What is the difference between doctrine and belief?

Doctrine describes the content of a belief system. That is, it describes what people believe. For Christians doctrine is represented by the Thirteen Articles of Faith. Belief, however, is not necessarily confined to religion as one can 'believe' in anything. I can believe that everyone likes me. It might not be true, but I can believe that it is true.

Chinese worship of ancestors is a belief system that may have elements that are doctrinal. This would be the case if the belief system is codified (has generally accepted teachings and values which are stated formally and taught systematically such that these are passed on to generations without alteration).

Doctrine, once promulgated and agreed, has a discrete existence as part of a religion. Belief is a more general term. Religious belief would require acceptance and belief in the doctrine of that religion.

I hope this helps you.

Yes, atheists are persecuted. How can you possibly say that we're not? In the U.S. there are 8 states that ban atheists from holding office, and one state that does not allow atheists to be a witness in court. In certain countries in Africa, atheists are tied to stake and burned like was common a few hundred years ago, and atheists face a similar fate in Islamic countries. There is still plenty of emotional and physical abuse against non-believers. In today's society, it's not only acceptable to discriminate atheists, but it is actually encouraged. How many wars have you heard of that were caused in the name of atheism? How many wars were caused by religion? This is basic rocket science, people.

Doctrine simply means teaching, but the biblical usage refers to sound teaching based on the Word of God. The two Greek words translated "doctrine", didaskalia and didache, are also translated "teacheth" (Ro. 12:7) and "learning" (Ro. 15:4).

In the English Bible, the Greek word commonly translated "believe" (pisteuo) is also translated "commit to one's trust" (Lk. 16:11; Jn. 2:24; Ro. 3:2; 1 Co. 9:17; Ga. 2:7; 1 Th. 2:4; 1 Ti. 1:11; Tit. 1:3). This is the basic meaning of believing in Christ. It means to commit myself to Him, to fully trust Him for salvation. It means to believe in such a way that I actually turn away from sin and idols and false religion to receive Jesus Christ as my only Lord and Savior.

A doctrine is a specific teaching and a belief is something someone puts faith in.

In my mind; I think of doctrine as what a particular religion teaches and wants their followers to believe. I think of belief as what each individual hold to be true in their hearts.

Doctrine is simply teaching which is adhered to.

Belief is trusting the teaching to be true and acting on it.

John's doctrine caused him to pray because of the situation he found himself in.

John's belief caused him to pray because of the situation he found himself in.

Doctrine is a set of beliefs or ways you believe in God. Such as "Jesus is the only way".

And a belief is something you believe in, but not necessarily a doctrine, because a doctrine is a set of beliefs (plural).

A doctrine is nonsense that is presented by a religious organisation and belief denotes an acceptance of that nonsense by a gullible individual.

They're synonymous.

Doctrine is written down, or codified, as it were.