Unchanging Truth in a Changing World
Understanding our Christian Belief is aided by dogmatics. Im portant facts covered, including the identities of God and Jesus, The meaning of salvation, the proper way for us to behave as God's people. Dogmatics is for everyone who wishes to deepen their religion, not simply theologians or pastors. Studying dogmatics teaches us how to confidently follow God and hold fast to our convictions in the face of opposition from the outside world.
Originating from the Greek term Dokein, which means "to seem" or "to appear to someone", the word dogma was originally used in the Bible to refer to official decisions or governmental regulation, such as a king's law or a church leader's decision. The word is used, for instance, when Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone be counted in Luke 2:1. Paul informed the churches of the decision made by the Jerusalem elders and a postles in Acts 16:4.
Currently, however, the term "dogma" has more precise meaning in Christian Theology. It alludes to the essential realities that God made known in the Bible truths that every Christian ought to hold to. These facts remains constant. Jesus is genuinely God, as evidenced by the Bible's statement in John 1:1 that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." A fundamental aspect of our faith is our belief in Jesus' divinity. We cannot fully comprehend the gospel if we do not hold this idea.
The concept of dogma was dislike by several historcal figures, such as the philosopher Georg Willhelm Friedrich Hegel and Albrecht Benjamin Ritschl. They believed it to be overly rigid or outdated. They held that religion ought to be founded less on dogmatic doctrine and more on sentimental or individual experiences. However, this kind of thinking is risky because it considers faith as something that may be altered at any time.
Christian Theologians, such as Herman Bavinck, on the other hand, held that truth originates with God and not with human feelings or ideas. This study of God, or Theology, according to Bavinck, must be grounded in God's Word rather than in human notions, shifting emotion, or even church customs. Therefore, dogma is more than just a church doctrine. It is eternally true and is the truth of God.
The systematic and meticulous study of these significant Christian doctrines is known as dogmatics. It aids in our comprehension of the lesson found in the Bible and how everything works together. It explains and defends the realities that God has previously known in Scripture; it does now create new beliefs. The facts themselves remain constant, despite the fact that various people may have different explanations for the same events.
Many people are reluctant to discuss theology or dogma these days. Whatever feels correct them is what they would rather believe. However, this may result in misunderstandings and incorrect instruction. Dogmatics is crucial for this reason. It enables us to remain grounded in reality, deepen our faith, and boldly proclaim the gospel.