dogma

Dogma is a principle or set of principles proclaimed by an authority as incontrovertibly true. The term comes from the Greek dogma, meaning "that which seems true" or "opinion," later acquired the sense of a definitive teaching accepted by a group. In modern usage, dogma often refers to official doctrines declared by religious institutions, although it can also describe rigid political or ideological beliefs.

In religious contexts, dogmas are formal teachings that adherents are expected to accept as unquestionable. They are typically established by religious authorities, councils, or sacred texts and may be used to distinguish creeds from more provisional beliefs. Examples vary across traditions but may include claims about the nature of divinity, revelation, or salvation.

In philosophy and everyday discourse, dogma can denote a belief held with unquestioning certainty, sometimes in opposition to critical examination or evidence. A dogmatic stance emphasizes authority over inquiry, argument, or revision. The term is often used pejoratively when a belief is defended without transparent justification or when dissent is discouraged.

Doctrine, by contrast, refers more broadly to an officially sanctioned system of teachings that may be debated or interpreted. A tradition may maintain dogma while also allowing diverse interpretations.

Critics argue that dogma can stifle inquiry and adaptiveness, while defenders claim it provides moral clarity, continuity, and communal identity. The balance between faithfully transmitting core convictions and maintaining openness to new understanding is a common concern across contexts.