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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
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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