Magisterium

The Teaching Office of the

Church

Elements • Made up of:– The Pope, the Bishop of Rome– All of the Bishops of the Church

• Responsibility:– To interpret the Word of God– Ensure that the Church remains faithful to the

teaching of the Apostles– Help the Church grow in its understanding of the

faith

Growth in Understanding• Growth in the understanding of the Church’s

heritage of faith happens through:– Theological Inquiry• Questioning of the truth with focus on modern

circumstances

– Contemplation and study• To study and contemplate the scriptures and teachings

of the Church’s Tradition

– The teaching of Bishops• The teachings of the bishops in union with the Pope are

guided by the Holy Spirit and therefore infallible

What does the Magisterium Teach?

• Teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church– Doctrine

• An official teaching of the Church based on the Revelation of God

– Dogma• A teaching recognized as

central to Church teaching

What does the Magisterium Teach?

• Catechism of the Catholic Church– The profession of Faith

• Expands the Nicene Creed

– The Sacraments of Faith• Shows how salvation is made present through the sacred

actions of liturgy especially the sacraments

– The Life of Faith• Teachings on the right way to live, freely choosing right

conduct

– Prayer• Significance of prayer in the lives of the people of God

Qualities of the Magisterium• Indefectability– The Church will remain uncorrupted and faithful to

Christ’s teachings until the end of human history. It contains no defects.

• Infallibility– Since it is without defect, the Church must also be

without mistake.• When speaking “ex cathedra” the Pope in union with the

bishops is protected from fundamental error when he teaches on faith or morals.– From the chair of Peter– Teachings from ecumenical councils express this authority

Relativism• A belief built on the premise that there is NO

absolute truth. It says that truth depends on a person’s opinion or viewpoint.

• Relativism contradicts itself:– If there is no absolute truth then relativism cannot

be an absolute truth• God’s is Truth- we can abandon ourselves to

trust in God