Christian dogma com

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Another way to say Christian Dogma? Synonyms for Christian Dogma (other words and phrases for Christian Dogma). Another way to say Christian Dogma? Synonyms for Christian Dogma (other words and phrases for Christian Dogma).

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CHRISTIAN DOGMA - m.gutenberg.org

What does it mean to be dogmatic? What is meant by the term Christian dogma? Is it good to be dogmatic?What is Dogma?Dogma is a set of codes, beliefs, and principles which are held to be necessarily true and cannot or will not change. For example, there are dogmas of science and religion which are objectively true. A dogma of science is that the sun is presently hot or that the sun is using energy. A dogma of religion held by Christians is that God cannot lie, that He is eternal, that He has always existed and that He is also sinless and holy. That is a dogma that is objectively true and is unchangeable. Christians believe that the Bible is true, that the Word of God is a set of authoritative teachings concerning the nature of God, and that God is the true Author of Scripture even though He used human writers (2 Tim 3:16).Generally, dogmas are not challenged since they have attained a status of broad acceptance, like the dogma of the sun being presently hot. For Christians, the fact that God cannot lie is something that cannot be challenged by human reasoning and is considered a Christian Dogma. If a Christian does challenge this truth, then that person is considered to be in a state of apostasy because what they are claiming is something that is heresy because the Bible states that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Romans 3:4). This dogma will never change with time or be affected by circumstances or human activity. Two plus two will always be four and will always be true. This is objectively true and what we can call a mathematical dogma.A Christian should be dogmatic when it comes to what the Bible clearly reveals but they cannot be dogmatic in

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What is Christian Dogma? Should Christians Be

January 18, 2025 8 minute read see also comments ↑ The term “dogma” originates from the Hellenistic philosophical tradition, where it denoted a central tenet or principle held to be authoritative within a given school of thought, such as Stoicism or Epicureanism. In these contexts, dogma referred to reasoned conclusions about nature, ethics, or metaphysics, rooted in dialogue and philosophical inquiry. However, as Christianity adopted and adapted the term, it evolved into a rigid tool of religious authority.The first Vatican Council, held in Saint Peter’s Basilica during the papacy of Pius IX in 1869. From a book on Pope Pius IX, 1873. Councils like this one were instrumental in defining and enforcing orthodox dogma within the Catholic Church. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain)The Catholic Church’s eventual consolidation of dogma became a means of asserting control over doctrine and community, often with profound and destructive consequences. From the early ecumenical councils to the Middle Ages and beyond, dogma was transformed into a weapon for enforcing orthodoxy and justifying persecution. In this post, we take a closer look at the transition of dogma from its Hellenistic origins to its use in the Catholic Church, focusing on its role in shaping Christian orthodoxy and its impact on religious practice and social dynamics.Dogma in Hellenistic thought: A foundation of inquiryIn Hellenistic philosophy, dogma was not inherently rigid or oppressive. It represented the essential teachings or positions of a philosophical school, developed through reason, debate, and observation. For example, Stoicism emphasized dogmas about living in harmony with nature, rationality, and the inevitability of fate (see, e.g., oikeiosis). These dogmas were practical guidelines for ethical living. Epicureanism upheld dogmas about the nature of pleasure, the gods’ detachment from human affairs, and the pursuit of ataraxia (tranquility). Crucially, dogma in this context was not imposed by an external authority but embraced through personal conviction and rational agreement. While dogma served as a unifying principle for these schools, it was always open to critique and refinement within the intellectual framework of the time.The transformation of dogma in early ChristianityAs Christianity emerged and spread throughout the Roman Empire, it began to integrate aspects of Hellenistic philosophy into its theological framework. The adoption of the concept of dogma marked a significant shift from philosophical inquiry to authoritative decree.The role of ecumenical councilsFrom the 4th century CE onwards, Christian leaders convened ecumenical councils to define and enforce orthodox dogma. The Councils of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), and Chalcedon (451) were pivotal in codifying doctrines such as the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature. These dogmas were no longer subjects of open inquiry but declarations of absolute truth. Dissenters, including Arian Christians, Nestorians, and Monophysites, were labeled heretics and subjected to persecution.This shift transformed dogma from a shared framework for exploring truth into a tool for enforcing unity and suppressing dissent, paving the way for authoritarian structures within the Church.As the Church authorities consolidated power during the Middle Ages, dogma became a central instrument for maintaining ecclesiastical control. The Church wielded dogmatic

