"Some people do not like the word "dogma". Fortunately they are free, and there is an alternative for them. There are two things, and two things only, for the human mind,a dogma and a prejudice...
A doctrine is a definite point; a prejudice is a direction. That an ox may be eaten, while a man should not be eaten, is a doctrine. That as little as possible of anything should be eaten is a prejudice, which is sometimes called an ideal.
Now a direction is always far more fantastic than a plan. I would rather have the most archaic map of the road to Brighton than a general recommendation to turn to the left...
Men will walk along the edge of a chasm in clear weather, but they will edge miles away from it in a fog...
The essential of the difference is this: that prejudices are divergent, whereas creeds are always in collision. Believers bump into each other; whereas bigots keep out of each other's way...
Doctrine therefore does not cause divisions; rather a doctrine alone can cure our dissensions."
Why? Doctrines cause us to dialogue and enter into a real search for truth. Prejudices don't care for the truth but only whims, fancies, and opinions. Because these are always changing there can never be a true union of mind and heart and a temporary fix will never fix the real problem.
It is the truth that will set us free, free to build a society united both heart and mind.
IT is precisely a mind and heart fixed on a permanent truth that makes us able to love truly and live in harmony.
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