Evangelicals: When objecting to Catholicism, how do you define "dogma"?

Question

Some of the questions posted that put Catholics and Evangelicals at odds -- the ones with the main point being "Catholics aren't really Christians", either overtly or up-front -- elicit amens asserting that Evangelicals don't have "all that dogma", implying that's reason of itself to label Catholics non-Christian, un-Christian, or at the very limits of charity "maybe some of them are ...".

"Dogma" is simply defined as a body of beliefs. Presumably Evangelicals have dogmas, otherwise it would be difficult to articulate their common faith and from what I see that's not a problem. Is "all that dogma" just a shorthand way of saying there are particular points of Catholic dogma you take issue with (which I understand, as a convert to Catholicism), or do you truly believe there's no dogma in your own faith? Without a body of beliefs, a creed if you will (formal or not), wouldn't everybody just be winging it?

No disrespect or offense intended, just looking to clarify terminology.

Good responses so far. Thanks to Schneb for the definition of hermaneutics.

Anna, dear: I don't know who told you Catholics believe all non-Catholics are going to hell, but they were wrong. If you want backup for that, e-mail me.

Answer 1

Evangelicals try to imply that "dogma" is that which is over and above the Bible.

The doctrine of "Bible only" is a dogma. "Total depravity" is a dogma. The "Trinity" itself is dogma, even by their definition of the word for while the Trinity is implied in the Bible, the word is not used, and the concept is not fully articulated.

Those who claim that the Catholics are dogmatic are typically at least as dogmatic as those they are trying to impugn.

Answer 2

Any organized religion has its own dogmas: i.e., a set of codified beliefs approved by that particular denomination.

(American Heritage Dictionary definition)

NOUN:

pl. dog·mas or dog·ma·ta (-m-t) KEY
A doctrine or a corpus of doctrines relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative manner by a church.

Protestant churches claim that their doctrine is "Sola Scriptura," that is, based on Scripture alone. Catholicism acknowledges that we base our beliefs on both Scripture and tradition. On the surface, it would appear that the Protestant churches have the high moral ground.

However, the fact is that Protestant churches rely heavily on tradition. . .and Catholic tradition, at that. They have no trouble saying the Apostles Creed, for example -- a doctrinal statement and tradition that dates no later than the 5th Century and long before the advent of the Protestant Church. Many of their worship services are similar to the Mass, and they often sing songs such as "Be Thou My Vision," which is an Irish Catholic hymn.

So far from not basing doctrine and practices on anything but Scripture, they have borrowed heavily from Catholic tradition and liturgical practices. They are "cafeteria Christians" who want to pick and choose the doctrines and traditions that please them, as opposed to being obedient to an entire body of teachings. "I'll have some Apostles Creed and a helping of hymns, but forget the rest of that stuff."

That is the primary difference and problem between Protestants and Catholics in terms of dogma and tradition.

Answer 3

well put question and welcome to the fullness of truth(not trying to get at anyone,say we are better or to offend anyone...). "dogma" is pretty much explained in the way you have already stated. however when you put "dogma" and catholic together the majority of protestants become defensive or on guard. this saddens me but with so much anti Catholicism and misconceptions stemming from anti catholic sources i am hardly surprised. i wish protestants would start turning to catholic or impartial sources regarding the areas of misconception, notably the saints,blessed Mary,call no man father,the papacy etc...... this i think would bring more tolerance and acceptance,likely even more converts but at least tolerance. it seems that most protestant denominations have a hierarchy of some sorts yet are skeptical of the pope,bishops.......sadly terminology plays to much into the divisions we have when it isn't really necessary.

Answer 4

Dogma is the "beliefs" of the Catholic Church.

Many of the beliefs are considered pagan by non-Catholics.

These are:
Limbo/Purgatory - (The Pope is working to get rid of this one.)

Transubstantiation - (the bread and wine literally become Christ's Body and Blood and is not just symbolical)

Crucifix vs cross vs nothing (This is a big deal particularly to the Christians that use nothing because it seems a gruesome and horrible thing and that Christ is no longer on the pole/cross he is risen)

Holy Water (a practice adopted from a pagan ritual)

Mary (another pagan practice adopted when absorbing worshipers of Venus/Ceres) and stands opposed to going directly through Jesus to the Father.

From Scripture/By Scripture (all reproof and teaching is from the bible, Catholic Church teaches tradition is as binding as the bible)

Pope (Pope is vicar or ruler in Christ's place. Christians believe Christ rules alone and they do not need a man as ruler)

There are many many more but this is already long.

Peace -C

Answer 5

Protestant's think of "Dogma" as something bad. Believe me I used to be one! They fail to recognize the authority Christ gave the Church. This authority determines, through the aid of the Holy Spirit, dogma. Which is, as Pope Benedict defined it, ". . . nothing other then the interpretation of scripture."

Answer 6

Evangelicals use the Bible and hermeneutics* to define their doctrine. Catholics go by the dictates of men, such as the Pope. This is where we have to part ways.


*A method of coming up with core beliefs. That is, if Jesus talked about it, they did it in Acts, and it was taught in the letters, then that would be a core doctrinal teaching.

Answer 7

Princeton defines it as: "a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof."

Basically, there are teachings in the Catholic tradition that do not come from the Bible. They are legalistic teachings, meant to establish rules because the church does not believe man is honest enough to follow the right path given his own free will.

My church's (non-denominational) teaching adheres strictly to what's in the Bible. We are on the honor system to follow what it says. Our confession of believing Christ to be our savior is the only thing we need. No special classes to be allowed to take communion, no baby baptisms to guarantee a ticket to heaven, basically, nothing that's not in the Bible.

Answer 8

it's the practices....such as Sacraments, salvation by works, scapula, the rosary, statues, confession to a priest, calling priests "father", etc that make Catholicism objectionable.

Also, if you are Catholic, you have to believe that EVERYONE who is NOT Catholic is going to Hell. If you do not believe that, than you are not Catholic. The bible says we are saved by grace thru faith in Jesus death and resurrection for forgiveness of sins. Are you going to believe the Bible or the Pope?

Answer 9

"dogma” means “a doctrine or body of doctrines formally and authoritatively affirmed.” basically dogmatic theology refers to the official or “dogmatic” theology as recognized by an organized church body. (such as the roman catholic church, dutch reformed church, etc.)

Answer 10

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