Doctrine

Doctrine. A codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a belief system. The etymological Greek analogue is “catechism.” The Bible is an example.

In addition to the Bible, which provides Christian doctrine, there are numerous other religious and philosophical texts that serve as foundational sources of doctrine for various traditions around the world. Here are some key examples:

1. **Islam**:
– **Qur’an**: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
– **Hadith**: Collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which provide guidance on Islamic practice and law.

2. **Judaism**:
– **Tanakh**: The Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah (the Law), Nevi’im (the Prophets), and Ketuvim (the Writings).
– **Talmud**: A central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah (oral laws) and Gemara (commentary on the Mishnah).

3. **Hinduism**:
– **Vedas**: Ancient scriptures that are considered the oldest and most authoritative texts in Hinduism.
– **Upanishads**: Philosophical texts that explore the nature of reality and the self.
– **Bhagavad Gita**: A key text that presents the teachings of Krishna on duty, righteousness, and devotion.

4. **Buddhism**:
– **Tripitaka (Pali Canon)**: The traditional scripture of Theravada Buddhism, consisting of three “baskets” of teachings: the Vinaya (monastic rules), the Sutta (discourses), and the Abhidhamma (philosophical and doctrinal analysis).
– **Mahayana Sutras**: Scriptures of the Mahayana tradition, which include texts like the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra.

5. **Sikhism**:
– **Guru Granth Sahib**: The central religious scripture of Sikhism, considered the eternal Guru by Sikhs. It contains hymns and writings of the Sikh Gurus.

6. **Confucianism**:
– **Analects**: A collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his disciples.
– **Five Classics and Four Books**: Canonical texts that are considered authoritative in Confucian tradition.

7. **Taoism (Daoism)**:
– **Tao Te Ching**: Attributed to Laozi, this text outlines the core principles of Taoism, focusing on the nature of the Tao (the Way) and how to live in harmony with it.
– **Zhuangzi**: A foundational text that includes philosophical explorations and parables related to Taoist thought.

8. **Indigenous and Folk Religions**:
– **Oral Traditions and Sacred Texts**: Many indigenous and folk religions rely on oral traditions, myths, legends, and specific sacred texts or symbols unique to each culture.

9. **Philosophical and Ethical Systems**:
– **Greek Philosophy**: Works by philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, which have been foundational in Western thought.
– **Existentialist and Humanist Writings**: Modern texts that explore human existence, meaning, and ethics outside traditional religious frameworks.

These sources offer a diverse range of doctrines that shape the beliefs, practices, and ethical frameworks of their respective traditions.

In addition, doctrine is used in diplomacy. The Monroe Doctrine is the best known U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere. Buried in a routine annual message delivered to Congress by President James Monroe in 1823, the doctrine warns European nations that the U.S. would not tolerate further colonization or puppet monarchs.