A dogma is a fundamental point of the faith, which cannot vary without serious consequences. Doctrine is the whole of what we believe and teach about God: it flows from dogma, but it allows for differences of interpretation and application. Distinguishing the two helps us stand firm on what is essential without becoming sectarian.
Dogma, the non-negotiable heart
The word comes from the Greek dogma, “opinion, conviction”. In theology, it refers to a truth held to be absolute. The heart of the faith is the kerygma, the basic proclamation of the Gospel, found for example in Peter’s speech in Acts 2:14-41 or Paul’s in Acts 13:16-41.
The traditions do not use the word in the same way. The Protestant theologian André Gounelle notes that Catholicism has defined many dogmas, whereas Protestantism in principle considers all its teachings open to revision in the light of Scripture. The Trinity is thus a dogma for the Catholic Church; many Protestants hold it to be the right explanation of the biblical message, while classing it among the doctrines.
Beware of the word “dogmatism”: it describes the attitude of someone who refuses any discussion. Having firm convictions does not mean closing the door to dialogue.
Doctrine, the keel of the boat
“Doctrine” comes from the Latin docere, “to teach”. David Petts compares it to the keel of a sailing boat: the wind of the Spirit drives the boat, but without a keel it capsizes. The first believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). All good doctrine should lead to lived experience, but a personal experience is not enough to establish a doctrine for everyone.
Why the distinction matters
Some differences between Churches are of little consequence, such as whether the days of creation were twenty-four-hour days or long periods. Others carry more weight. The danger is twofold: taking a doctrine for a dogma, and dividing the Church over secondary points, or treating a dogma as a mere opinion. Like the Jews of Berea, who examined “the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11), Christians are invited to test everything in the light of the Bible.