Before embarking on this complex, but rather interesting topic, we first need to understand what dogma is. This word from the ancient Greek language means “decision”, “opinion” or “decree”. Basically, the term “dogma” is mainly used in Christianity, it means something unchanging and unquestioned, it is defined and approved by the Church and is not subject to any criticism and doubt. Dogma refers to theological, revealed truth, which contains the doctrine of God and His economy.
What is dogma
Christian dogmas are considered and established at Ecumenical Councils (meetings of the higher clergy), of which there were only seven in more than two thousand years. Conscious departure, another interpretation or rejection of dogma is called heresy, which often became the cause of religious conflicts. Dogmatic teachings include disciplines such as the Law of God and the Catechism. They contain the basic religious dogmas, which we will talk about a little later.
Dogmas were established in apostolic times, Christ revealed to people all the necessary creeds for the salvation of the human soul. Dogmas cannot arise suddenly and be innovations. Divine teaching is not as theoretical as practical, and therefore incomprehensible to the mind, not cleansed of sinful passions.
Dogma of Christianity
As already mentioned above, the dogmatic base of Christianity was formed in the era of Ecumenical Councils as a response to the spread of all kinds of heretical movements, especially in the III-IV centuries. Each established dogma set a barrier, cut off false understandings and directions of heretical teachings.
Continuing the theme of “What is dogma?”, It should be noted that the essence of all divine teachings was already contained in the Holy Scriptures, and at first there was no need to build them into the framework of the dogmatic system. But then the human mind nevertheless showed a need for an understandable and logical interpretation of a dogma that was not yet dogmatically formalized and in some places difficult to perceive. In the first centuries of the emergence of Christianity, this led to the creation of philosophical and theological schools.
The emergence of schools and books
Two of them stood out mainly: Alexandria and Antioch. It was in them that the first heresies began to arise. In order to detect, and then eradicate, Ecumenical Councils were convened at which heretical statements were denounced and the doctrinal truths of Christian Revelation were established in the form of short definitions.
Time passed, and already in the 4th century St. Cyril of Jerusalem created the “Catechetical Precept”, where he revealed the true meaning of the Creed and the main sacraments of the Christian Church.
Literally after a while, the "Great Announcement Word" was published by St. Gregory of Nyssa, which set out the important experience of his dogmatic research.
By the 5th century, the bishop and theologian Theodorite of Cyrus had compiled a study guide entitled “The Reduction of Divine Dogmas”. Around the same time, in the West, Blessed Augustine wrote a book, A Guide for Laurence, which very much resembles the Catechism.
Experience
However, one of the best works of the 1st millennium is considered to be the treatise "Source of Knowledge" by John Damaskin, especially the third part of this textbook entitled "Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith."
In the IV century, the Eastern Fathers of the Church began to name dogmas not all the truths contained in Revelation, but only those that belong to the field of faith. Thus, sv. Gregory of Nyssa divided his theological doctrine into exact dogmas and moral part. However, the gospel is not a collection of moralistic prescriptions. Even the highest morality does not give strength to fulfill its requirements. Only with the help of the grace of God can a person become truly spiritually and morally better and begin to do good. “Without Me you cannot do anything,” Christ said.
Dogmas of the Orthodox Christian Faith
The main dogma of Orthodoxy is reduced to the veneration of the One Trinity: God the Father - the Mind, God the Son - the Word and God the Holy Spirit - the Spirit. And the Doubles: Jesus Christ God and man. The Holy Fathers teach this , the main religious dogmas for which are the law, not subject to any doubt. There are twelve in all.
The dogmas of the religion of Orthodox Christianity:
- About the Holy Trinity.
- About the fall.
- About the Atonement of mankind from sin.
- About the Incarnation of Christ.
- About the Resurrection of Christ.
- About the Ascension of Christ.
- About the Second Coming of the Savior and the Last Judgment.
- On the unity, collegiality and continuity of the doctrine and priesthood in it.
- About the general resurrection of people and future life.
- On the two natures of Christ.
- About two wills and actions in Christ.
- About icon veneration.
Conclusion
The simplest manifestation of faith is prayer, and even the shortest and simplest it involves a dogmatic content. Deep and cordial trust in the Lord is guarded by dogmas, as wine is guarded by the walls of the cup. And if you think that the cup is not wine yet and its walls are something superfluous, then you can immediately be left without wine.
Perhaps now in the question of what dogma is, there will be no difficulty. However, the main thing is to learn what the Lord requires of every person: "reject yourself, take your cross and follow Me." Where "reject yourself" means "renounce your sinfulness and your" I "." A person can achieve this if, in the name of Christ, he begins to crucify sin in himself and around him, dies for sin and death, to come to life for his sinless Savior and enter the Kingdom of Heaven.