ETYM Latin dogma, Greek dogma, pl. dogmata, from dokein to think, seem, appear; akin to Latin decet it is becoming. Related to Decent.
A doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative.
The authoritative truths accepted by members of a particular faith. In the Roman Catholic Church the dogmas are transmitted through scripture or papal or church traditions. The teachings are believed to be handed down from the apostles and interpreted by the church fathers and canons. The Orthodox Church does not accept papal authority, while the Reformed Churches insist on scripture alone as the source of authority.