dogmatics / dogmatism
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dogmatics
A branch of Christian theology that systematically presents and interprets the doctrines (dogmas) of a church.
Im Theologiestudium befasste er sich intensiv mit der Dogmatik des Protestantismus.
In his theology studies, he dealt intensively with the dogmatics of Protestantism.
'Dogmatik' (dogmatics/dogmatism) belongs to the word family of 'das Dogma' (dogma). A dogma is a single fixed doctrine. The ending '-ik' often refers to a system or teaching, so 'Dogmatik' is the systematic teaching of dogmas.
Ein zentrales Dogma der Kirche wurde in Frage gestellt.
A central dogma of the church was called into question.
'Dogmatik' (dogmatics/dogmatism) is a word used in elevated language and mainly appears in academic, philosophical, or theological contexts. It is rare in normal everyday speech.
Seine Rede war sehr theoretisch und voller Dogmatik.
His speech was very theoretical and full of dogmatism.
You can often recognize the negative meaning from adjectives such as 'starr' (rigid), 'rein' (pure), or 'ideologisch' (ideological). When the word is used to criticize a way of thinking, this figurative meaning is almost always intended.
Wir brauchen flexible Lösungen, keine starre Dogmatik.
We need flexible solutions, not rigid dogmatism.
theology
'die Theologie' and 'die Dogmatik' both have to do with religion and faith. 'Theologie' is the broader term: it means the academic study of a religion, its texts, its history, and its faith. 'Dogmatik' is narrower and belongs to Christian theology. It deals especially with the fixed doctrines of a church. Learners may confuse the words because both occur at universities and in church contexts. When you are talking generally about the subject or field of study, 'Theologie' fits better. When you mean the systematic teaching of doctrines, 'Dogmatik' is more precise.
Im Seminar zur Dogmatik sprechen die Studierenden über zentrale Glaubenssätze der Kirche.
In the seminar on dogmatics, the students discuss central doctrines of the church.
Mein Nachbar studiert Theologie, weil ihn Religion und Geschichte interessieren.
My neighbor studies theology because he is interested in religion and history.