What is the difference between a religious practice and a religious doctrine?

Answer 1

I believe the difference is a practice is just that, something not set in stone (excuse the pun). A doctrine is a set of rules written by which ever church you attend, that is suppose to hold true to that certain faith wherever you may go. Example: the Mormon Doctrine of not smoking or drinking. And now from another prospective: The best example I could give, would be the Doctrine contained in the New Testament, as opposed to the Religious Practice of the Christian Religion itself. One of the first things you would notice if you had taken the time to read the NT, was simply that the Practice, does not Match the Doctrine, for example, in the NT Jesus, who has become the God of the Christian Church, makes it a point to Question why people look up when they pray, asking to the effect, are the Birds above closer to Heaven then you are, then he directs in the proper method to pray, yet no one seems to follow that doctrine, but instead they flock to church, and pray just as they did in his day, and to the contradiction of his methods. So Doctrine, and Practice, fall into the line "Do as I say, not as I do" another example, Jesus of the NT fame, tells his believers to "Turn the other Cheek", yet day in and day out, you will see if you follow the news, folks wearing the Christian Cross, telling some reporter how they want Justice, for this or that. You see they don't just turn the other cheek, instead they begin law suits, and seek justice in this life, forgetting the Doctrine itself, in favor of instant gratification, and relief. Anyway you should get the picture, doctrine, and practice are two different Animals.

Answer 2

Believing is something that you presonally choose to accept. Practicing religion is attending services regularly. You can believe and not attend church, and you can attend church without truly believing.

Answer 3

Religious doctrines express the basic beliefs of any particular denomination, its particular understanding of sacred texts and creeds and the theological concepts that flow from those understandings. Those beliefs shape religious practices.

Religious practices vary from congregation to congregation and depend on the degree of emphasis placed on their doctrines, theological concepts and moral guidance. Religious practices include such activities as rituals and worship practices, celebration of special holidays, ethical codes and the administrative hierarchy. There may be a strict liturgical format or one that is free flowing. Some denominations, such as Roman Catholics, are highly regulated in their practices. Ethnic congregations may adopt different ways to worship according to cultural traditions.