Definition

1. Noun:
   • The written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group: A formal, codified system of beliefs and principles held and taught by a particular church or religious denomination. It represents the official, authoritative teachings considered essential to that faith.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The priest gave a sermon explaining a key point of church doctrine.
  • Debates about the interpretation of church doctrine can lead to the formation of new denominations.
  • Adherence to the core church doctrine is often a requirement for membership.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The council was convened to clarify the church doctrine on salvation.
  • Scholars study historical texts to understand the evolution of church doctrine.
  • A new member took classes to learn the fundamental church doctrine.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in accordance with church doctrine": To align with or not contradict the official teachings.
  • The bishop stated that the proposed policy was fully in accordance with church doctrine.
• "A matter of church doctrine": An issue pertaining to the formal, authoritative teachings, often implying it is non-negotiable for believers.
  • The nature of the Trinity is a central matter of church doctrine for many Christians.

Variants and Related Words

• Doctrinal (adj): Relating to a doctrine or doctrines.
  • The schism was caused by doctrinal differences.
• Doctrine (n): A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a religious, political, or other group. ("Church doctrine" is a specific type of doctrine.)
  • The doctrine of non-violence guided their actions.

Synonyms

• Dogma: A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
• Tenet: A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
• Creed: A formal statement of Christian beliefs, or a system of religious belief.

Related Phrases

• Doctrinal statement: A formal written declaration of a group's core beliefs.
  • All faculty members must sign the institution's doctrinal statement.

Noun

1. the written body of teachings of a religious group that are generally accepted by that group