Christian Living 11 (PDF)

Christian Living 11 Magesterium  Magisterium The Magisterium is the name given to the official teaching authority of the Church. The Magisterium interprets the Word of God in Scripture and Tradition. The bishops in communion with the Pope form this body.  What Does the Magisterium...

Christian Living 11 Magesterium  Magisterium The Magisterium is the name given to the official teaching authority of the Church. The Magisterium interprets the Word of God in Scripture and Tradition. The bishops in communion with the Pope form this body.  What Does the Magisterium Teach? The Catechism is a synthesis of the basic contents of Catholic doctrine: The Nicene Creed The Sacraments The Ten Commandments The Lord’s Prayer Growth in Understanding Our Faith Theological inquiry Contemplation and study The teaching of Bishops  Indefectibility and Infallibility The Church is incorruptible and without error. The Church as a whole possesses these charisms: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God. even though individual members have faults and make mistakes.  Indefectibility The Church will remain faithful to Christ’s teachings to the end of time. Jesus promised evil would not overpower the Church. His promise ensures that all people can achieve salvation.  Indefectibility The Church will remain faithful to Christ’s teachings to the end of time. Jesus promised evil would not overpower the Church. His promise ensures that all people can achieve salvation.  Infallibility The Church is without error in her teachings. Infallibility is the Holy Spirit’s gift to the Church. Our leaders are protected from fundamental errors about faith and morals  Types of Magisterium 1. Extraordinary Magisterium 2. Ordinary magisterium  Levels of Magisterium The Extra Ordinary Magisterium - This form of the Magisterium is characterized by its solemn and definitive nature. It is exercised in two primary contexts: 1. Papal Infallibility 2. Ecumenical Councils  Levels of Magisterium The Extra Ordinary Magisterium - It is exercised in two primary contexts: 1. Papal Infallibility - The Pope can make infallible declarations when he speaks ex cathedra (from the chair of St. Peter) on matters of faith and morals. This means he is using his supreme authority to define a doctrine that must be accepted by all Catholics. ex. The Immaculate Conception (1854) declared by Pope Pius IX and The Assumption of Mary (1950) declared by Pope Pius XII.  Levels of Magisterium The Extra Ordinary Magisterium - It is exercised in two primary contexts: 2. Ecumenical Councils - These are gatherings of bishops from around the world, convened by the Pope, to discuss and define significant issues of faith and morals. The teachings from these councils are considered infallible when promulgated in union with the Pope. ex. The Council of Nicaea (325), which defined the divinity of Christ and The Council of Trent (1545-1563), which addressed the Protestant Reformation.  Levels of Magisterium Conciliar magisterium - This involves all the Bishops of the Church being called together to form a council to discuss Church teachings and issues.  Levels of Magisterium The Ordinary Magisterium - The Ordinary Magisterium refers to the regular and ongoing teaching authority of the Pope and bishops. It is less formal than the Extraordinary Magisterium but is still authoritative and binding for Catholics. This includes: 1. Papal Documents 2. Universal Ordinary Magisterium  Levels of Magisterium The Ordinary Magisterium - This includes: 1. Papal Documents - Various forms of papal writings, such as encyclicals, apostolic letters, and homilies. 2. Universal Ordinary Magisterium - This occurs when bishops, in communion with the Pope, teach definitively on matters of faith and morals.  The Hierarchy of Truths Some truths are more fundamental, and these illuminate other truths. All Church teachings are interconnected. Dogmas are those doctrines that are central to Church teaching. Changing Guidelines for Changing Circumstances The Church does not change the heritage of faith in Scripture and Tradition. However, practices and guidelines may change over time  Truth and Relativism We can be tempted to look at a Church teaching as one viewpoint among many. We can come to believe that truth depends on a person’s opinion or viewpoint. We believe that God is Truth itself, so God cannot deceive us.