Exploring Doctrines, Principles, Beliefs, and Values
What’s the Difference?
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As shared in the previous post, “Your Personal Morality - The Foundation of Your Life,” we discussed how our moral code sets the behavioral bar for our personal conduct.
In this post, we will explore how doctrine, principles, beliefs, and values, although subtly different, affect our personal moral code.
Doctrine
Doctrine is the most familiar of these terms. It's the traditional teaching or body of knowledge and discipline on any subject, and especially one considered authoritative and established in an organization.
For example, organized religions like the Catholic Church or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have doctrines.
The relevant core doctrine also forms the foundation of academic courses such as physics, geology, engineering, biology, medicine, literature, language arts, creative arts, law, and mathematics.
Doctrine may also sprout from any secular organization to direct a following. This could include atheism, political parties, business organizations, social clubs, etc.
The grand key is the credibility of the source providing the doctrine.
Some organizations desire to attract followers who are willing to follow mindlessly without questioning the doctrine because the message "sounds good."
Learning the truth takes effort!
Our fellow humans can be reluctant to put sufficient effort into learning the truth. Instead, they follow the easiest path for themselves.
After all, it is painless to watch the evening news or type a few quick words into a Google search and forego any additional critical thinking.
But here is the rub: doctrine is either true or false. Period.
Good people want to base their personal moral imperative on true doctrine. This is why combining one's own research with solid critical thinking is essential.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of false doctrines in today's world.
Each of us has the responsibility to discern between true and false doctrine.
Principles
A principle is a fundamental truth that guides personal actions and decisions.
A principle may stand independently, or groups of principles can form a body doctrine.
Principles have value only when based on doctrine that has been proven true or is at least trusted to be correct.
Principles can be founded on demonstrated experience and provide guidelines about how things should work within a particular context. Correct principles can be used to make decisions and govern behavior.
But this is where the "rubber meets the road."
Suppose a principle is proven to be true. Does the logic of equality not prove the underlying doctrine is true?
That is an example of critical thinking at work.
Beliefs
Beliefs are ideas someone holds to be accurate.
Though they may not necessarily reflect reality, they nevertheless influence behavior.
However, when beliefs are founded on correct principles and doctrine, they will also be right and true. Since truth is constant and unchanging, a true belief can be counted on to guide moral behavior.
Furthermore, because beliefs evolve from principles, they can be proven true or false. But it isn’t always that clear-cut. Faith enters the equation at this point, trusting the source of doctrine and principles.
And let’s not forget about “Belief Bias,” the tendency to process only information that validates existing beliefs.
Clear-minded individuals are aware of belief bias and do not let their inclination influence correct thinking.
The skill of objectively challenging beliefs and testing the underlying principles is an ongoing learning pattern critical thinkers employ. Then, the thinker must summon the courage to accept the results if they are different.
Values
Values represent what one considers important in life, the literal seizing of treasured beliefs, principles, and doctrines we are willing to live by, share, and defend.
The worth of a belief accepted as a value must be based on truth and use.
To underscore this point, let’s create a “portmanteau,” which is two different terms combined to form a new word.
We will combine Truth and Useful into a new single word, Truseful.
A value must be truseful, BOTH true and useful.
Also, it is essential to remember that the more rare an item is, the more value it has. For instance, consider a couple of crystals of the same size and weight, a common piece of clear crystal quartz, and a rough diamond. They are both minerals. Their composition and creation can be proven and described using correct principles and doctrines of chemistry and geology. Both crystals are also useful and are therefore truseful. However, rough diamond stones have more value because they are much rarer than quartz.
Values may include moral principles like honesty and fairness and personal preferences such as favorite food and shirt color.
Ultimately, our beliefs define who we are. At the same time, our values determine how we live out those beliefs daily by shaping how we think about everything from parenting to politics.
Thus, beliefs are more akin to nouns, providing definition and description.
On the other hand, values are more like a verb because they prompt action and set standards for our behavior.
So, to avoid undesired and unprincipled behavior, ensure your beliefs are proven correct before seeing them reflected in your values. Also, in that last sentence, did you pick up on the connection between values, beliefs, and principles?
Still confused about the difference between doctrine, principles, beliefs, and values?
If things are still a little murky, the following is a little more guidance for you to consider when learning to distinguish the difference between
Think of Doctrine as the proverbial tree of knowledge. The knowledge is either true or false, good or bad. There is no in-between.
Principles are the fruit produced by the tree. Since principles can be validated through testing, then the “fruit” produced by the tree can be tasted to prove if the fruit is desirable or not.
The fruit seed can also be planted. If, after receiving proper care, the seed grows and produces good fruit, then you know the parent tree was also good.
Beliefs are a consequence of testing the principles. For example, “That fruit is wonderful, and I want more!” Or, “Yuck! That fruit makes me ill!”
Values imply action to claim, protect, and increase what is most important to you; how you will use the knowledge gained in your life.
Let’s take the example of the exotic fruit tree a little further. You learned the tree and its fruit is either valued or not. Regardless, the knowledge learned about the tree and its fruit is valued and will determine future behavior: “That fruit is delicious, so I am going to share it with all my family and friends! In fact, I am going to plant six of those trees in my yard so I can have the fruit all the time.” As opposed to, “I now know that particular fruit makes me ill. Just look at this rash! I will never touch it again! As a matter of fact, I will form an organization to cut down and burn all of the trees producing that kind of fruit.” Side note: I am sure a metaphor is hiding there somewhere…
Because they are all interrelated, distinguishing the exact transition point between doctrine, principles, beliefs, and values can be tricky and sometimes confusing.
You may see the exact words used in a different context of doctrine, principles, beliefs, or values. Ultimately, knowing the precise difference between doctrine, principles, beliefs, and values is unimportant. It can be hard to tell sometimes!
But it is essential to recognize that doctrine, principles, beliefs, and values exist. Consider how they apply to you, your world, and the execution of your life plan.
Wrap Up
We have devoted a fair amount of time to the topic of morality and values. Understanding and appreciating your sense of morality and the values spawned is the foundation for building your personal strategic plan. Your personal morality provides the keel and rudder to keep your ship of life on course.
The next post explores how to chart a path to positive moral behavior.
Thanks for reading and thinking for yourself! Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss out on future posts.
Russell Anderson
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