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WHY DO CATHOLICS...? ARCHIVE
The following question was answered as a part of our Why Do Catholics...? series. If you would like to submit a question for our Why Do Catholics...? series, email faithform@abecket.org or leave your question in the Faith Formation box in the Parish Office.

Why do Catholics have both dogmas and doctrines? What is the difference?

Understanding the difference will explain why we have both. First, let me say that all dogmas are doctrines, but not all doctrines are dogmas. Explaining the difference will clarify that statement. For the Catholic Church the revelation of God is contained in both Scripture and Tradition (this is supported in the Vatican II document, Constitution on Divine Revelation) and so our teachings flow from both. Doctrines encompass those beliefs that are contained in the Scriptures and reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some examples include the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, life after death, the Second Coming. They had to be thought out, lived and experienced and developed over centuries. Doctrines are developed with sensitivity to cultures and eras. Their fidelity to the message of Christ must be preserved, but the teachings are refined over time. Cardinal John Newman thought of doctrine as a journey on a single road. A belief is clarified in one century and built upon and enriched the next.

Dogma is a doctrine solemnly defined by the Church as a teaching of divine revelation. While not explicitly found in the Scriptures, it is a truth that is never in conflict with, but supported by Scripture. The teachings of the Church on the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption of Mary, on purgatory are good examples.

Doctrines and Dogmas are the infallible teachings of faith in the Church because the Church believes that the Holy Spirit has been her guide in their formation. Because Catholics believe in continued inspiration and guidance by the Holy Spirit, the Church maintains that the same Spirit safeguards the Church’s teachings on the issues of both faith and morals.

Laura Broyles, Adult Faith Formation Director
laura.broyles@abecket.org

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