What is Christian Dogma? - Plain and Simple Christianity

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History of Christian Dogma : by Ferdinand Christian Baur

Of resistance to dogmatic enforcementWhile the institutional Church often wielded dogma as a tool of control, there were individuals and movements within Christianity that resisted its rigidity and emphasized personal spirituality, inclusivity, and critical engagement with faith. These acts of resistance highlight an enduring tension between institutional authority and alternative approaches to faith and theology.The mystics: Beyond dogma into direct experienceChristian mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and Teresa of Ávila represent a profound challenge to dogmatic rigidity. Their writings and practices emphasized a direct, personal encounter with the divine, often bypassing the need for intermediaries or institutional structures. Meister Eckhart, for instance, advocated for the realization of the divine within each individual, a perspective that clashed with the hierarchical and externalized teachings of the Church. His ideas drew accusations of heresy, illustrating the Church’s discomfort with spiritual perspectives that threatened its dogmatic control.The Protestant Reformation: A revolt against centralized dogmaThe Protestant Reformation of the 16th century is one of the most significant examples of resistance to dogmatic enforcement. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli rejected the authority of the Catholic Church to define and enforce doctrine, particularly on matters like indulgences, salvation, and access to scripture. Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into vernacular languages empowered laypeople to engage with scripture directly, bypassing the Church’s monopoly on theological interpretation. Although the Reformation led to the establishment of new forms of dogma within Protestantism, it significantly fractured the Church’s ability to impose a singular orthodoxy.Heretical movements and free thinkersThroughout history, many so-called heretical movements resisted dogmatic authority. The Cathars, for example, rejected the materialism and corruption they perceived in the Catholic Church, advocating for a return to simplicity and spiritual purity. Similarly, thinkers like Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei challenged dogmatic interpretations of scripture that conflicted with scientific discoveries, facing persecution but paving the way for a broader acceptance of reason and inquiry within Christian thought.Liberation theology: A modern challenge to orthodoxyIn the 20th century, liberation theology emerged as a resistance movement against traditional dogmatic structures, particularly in Latin America. Figures like Gustavo Gutiérrez called for a reinterpretation of Christian doctrine to focus on the plight of the poor and oppressed, emphasizing praxis over dogmatic adherence. This movement directly challenged the hierarchical Church’s complicity with political and economic systems of oppression, arguing for a faith rooted in justice, equality, and active social engagement.ConclusionThe evolution of dogma from a Hellenistic tool of inquiry to a mechanism of control within the Church authorities underscores the complex interplay between religion and power. While dogma provided a framework for theological cohesion, its instrumentalization enabled centuries of persecution, violence, and ideological incitement. The tension between dogmatic orthodoxy and the teachings of Jesus highlights the enduring struggle between institutional authority and spiritual authenticity within Christianity. I think, that understanding the historical development of dogma is essential for critically engaging with the complexities of religious tradition and its impact on society.References and further reading Bart D. Ehrman, The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture:

History of Christian Dogma: by Ferdinand Christian Baur

There to say?”At the risk of grave oversimplification the book is based on the non-linear worldview most often associated with the Taoist concept of yin and yang. In this case, however, yin and yang become order and chaos, and the spiritual foundation is not Eastern philosophy but the stories of the Judeo-Christian Bible, offered liberally but in a non-dogmatic context. The key to this worldview is not what you call the two opposing forces as much as it is the realization that knowledge, consciousness (Dr. Peterson’s preferred description), harmony, virtue, and enlightenment are all found along the border between the two. And that this is a border that is in constant evolution.At another level, Dr. Petersen is a Pyrrhonist, although he never uses that term or makes any allusion to the famous philosopher who traveled with the armies of Alexander the Great into India. A Pyrrhonist rejects all dogma because while dogma states a belief (or law or regulation), it concurrently states a non-belief. Which is why laws inevitably have loopholes, rules always have exceptions, and language is often an inadequate convention with which to convey ideas.At the heart of Taoism, Pyrrhonism, and, indeed, this book, is the recognition that everything in life and the universe is a dichotomy. There is a pro to every con. There are two sides to every coin, perspective, story, etc. Which is why every dogmatic argument, as Petersen argues throughout, contains internal contradictions. They are the inevitable byproduct of every dichotomy.The dogma that he rejects most forcefully is ideology, particularly of the socio-political variety. He rejects all ideology, but particularly relativism (including feminism and environmentalism—the ideology not the objective), and the blind ideology of both the liberal/progressive left and the Tea Party/libertarian right. And what he dislikes most about both ideologies is the finality

What is Christian Dogma? Should Christians Be Dogmatic?

