dogmas

Dogma is a principle or set of principles proclaimed by an authority as incontrovertibly true and not to be disputed. The term derives from the Greek dogma, “that which seems true, opinion,” from dokein “to seem good” and “to think.”

In religious contexts, a dogma is a core teaching formally proclaimed by a religious body and binding on its adherents. It stands in contrast to doctrines, which are the broader system of beliefs that may be interpreted or revised. Dogma is typically associated with definitive statements that define the identity or beliefs of a faith community.

Examples include Catholic Christian dogmas such as the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption of Mary, declared by church authorities. Some traditions distinguish between dogma (infallible truths) and doctrine (teaching that can be debated or developed). The precise use of the term varies among religious groups and historical periods.

Outside religion, “dogma” can describe any belief held as indisputable by a group, often with a pejorative sense when it suppresses critical inquiry. In politics or philosophy, dogmatic positions may foreclose discussion; in science, critiques of “dogma” usually refer to entrenched theories that resist new evidence, though this use is controversial and debated.

Because dogma emphasizes authority and certainty, its social role can promote cohesion and identity but may hinder reform and dialogue. The term is frequently used in discussions about tolerance, relativism, and the balance between faith, reason, and evidence.