Although Most of the following doctrines have an element of truth, those doctrines were not taught by Jesus or His Apostles!
It is my belief that the Scriptures are the only source of Authoritative Truth, and contain the only doctrines that believers should believe and teach.
It's important to note that different religious traditions place emphasis on different doctrinal terms.
Below is a brief list of non-scriptural doctrines. There are many more doctrines that have developed over the centuries.
Note: The following list is in alphabetical order rather than chronological .
Arianism, 4th century!
Arianism, associated with Arius, denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ.
The Council of Nicaea 325 AD condemned Arianism as heretical.
Arminianism, 17th century!
Named after Jacob Arminius, Arminianism is a theological perspective that affirms human free will and rejects the idea of unconditional predestination.
Assumption of Mary, 1950!
The Assumption of Mary, which asserts that Mary was taken up into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life, was defined as a dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950.
Augustinianism, 4th-5th century!
The teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo, particularly on issues like original sin, predestination, and grace, have had a profound influence on religious theology.
His ideas are often contrasted with those of Pelagius.
Chalcedonian Definition, 451 AD!
The Council of Chalcedon produced a statement that clarified the relationship between the divine and human natures of Christ. It affirmed that Jesus Christ is "truly God and truly man, of a rational soul and body."
Charismatic Renewal, 20th century!
The Charismatic Renewal is a movement within various religious denominations that emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and healing.
Hedonism, contemporary
Coined by John Piper, religious Hedonism argues that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
It encourages the pursuit of joy and satisfaction in God as a central part of the religious life.
Communion of the Saints, mid 4th century!
This doctrine, especially emphasized in Catholic theology, acknowledges the spiritual unity of all believers, whether on Earth or in the afterlife, and the idea that saints can intercede on behalf of the living.
Covenant Theology/Reformed Theology, 1590!
Covenant theology refers to one of the basic beliefs that Calvinists have held about the Bible.
All Protestants who have remained faithful to their heritage affirm sola Scriptura, the belief that the Bible is our supreme and unquestionable authority.
However, the writings of John Calvin is what they really look to and believe.
Creationism vs. Evolution, contemporary!
The debate over the origins of life and the universe, with creationism advocating a literal interpretation of the biblical creation account, and evolution proposing a scientific explanation for the development of life.
Dispensationalism, 19th-20th centuries!
A theological system that sees God working with humanity in different "dispensations" or periods of time, each with its own set of responsibilities and expectations.
Dual Covenant Theology, contemporary!
This perspective suggests that God has two distinct covenants, one with the Jewish people and another with Christians, and that both are valid paths to salvation.
Ecumenism, 20th century!
Ecumenism is the movement towards greater unity among different religious traditions. It seeks to promote dialogue and cooperation among churches and denominations.
Environmental Theology, Contemporary!
Given concerns about climate change and environmental degradation, environmental theology explores the relationship between faith and the stewardship of the Earth.
Eschatology, Contemporary!
Eschatology is the study of the end times or last things.
It encompasses beliefs about the second coming of Christ, resurrection, judgment, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
Immaculate Conception, 1854!
The dogma of the Immaculate Conception, declaring that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin, was formally defined by Pope Pius IX in 1854.
Inclusivism and Exclusivism, Contemporary!
These terms pertain to soteriology, or the study of salvation .
Inclusivism suggests that salvation is possible through Christ but may include those who have not explicitly heard the gospel.
Exclusivism holds that salvation is exclusively through faith in Christ.
Justification by Faith Alone, 16th century!
A central tenet of the Protestant Reformation, particularly associated with Martin Luther, this doctrine emphasizes that individuals are justified and made right with God by faith alone, apart from works.
Liberation Theology, 20th century!
Emerging in the context of social justice movements, liberation theology seeks to address social and economic injustices from a religious perspective, often with a focus on the liberation of the oppressed.
Marian Dogmas, Contemporary!
In addition to the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, other Marian dogmas include Mary's perpetual virginity and her title as "Mother of God."
Missional Churchn, contemporary!
The missional church movement emphasizes that the primary purpose of the church is to participate in God's mission in the world, engaging with and addressing the needs of society.
Neo-Orthodoxy 20th century!
A movement in Protestant theology, particularly associated with theologians like Karl Barth, emphasizing the transcendence of God and the importance of encountering God through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Nicene Creed, 325 AD!
The Nicene Creed was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. It addresses the nature of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. The creed is an important statement of religious orthodoxy.
Open Theism, late 20th century!
Open Theism is a theological perspective that suggests that God's knowledge of the future is not exhaustive and that the future is, to some extent, open and undetermined.
Ordinances vs. Sacraments, Contemporary!
Different religious traditions use different terminology to describe rituals such as baptism and communion.
Some use the term "ordinances" to emphasize their symbolic nature, while others use "sacraments" to highlight their efficacy as means of grace.
Papal Infallibility, 1870!
The doctrine of papal infallibility, asserting that the Pope is preserved from error when speaking ex cathedra on matters of faith and morals, was defined at the First Vatican Council in 1870.
Pelagianism, 5th century!
Associated with the British monk Pelagius, Pelagianism is a theological position that emphasizes human free will and denies the concept of original sin.
It was condemned as heretical by various councils.
Pentecostalism, early 20th century!
Pentecostalism emphasizes the experience of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues and other charismatic gifts, as a central aspect of religious life.
Pneumatology, Contemporary!
Pneumatology is the branch of theology that studies the Holy Spirit, examining His nature, role, and work in the life of believers and the church.
Postmodern Theology, late 20th century!
Postmodern theology engages with the philosophical movement of postmodernism, challenging traditional notions of objective truth and exploring the subjective and contextual nature of religious beliefs.
Preterism, Contemporary!
Preterism interprets certain biblical prophecies, particularly those in the book of Revelation, as already fulfilled in the past, often in the events surrounding the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD.
Process Theology, 20th century!
Process theology, associated with thinkers like Alfred North Whitehead, emphasizes the dynamic nature of God and the idea that God is constantly in the process of becoming.
Scholasticism, 11th-17th centuries!
Scholastic theology emerged in the medieval period, characterized by a systematic approach to theology that often involved the use of philosophy, particularly Aristotelian philosophy, to explore and explain religious doctrine.
Transubstantiation, Middle Ages!
The concept of transubstantiation became a key element in the Roman Catholic understanding of the Eucharist.
It asserts that, during the Mass, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ while retaining the appearance of bread and wine.
Universal Reconciliation Apocatastasis, 20th century!
This is the belief that eventually, all beings will be reconciled to God, and none will be eternally separated from Him. This is in contrast to the traditional concept of eternal damnation.