Authority to dictate not only theological beliefs but also social and moral norms. This instrumentalization had far-reaching consequences, particularly in the justification of persecution and violence.Fanatical pogroms and anti-semitismThe Church’s dogmatic teachings about Jews as “Christ-killers” and their alleged culpability for rejecting Jesus as the Messiah fostered centuries of systemic anti-Semitism.Augustine of Hippo argued that Jews were to be preserved as a “living witness” to their rejection of Christ, serving as proof of Christianity’s truth. This theology dehumanized Jews while justifying their subjugation.During the Crusades and later periods, Church rhetoric incited pogroms against Jewish communities in Europe, portraying them as enemies of Christendom. These massacres were framed as acts of religious purification, aligning with dogmatic imperatives.Witch hunts and the persecution of womenThe Church’s dogmatic interpretation of evil and sin extended to the demonization of women, particularly those who deviated from societal norms.For instance, the Malleus Maleficarum, published in 1487 by Heinrich Kramer, was a dogmatic treatise that fueled the witch hunts of the early modern period. This infamous treatise on witchcraft reflected and reinforced dogmatic dogmatic views of women as inherently susceptible to the devil’s influence.Another example is the Inquisition, which targeted alleged witches, often relying on fabricated confessions and supernatural accusations. Dogma provided the theological framework for these trials, portraying them as necessary to protect the community from spiritual corruption.Hatred of homosexualityThe Church’s interpretation of biblical texts, combined with its dogmatic enforcement of heteronormativity, led to widespread persecution of homosexual individuals. Rooted in the Church’s dogmatic teachings, laws against “sodomy” criminalized same-sex relationships, framing them as violations of divine order. Homosexuals were often publicly executed, with Church authorities sanctioning these acts as moral and divine justice.The ideological incitement of the faithfulThe instrumentalization of dogma extended beyond direct acts of violence to the cultivation of an ideological framework that incited the faithful to participate in or tolerate such actions: Fear of damnation: The Church used dogmatic teachings about eternal punishment to compel obedience and suppress dissent. The fear of hell reinforced loyalty to ecclesiastical authority. Us vs. them mentality: Dogma often defined outsiders — whether heretics, Jews, witches, or others — as enemies of the faith. This dualistic worldview fostered division and justified violence against perceived threats. Sanctification of violence: Crusades, holy wars, pogroms, and inquisitions were framed as acts of spiritual warfare, aligning them with the Church’s dogmatic mission. The faithful were promised absolution and divine favor for participating.Contradictions with initial Christian valuesThe dogmatic and often violent practices of the Church authorities starkly contrasted with the core teachings of Jesus, which emphasized love, compassion, and humility. The Church’s instrumentalization of dogma represents a fundamental departure from these principles: Non-violence: Jesus’ call to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) was replaced by the Church’s sanctioning of violence in the name of orthodoxy. Inclusivity: Jesus’ message of universal love and acceptance was overshadowed by the Church’s exclusionary practices and persecution of marginalized groups. Personal transformation: The emphasis on external dogmatic conformity diminished the focus on inner spiritual growth and moral action.Examples

Dogma Christian (2025) - The Witness

Some Christians just don’t get it. I get a lot a persecutions over issues and from Christians no less. One recent example was whether believers should marry non-believers. The Bible is clear that Christians should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14). I can be dogmatic about this but I cannot be dogmatic about whether a believer should live in one state or another. I cannot be clear on it because the Bible is not clear on it. Where the Bible is silent, so must I be. Where the Bible is not silent, neither can I be silent. What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right. God’s commandments don’t change, just as God doesn’t, to which we can be thankful. If you haven’t yet repented of your sins, confessed them to God, pleaded for forgiveness from God, and then trusted in Christ, then I can dogmatically state they you are headed for a fiery judgment (Rev 20:11-15) but Christ died for you and is willing to grant you eternal life if you believe in Him (John 3:16). That is Christian dogma and something to which I can most certainly be dogmatic about.Another Reading: 10 Interesting Bible Facts About JesusResources: New International Version Bible (NIV) THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide Tagged as: Answers, Christians, Dogma. Another way to say Christian Dogma? Synonyms for Christian Dogma (other words and phrases for Christian Dogma).

