Dogma

Definition

Dogma refers to a set of established beliefs or doctrines held by a particular group, often without question or doubt. In many contexts, especially religious ones, dogma serves as a foundational principle that guides the beliefs and practices of its followers. Dogmas can be rigid and are often seen as inflexible, making it challenging for individuals within those groups to express differing opinions or beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of New Atheism, dogma is often critiqued for being a source of irrationality and conflict, as it demands unquestioning adherence from its followers.
2. New Atheists argue that dogma can lead to harmful behaviors and ideologies, particularly when it comes to social issues like science education and morality.
3. The critique of dogma is central to New Atheism's stance against organized religion, which they view as perpetuating outdated and detrimental ideas.
4. Prominent New Atheist thinkers encourage skepticism and inquiry over accepting dogmatic beliefs, promoting a more questioning approach to understanding the world.
5. Dogma is frequently contrasted with secular humanism in New Atheist discourse, where the latter emphasizes reason and evidence over unchallenged belief systems.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of dogma relate to the criticisms raised by New Atheists regarding organized religion?
  • New Atheists criticize dogma as a limiting factor that hinders rational thought and leads to conflict. They argue that strict adherence to dogmatic beliefs can result in harmful actions and outdated moral views. This criticism positions dogma as an obstacle to progress, promoting the idea that questioning and skepticism should replace rigid belief systems in understanding the world.
• Discuss how dogma contributes to the tension between scientific inquiry and religious belief as highlighted by New Atheist thinkers.
  • Dogma creates a significant tension between scientific inquiry and religious belief because it often demands unquestioning acceptance of certain truths that can conflict with scientific evidence. New Atheists emphasize that adherence to dogmatic principles can result in the rejection of scientific discoveries, particularly in areas like evolution and climate change. This clash raises important questions about the compatibility of faith-based beliefs with empirical understanding.
• Evaluate the role of dogma in shaping moral perspectives within religious groups versus secular humanist viewpoints advocated by New Atheists.
  • Dogma plays a crucial role in shaping moral perspectives within religious groups by providing definitive guidelines on right and wrong, often based on ancient texts or traditions. In contrast, secular humanist viewpoints advocated by New Atheists prioritize reason, empathy, and evidence-based ethics, allowing for more flexibility in moral reasoning. This evaluation highlights the fundamental differences in how moral frameworks are constructed, showing that while dogmatic beliefs may offer certainty, they can also limit moral growth and adaptation to new knowledge.

Related terms

Doctrine: A doctrine is a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a religious, political, or other group, which may not carry the same weight of authority as dogma.

Heresy:

Heresy refers to beliefs or opinions that deviate from established dogmas, often leading to rejection or punishment by the authority of the group.

Fundamentalism: Fundamentalism is a strict adherence to specific dogmas and doctrines, often rejecting modern interpretations or understandings of those beliefs.