What is "Doctrine" According to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions?

Abstract

This essay examines the question “What is doctrine?” from the perspective of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Wicke asserts that doctrine is not a theoretical construct but the entire content of God’s Word, given for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16–17). After reviewing linguistic definitions and Greek terms (διδαχή, διδασκαλία, δόγμα), the paper critiques restrictive interpretations that limit doctrine to ethics or “faith and life.” Instead, it argues that all Scripture—whether fundamental or non-fundamental—is profitable for doctrine, while human traditions, philosophical speculations, and teachings outside Scripture are excluded. Doctrinal statements and confessions summarize Scripture’s teachings for clarity and defense but do not create doctrine. The essay concludes that doctrine and Scripture are practically synonymous: everything written is intended for teaching, and pastors are bound to proclaim it faithfully. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4)