Doctrine

The word doctrine simply means “things that are taught.” In one sense, doctrine “translates” Scripture and tradition into instructive formulae that serve as summaries of topics or loci of the Christian faith. Doctrines should not be confused with the realities to which they refer; they are more like maps that keep us on course, much like road signs that we trust because they have been put there by people who know the road ahead. Traditional divisions of doctrine or the loci include: revelation (both general and special); the trinity; Christology; creation and providence; theological anthropology (including the image of God and sin); objective soteriology (models of the atonement); subjective soteriology (justification, sanctification, and glorification); pneumatology (the person and work of the Holy Spirit); ecclesiology; the sacraments; and eschatology.

Several of these loci are described in further detail in subsequent categories in this Wiki on theology. Candidates for ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood should have a good understanding of the importance of doctrine, let alone particulars within each category, for the same reason that we would only trust a surgeon to operate on us who had a command of the intricacies of the human body—not that the surgeon would share with us all the knowledge that is required of her, but the knowledge is necessary for her to do her job and enables us to trust her.

Anglican doctrine is expressed in The Book of Common Prayer liturgies, but more specifically in the 39 Articles (let alone in the liturgies in the Book of Common Prayer) and in the ACNA Catechism (To Be a Christian). The candidate should be familiar with these articulations of Anglican doctrines. In addition, the historical contexts for some of these doctrines will be essential to know, and details are listed in specific areas below.

1. Introduction to Christian Theology
   1. Creeds
   2. Heresies
2. Doctrine of God
   1. Trinity
   2. Christology
3. Doctrine of Salvation
   1. Sin and Suffering
   2. Incarnation and Atonement
   3. Life in Christ
4. Doctrine of the Church
   1. Ecclesiology
   2. Sacramental Theology
   3. Theology of Mission
5. Anglican Doctrine
   1. Anglican Theological Method
   2. Thirty-Nine Articles