Dogma
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Dogma in the Bible?
In the New Testament, the term 'dogma' refers to Roman laws, religious ordinances, and the decrees issued by the Council of Jerusalem. By the second century, the usage evolved to designate formal theological doctrines.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the shift from 'dogma' as civil or conciliar regulation to formal theological doctrine helps readers distinguish between external mandates and internal spiritual teachings in biblical narratives, clarifying the development of early Christian orthodoxy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Dogma. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Dogma in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dogma clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Dogma." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dogma/