Is Dogma Unreasonable?

The word dogma is generally associated with religious or philosophical communities, but in essence, it simply refers to delineating tenets or core principles. Dogma is an important tool for a community that desires structural stability. In fact, dogma seems necessary in order to construct an orderly, coherent system that is capable of providing a basis of inclusion/exclusion for the community. For instance, as a religious tradition aims to continue with consistency and strength from generation to generation, dogma provides a point of reference, a framework through which certainty can provide emotional and intellectual comfort to adherents. This comfort in certainty satisfies a variety of perceived needs and also fosters loyalty to leaders as well as companionship among fellow followers.

So, what does an outsider mean if he argues that religious adherents are not being reasonable in holding to dogma? It has been said that secularists believe dogma is the antithesis of reason. But I think this is an unhelpful simplification. I doubt secularists view dogma as being absurd in the same way they would view belief that pink and purple unicorns deliver presents to little children on Columbus Day. I think it is more likely that opponents to dogma can assent to the usefulness of it and even the logical necessity of dogma for some communal purposes (while they would likely question any purpose necessitating such a thing).

While dogma may not be unreasonable in every sense, the opposition may still have a legitimate point. One red flag of religious dogma for fans of critical thinking is that there is a sense of commitment to a set of tenets, a commitment which can discourage thoughtful consideration of alternate viewpoints. In other words, dogma can encourage devotion and certainty on points where opponents argue that rational thinking does not justify either. The commitment to uphold and defend a set of beliefs may cause stubborn resolution while critics argue that humble uncertainty is in order.

So obviously, the certainty of religious dogma rankles some people. The challenge for traditionalists relating to theistic faith is to carefully categorize matters of faith vs. matters of fact. The challenge for critical thinkers is to find ways to present the appeal of uncertainty without condescension toward dogmatic devotees of faith.