Doctrinalism

Doctrinalism is a rigid adherence to a specific set of doctrines or beliefs, often to the exclusion of alternative viewpoints or critical thinking. It emphasizes strict interpretation and application of established dogma, frequently within religious, political, or philosophical contexts. This can manifest as an unwavering commitment to a particular ideology, even when faced with contradictory evidence, a tendency to impose one's beliefs on others, and a resistance to change or intellectual flexibility. It often prioritizes faith in the 'truth' of a doctrine over experience and empirical reality, leading to a limited and sometimes, counterproductive approach to complex situations.

Doctrinalism meaning with examples

• The church's rigid doctrinalism on social issues led to alienation of many young members. Its unyielding stance on gender roles and sexual orientation created conflict and limited outreach, ultimately damaging the church's relevance. The leadership resisted any modernization or progressive movement, adhering strictly to the ancient texts, leading to the decline in followers.
• The political party's doctrinalism on free-market capitalism was evident in their consistent opposition to government intervention, even during economic downturns. They dismissed alternative economic models, believing that only their prescribed policies would lead to prosperity, regardless of the cost. This narrow approach often hampered creative strategies.
• In the field of education, a doctrinalism approach to teaching, emphasizing rote memorization and adherence to a fixed curriculum, stifled students' critical thinking. The teachers enforced rules rigidly and did not allow for exploring varied perspectives, diminishing the students' interest in the subjects that should be fun, engaging, and encourage the student to think.
• His philosophical doctrinalism blinded him to the nuances of human experience. He refused to acknowledge complexities that did not fit within his rigid theoretical framework. He remained unmoved by the arguments, because of his strict adherence to his ideas on a metaphysical plane, that could be considered isolated from real life events.
• The company’s doctrinalism on marketing strategies hindered their adaptation to changing consumer behaviors, leading to decreased market share. Their insistence on traditional advertising methods, in the face of emerging digital platforms, proved short-sighted, and they were slow to adapt to digital transformation.