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
Famous quotes containing the words fundamental and/or articles:
“Our species successfully raised children for tens of thousands of years before the first person wrote down the word “psychology.” The fundamental skills needed to be a parent are within us. All we’re really doing is fine-tuning a process that’s already remarkably successful.”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)
“How many things served us but yesterday as articles of faith, which today we deem but fables?”
—Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)