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What is Christian Dogma? BestDailyPrayer

And one which has been debated for many centuries. It is the question whether societies can practise a sufficient modicum of morality if they are not helped by dogmatic religion. I do not myself think that the dependence of morals upon religion is nearly as close as religious people believe it to be. I even think that some very important virtues are more likely to be found among those who reject religious dogmas than among those who accept them. I think this applies especially to the virtue of truthfulness or intellectual integrity. I mean by intellectual integrity the habit of deciding vexed questions in accordance with the evidence, or of leaving them undecided where the evidence is inconclusive. This virtue, though it is underestimated by almost all adherents of any system of dogma, is to my mind of the very greatest social importance and far more likely to benefit the world than Christianity or any other system of organised beliefs.We can see that the Peterson fallacy is at least as old as 1954. The fact that Communism and Nazism committed evils is not justification to return to religious dogma; in fact, that would just be replacing one dogmatic ideology for another.The solution is not a retreat to the Age of Faith, which was no more pleasant than living under communism; the solution is a renewal of the Enlightenment values of reason, science, humanism, and progress espoused by Russell himself.---And here are some worthwhile alternatives to 12 Rules For Life:The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom by Jonathan HaidtThe Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User's Manual by Ward FarnsworthWhy I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects by Bertrand RussellThe God Argument: The Case against Religion and for Humanism by AC Grayling191 reviews417 followersNovember 1,

The Formation of Christian Dogma. By - JSTOR

THE ROSARY - 7 OCTOBER - MEMORIALIn the 16th Century Eastern Europe had been overrun by the Moslems.The Moslems intended to continue their push and conquer the rest ofEurope and destroy the christian religion. Pope Pius V in order tosave Christendom called for a crusade. In 1571, Spain and Italyresponded by sending a fleet of 255 ships and 65,000 men under DonJohn of Austria to meet the Turkish fleet.Pope Pius V and the faithful spent the whole of the night of 6-7October 1571 in public recitation of the Rosary praying for victory.The christian forces also spent three hours on that faithful morningpraying the Rosary for victory. That morning the opposing forces meetin the Bay of Lepanto-today known as the Bay of Pathos (this is nearthe shores of Gappolli now called ANZAC Cove). The Turkish fleetconsisted of 290 ships and 88,00 men. That evening the Christian fleethad sunk 240 Turkish ships and killed over 33,000 men. The forces ofDon John of Austria crushed the Turkish fleet and put its remnants toflight.The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (also known as the Feast of Our Ladyof Victories) is celebrated on 7 October and started by Pope Pius V ingratitude for Mary's aid in the great naval victory over the Turks.The feast was extended to the Universal Church in 1716, when PrinceEugene won another important victory over the same enemy in Hungary.THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY - 21 NOVEMBERMEMORIALThis feast commemorates the presentation of the child Mary, in thetemple in Jerusalem, when she was three.Ancient writings say Joachim and Anne brought their daughter Mary to theTemple in Jerusalem so that she might be educated by the holy woman.This feast originated in Syria in the 8th Century and was extended tothe West while the popes were at Avignon in France. This feastsymbolises the Blessed Virgin's Mary consecration to the Lord.IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - 8 DECEMBER - SOLEMNITYThe Immaculate Conception is the dogma of faith stating that theBlessed Virgin was from the first instant of her conception, by asingular privilege and grace of God, preserved from all stain oforiginal sin. Not only is Our. Another way to say Christian Dogma? Synonyms for Christian Dogma (other words and phrases for Christian Dogma). Another way to say Christian Dogma? Synonyms for Christian Dogma (other words and phrases for Christian Dogma).

The Unnatural Trinity Of Christian Dogma

Quick Links First, Download A Dragon's Dogma 2 Mod Manager How To Install Dragon's Dogma 2 Mods There is plenty to love about Dragon's Dogma 2, but some have found that many of the game's features – or lack thereof – leave something to be desired. The lack of a Fast Travel system, the lack of a manageable materials system, the lack of enemy variety in the open world – all common frustrations among players that can be fixed with mods. 1:24 Related Dragon's Dogma 2: How to Find Fun Pawn IDs (& How to Use Them) Having a strong but boring Pawn isn't always the move – especially not when there are so many cool custom Dragon's Dogma 2 Pawns out there. To download and install Dragon's Dogma 2 mods, you will need to first download a mod manager, then correctly place other mod files into its directory. This guide explains how to get a DD2 mod manager up and running, how to get mods, and how to properly install DD2 mods within the example mod manager. To download and install Dragon's Dogma 2 mods, you must play the PC version of the game. First, Download A Dragon's Dogma 2 Mod Manager Before you go to install mods for Dragon's Dogma 2, consider downloading a DD2 Mod Manager. Though it's perfectly possible to install mods for games without mod managers, it can be tricky to uninstall extensive mods without completely re-installing your game. The best DD2 Mod Manager, and

