity, the dogmata are contained in the Nicene Creed and the first two, three, or seven ecumenical councils (depending on whether one is a Nestorian, a Monophysite, or an Eastern Orthodox Christian). Roman Catholics also hold as dogma the decisions of fourteen later ecumenical councils and 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 (e.g., Eucharist).
Dogma in Islam
An example of dogma in Islam is the shahāda, the confession of faith. The shahāda proclaims that Allah is the only god and that Muhammad is his prophet. These statements are believed by all Muslims, and one is expected to believe them if entering into the Muslim community.
Indeed, all five pillars of Islam can be said to be dogma. As well, like other monotheistic religions, Islam emphasizes the unity and "oneness" of God (tawhid).
Dogma in Hinduism
Hinduism covers a wide variety of religious traditions, inclusively declaring them all Hindu. Therefore, the concept of dogma does not apply as readily to Hinduism as it does to traditions that are more defined along doctrinal lines. However, some dogmata can found in the Hindu tradition.
The idea of ātman, most often translated as "soul" in English, is an idea that permeates Hindu thought. As in other traditions, such as Islam and Christianity, the axiom that human beings possess a soul (though this can be defined in a myriad of ways between and within religions) is an unassailable truth in the tradition. As well, Hindus generally have great respect for the Vedas, and thus acceptance as spiritually important of these texts is generally a sign that one is Hindu.
In congruence with other religions born in India Hinduism subscribes to ideas of karma and reincarnation. These concepts form the foundation on which further philosophical and theological constructs are built. Though not unique to Hinduism, these are fundamental concepts on which further spiritual discussion is made.
Dogma in Buddhism
Some Buddhist dogmata are shared with Hinduism and Jainism. Religious concepts innate in the worldview of the people of India, such as karma and reincarnation, are fundamental to the majority of Indian religions. Buddhism is not an exception; however, Buddhists will understand and explain these ideas differently than Hindus or Jains.
In opposition to the Hindu dogma of ātman is the Buddhist idea of anātman. Buddhist dogma dictates that the human being does not possess a soul.
Dogma in Confucianism
The five relationships found in Confucianism are excellent examples of dogmata drawn from Chinese religious tradition. The relationships bewteen parents and children (expressed as filial piety), ruler and subject, husband and wife, elder sibling and younger sibling, and between friends are in the Confucian tradition institutions that must be preserved without question. For example, in the Analects of Confucius Confucius declares it more honest for a son to lie to defend his father than for that son to testify against his father for wrong-doing (Chapter 13, Verse 18). The dogma of filial piety outweighs the obligation to denounce a parent.
Dogma Outside of Religion
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 adopt and maintain their beliefs in an uncritical and conformist fashion. Dogmata are the antithesis to science, which is based on the principles of unbiased critical evaluation of the observations, theories, and experiments of others and oneself. However, science and the scientific method, applied incorrectly (that is, without properly gauged and directed criticism) can become a dogma itself, proving a disservice to science. 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.
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