Fundamental Articles (theology)
Fundamental articles was a term employed by early Protestant theologians, who wished to distinguish some essential parts of the Christian faith from non-essential doctrines. There were then a number of reasons for establishing such a distinction. Individual churches might accept or reject parts of doctrine, without forfeiting their claim to rank as parts of the universal Church. Therefore theologians might find a dogmatic basis for union between separated churches. Also, the arguments of Catholics could be answered in a polemical way.
Catholic attacks on this concept have been based on the argument that it is incoherent.
Read more about Fundamental Articles (theology): Sixteenth Century, Knott and Potter, Calixt, Bossuet and Jurieu, Waterland, Catholic View
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