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User5852

What does it mean to be dogmatic? What is meant by the term Christian dogma? Is it good to be dogmatic?What is Dogma?Dogma is a set of codes, beliefs, and principles which are held to be necessarily true and cannot or will not change. For example, there are dogmas of science and religion which are objectively true. A dogma of science is that the sun is presently hot or that the sun is using energy. A dogma of religion held by Christians is that God cannot lie, that He is eternal, that He has always existed and that He is also sinless and holy. That is a dogma that is objectively true and is unchangeable. Christians believe that the Bible is true, that the Word of God is a set of authoritative teachings concerning the nature of God, and that God is the true Author of Scripture even though He used human writers (2 Tim 3:16).Generally, dogmas are not challenged since they have attained a status of broad acceptance, like the dogma of the sun being presently hot. For Christians, the fact that God cannot lie is something that cannot be challenged by human reasoning and is considered a Christian Dogma. If a Christian does challenge this truth, then that person is considered to be in a state of apostasy because what they are claiming is something that is heresy because the Bible states that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Romans 3:4). This dogma will never change with time or be affected by circumstances or human activity. Two plus two will always be four and will always be true. This is objectively true and what we can call a mathematical dogma.A Christian should be dogmatic when it comes to what the Bible clearly reveals but they cannot be dogmatic in

2025-04-20
User1973

January 18, 2025 8 minute read see also comments ↑ The term “dogma” originates from the Hellenistic philosophical tradition, where it denoted a central tenet or principle held to be authoritative within a given school of thought, such as Stoicism or Epicureanism. In these contexts, dogma referred to reasoned conclusions about nature, ethics, or metaphysics, rooted in dialogue and philosophical inquiry. However, as Christianity adopted and adapted the term, it evolved into a rigid tool of religious authority.The first Vatican Council, held in Saint Peter’s Basilica during the papacy of Pius IX in 1869. From a book on Pope Pius IX, 1873. Councils like this one were instrumental in defining and enforcing orthodox dogma within the Catholic Church. Source: Wikimedia Commonsꜛ (license: public domain)The Catholic Church’s eventual consolidation of dogma became a means of asserting control over doctrine and community, often with profound and destructive consequences. From the early ecumenical councils to the Middle Ages and beyond, dogma was transformed into a weapon for enforcing orthodoxy and justifying persecution. In this post, we take a closer look at the transition of dogma from its Hellenistic origins to its use in the Catholic Church, focusing on its role in shaping Christian orthodoxy and its impact on religious practice and social dynamics.Dogma in Hellenistic thought: A foundation of inquiryIn Hellenistic philosophy, dogma was not inherently rigid or oppressive. It represented the essential teachings or positions of a philosophical school, developed through reason, debate, and observation. For example, Stoicism emphasized dogmas about living in harmony with nature, rationality, and the inevitability of fate (see, e.g., oikeiosis). These dogmas were practical guidelines for ethical living. Epicureanism upheld dogmas about the nature of pleasure, the gods’ detachment from human affairs, and the pursuit of ataraxia (tranquility). Crucially, dogma in this context was not imposed by an external authority but embraced through personal conviction and rational agreement. While dogma served as a unifying principle for these schools, it was always open to critique and refinement within the intellectual framework of the time.The transformation of dogma in early ChristianityAs Christianity emerged and spread throughout the Roman Empire, it began to integrate aspects of Hellenistic philosophy into its theological framework. The adoption of the concept of dogma marked a significant shift from philosophical inquiry to authoritative decree.The role of ecumenical councilsFrom the 4th century CE onwards, Christian leaders convened ecumenical councils to define and enforce orthodox dogma. The Councils of Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), and Chalcedon (451) were pivotal in codifying doctrines such as the Trinity and Christ’s dual nature. These dogmas were no longer subjects of open inquiry but declarations of absolute truth. Dissenters, including Arian Christians, Nestorians, and Monophysites, were labeled heretics and subjected to persecution.This shift transformed dogma from a shared framework for exploring truth into a tool for enforcing unity and suppressing dissent, paving the way for authoritarian structures within the Church.As the Church authorities consolidated power during the Middle Ages, dogma became a central instrument for maintaining ecclesiastical control. The Church wielded dogmatic

