Discuss the various functions of doctrine in religion according to Ninian Smart by reference to Christianity and African religion.

Functions of Doctrine in a Christian and African Perspective

Doctrine , in Ninian Smart 's dimensions of religion refers to the writings and textbook knowledge that people have regarding their religion . This is exactly what people believe about their respective religions passed on from the generation to generation . Doctrine is in fact , the set of answers one has accepted to life 's profound questions ' It intrinsically comprises what the ethical standards of a certain religion would have and it directly affects ' the behavior of its followers

The symbolic and mythical ' are given

by doctrine , since people cannot rely on abstract truths alone . The main purpose of doctrine is to give authoritative and sometimes systematic proofs that their religious reality and everyday reality is one and the same ' It may also be said that doctrines are somewhat answers laid out by the authoritative body in a certain religion , to answer the questions of life . They are logical ' highly systematized body of religious knowledge intrinsic in religion

It is evident that when two opposing doctrines clash , believers commit the most bloody atrocities in the name of their belief ' and in the process stay true to the doctrines they uphold . Certain aspects of the human life such as death , suffering and change ' are given light by religious doctrines , since it gives a foundation of belief to the religious follower . It may be said that people need something to hold on too , because these facts of life are much too grave for the ordinary...