what is the meaning of dogma?
953059
Dogma (the plural is either dogmata or dogmas, Greek δόγμα, plural δόγματα) is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization, thought to be authoritative and not to be disputed or doubted. While in the context of religion the term is largely descriptive, outside of religion its current usage tends to carry a pejorative connotation — referring to concepts as being "established" only according to a particular point of view, and thus one of doubtful foundation.\n\nDogma in religion\n\nReligious dogmata, properly conceived, reach back to proofs other than themselves, and ultimately faith. Perhaps the pinnacle of organized exposition of theological dogma is the Summa Theologiae by Thomas Aquinas, who proposed this relationship between faith and objection: "If our opponent believes nothing of divine revelation, there is no longer any means of proving the articles of faith by reasoning, but only of answering his objections — if he has any — against faith" (I 1 8)..\n\nDogmata are found in many religions such as Christianity and Islam, 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 (e.g., Galatians 1:8-9). Rejection of dogma is considered heresy in certain religions, and may lead to expulsion from the religious group.\n\nFor most of Eastern Christianity, the dogmata are contained in the Nicene Creed and the canons of two, three, or seven ecumenical councils (depending on whether one is Nestorian, Oriental Orthodox, or Eastern Orthodox). Roman Catholics also hold as dogma the decisions of 14 later councils and two 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.\n\nIn Islam, the dogmatic principles are contained in the aqidah. Dogma is referred to as Doctrine inside many Christian religions.\n\nDespite the Buddha reportedly asking his students not to believe anything simply because it is stated in religious texts, Buddhist cultural practices often appear to embrace beliefs that appear to be dogmatic in style. Closer academic examination though reveals a more complex reality. \n\nDogma outside of religion\n\nMany 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 are upholding their beliefs in an unthinking and conformist fashion. Dogmas are thought to be anathema to science and scientific analysis, though some small groups may argue that the scientific method itself is somewhat dogmatic. 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.\n\nSince the Enlightenment, the word "dogma" has typically been used in a negative and derogatory manner, for example, when employees talk about unpopular company policies. Other examples often come from political or national statements, an example would be article 1 section 3 of the United Nations Declaration of Principles on Tolerance:\n\n1.3 Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, plu
866851
A person who is very convicted of his position.  Implies he is not open to discussion or alternate ideas or perspectives.  Example: "He is dogmatic that aliens exist".  Means he is convinced of their existence and will not listen to other opinions.
74728
The phrase Sun of Enlightenment is one (see reference below).  Look up references to the Sun-faced Buddha.  This is another solar reference.\nUnlike many religions which attempted to swallow pagan worshippers, Buddhism accepted no outside dogma or symbols except as they enhanced the concept of the Path to Enlightenment.  Many in the West have a very hard time understanding what this means.
379198
By pointing out the contradictions inherent in dogmatic religion the movie made people think about religion, as you said. That frightens clergy and religious people because when you actually think about religion, analyze the rituals, traditions, hierarchies, and socio-political structures and come to your own conclusions, you may decide that religion does not deserve your financial support. It's about the money. Spiritual practice, on the other hand, is about your relationship with a higher power. Religion tries to take that relationship and turn it into a money/ power thing by placing intermediaries between you and that higher power. "Dogma" gave folks a peek of insight into that equation and scared those who do not wish to think, only to believe.
725762
Dogma because of Loki's speech to the Nun in the Airport!  \n\nMetatron: "Were you to hear God's true voice, your mind would cave in and your heart would explode inside your chest. We went through five Adams before we figured that one out."\n\nThe entire movie is packed with religious irony and it is pure genuis!
847989
Philosophy is a way of life.  Religion is a way of death.
426277
Myths, legend, folklore, superstitions, rituals and ceremony are all precursors to religion. It's been around since the very dawning of mankind. Doctrine, dogma and cannon are all attempts by man to manipulate others through brainwashing. they invented a 'higher authority' to justify their craving for power, wealth and empire building.
1081791
I'm catholic, and I don't believe that there is only one answer for everything.\n\nAssuming you're speaking about Catholic dogma - not everything the church teaches is considered "dogma":  only those items which are utterly critical to our faith (one god, jesus is his son, etc.)\n\nwhen you get to the idea of (for example) salvation though good work vs. through faith, you're completely out of he realm of dogma, although it was one of the critical points in he early division of protestants vs. catholics.\n\nMost of the overlap between Protestants and R. Catholics is not dogma. \n\nAnd, there are other churches who are not protestant, but who aren't Roman Catholic either (specifially the Orthodox churches).
36164
Existentialist angst--man is adrift in a universe he cannot possibly account for, and yet is accountable in.  Accountable to what?  To forces beyond his control; beyond accountability.  And if that is not enough, accountable to his own conscience: "Between our own thoughts, we are accused or excused."
838281
I love Deism.  It's very logical and rejects dogma while not rejecting the possibility of a Supreme Being.
789003
Oxymoron. Religion, since it's most primitive inception has been coupled with war. So to say "Religion of peace" is either a oxymoron or just wishful thinking. No offense to anyone's religous beliefs of course.
16981
Luther. This antisemitic dogma was then used by Hitler to justify his atrocities.\n\n"For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.'"
666892
There's lots of different explainations.  The majority of them involve religion.\n\nI, personally, think that we make our own meaning.
805656
Secular Humanism.  That or Flying Spaghetti Monsterism *aka* Pastafarianism.
872463
Chaos - a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.\nReason - a basis or cause, as for some belief, action, fact, event, etc.\nScience - systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation.\nReligion - a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.\nPhilosophy - the rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct.\nArt - the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.\nEvolution - change in the gene pool of a population from generation to generation by such processes as mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift.\n\nNope. Looks like they all have different definitions to me!
311520
Seperation of church and state.  \n\nWhat a joke, eh?\n\nReligion is constitutionally supposed to have no say in politics.  Really working out for us, isn't it?
707487
THAT is the irony of it all... the SAME GOD is being expressed by three different names and being taught using three different sets of dogmas.\n\nAnd, as a result, the same struggle continues after thousands of years!\n\nPeace be with you.