2025-04-19
User6308

Of resistance to dogmatic enforcementWhile the institutional Church often wielded dogma as a tool of control, there were individuals and movements within Christianity that resisted its rigidity and emphasized personal spirituality, inclusivity, and critical engagement with faith. These acts of resistance highlight an enduring tension between institutional authority and alternative approaches to faith and theology.The mystics: Beyond dogma into direct experienceChristian mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, and Teresa of Ávila represent a profound challenge to dogmatic rigidity. Their writings and practices emphasized a direct, personal encounter with the divine, often bypassing the need for intermediaries or institutional structures. Meister Eckhart, for instance, advocated for the realization of the divine within each individual, a perspective that clashed with the hierarchical and externalized teachings of the Church. His ideas drew accusations of heresy, illustrating the Church’s discomfort with spiritual perspectives that threatened its dogmatic control.The Protestant Reformation: A revolt against centralized dogmaThe Protestant Reformation of the 16th century is one of the most significant examples of resistance to dogmatic enforcement. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli rejected the authority of the Catholic Church to define and enforce doctrine, particularly on matters like indulgences, salvation, and access to scripture. Martin Luther’s translation of the Bible into vernacular languages empowered laypeople to engage with scripture directly, bypassing the Church’s monopoly on theological interpretation. Although the Reformation led to the establishment of new forms of dogma within Protestantism, it significantly fractured the Church’s ability to impose a singular orthodoxy.Heretical movements and free thinkersThroughout history, many so-called heretical movements resisted dogmatic authority. The Cathars, for example, rejected the materialism and corruption they perceived in the Catholic Church, advocating for a return to simplicity and spiritual purity. Similarly, thinkers like Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei challenged dogmatic interpretations of scripture that conflicted with scientific discoveries, facing persecution but paving the way for a broader acceptance of reason and inquiry within Christian thought.Liberation theology: A modern challenge to orthodoxyIn the 20th century, liberation theology emerged as a resistance movement against traditional dogmatic structures, particularly in Latin America. Figures like Gustavo Gutiérrez called for a reinterpretation of Christian doctrine to focus on the plight of the poor and oppressed, emphasizing praxis over dogmatic adherence. This movement directly challenged the hierarchical Church’s complicity with political and economic systems of oppression, arguing for a faith rooted in justice, equality, and active social engagement.ConclusionThe evolution of dogma from a Hellenistic tool of inquiry to a mechanism of control within the Church authorities underscores the complex interplay between religion and power. While dogma provided a framework for theological cohesion, its instrumentalization enabled centuries of persecution, violence, and ideological incitement. The tension between dogmatic orthodoxy and the teachings of Jesus highlights the enduring struggle between institutional authority and spiritual authenticity within Christianity. I think, that understanding the historical development of dogma is essential for critically engaging with the complexities of religious tradition and its impact on society.References and further reading Bart D. Ehrman, The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture:

2025-03-29
User8339

There to say?”At the risk of grave oversimplification the book is based on the non-linear worldview most often associated with the Taoist concept of yin and yang. In this case, however, yin and yang become order and chaos, and the spiritual foundation is not Eastern philosophy but the stories of the Judeo-Christian Bible, offered liberally but in a non-dogmatic context. The key to this worldview is not what you call the two opposing forces as much as it is the realization that knowledge, consciousness (Dr. Peterson’s preferred description), harmony, virtue, and enlightenment are all found along the border between the two. And that this is a border that is in constant evolution.At another level, Dr. Petersen is a Pyrrhonist, although he never uses that term or makes any allusion to the famous philosopher who traveled with the armies of Alexander the Great into India. A Pyrrhonist rejects all dogma because while dogma states a belief (or law or regulation), it concurrently states a non-belief. Which is why laws inevitably have loopholes, rules always have exceptions, and language is often an inadequate convention with which to convey ideas.At the heart of Taoism, Pyrrhonism, and, indeed, this book, is the recognition that everything in life and the universe is a dichotomy. There is a pro to every con. There are two sides to every coin, perspective, story, etc. Which is why every dogmatic argument, as Petersen argues throughout, contains internal contradictions. They are the inevitable byproduct of every dichotomy.The dogma that he rejects most forcefully is ideology, particularly of the socio-political variety. He rejects all ideology, but particularly relativism (including feminism and environmentalism—the ideology not the objective), and the blind ideology of both the liberal/progressive left and the Tea Party/libertarian right. And what he dislikes most about both ideologies is the finality

2025-04-07

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