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NanaR
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 141 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Sun Sep 23rd, 2007 05:12 pm |
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Hey friends,
Can one of you give me a simple definition of "Magesterium"? I know it is related to the teaching authority of the Church. I thought it was a group of men, in conjunction with the Pope, who are authorized to speak to questions of doctrine. Apparently this definition is not correct (or at least not completely correct).
Is the Magesterium "Who" or "What"?
This subject came up today in RCIA, and I didn't completely understand the answer.
Help?
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4981 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Sep 23rd, 2007 05:45 pm |
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NanaR wrote: Can one of you give me a simple definition of "Magesterium"?
The Catechism defines it like this:
MAGISTERIUM: The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is to give as authentic interpretation of the word of God, whether in its written form (Sacred Scripture), or in the form of Tradition. The Magisterium ensures the Church's fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of faith and morals (85, 890, 2033).
It's not group of named individuals, but the basis of the authority behind the Church. It's represented by the college of bishops, speaking in union with the bishop of Rome, on matters of faith and morals.
It's a what, not a who, and there is no office or group anywhere that is officially designated as the "Magisterium". It's two thousand years of history, scripture, doctrine, writings, speeches, etc. It's everything that the Church represents all rolled into one term.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NanaR
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 141 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Sun Sep 23rd, 2007 05:59 pm |
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CajunRick wrote: NanaR wrote: Can one of you give me a simple definition of "Magesterium"?
The Catechism defines it like this:
MAGISTERIUM: The living, teaching office of the Church, whose task it is to give as authentic interpretation of the word of God, whether in its written form (Sacred Scripture), or in the form of Tradition. The Magisterium ensures the Church's fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles in matters of faith and morals (85, 890, 2033).
It's not group of named individuals, but the basis of the authority behind the Church. It's represented by the college of bishops, speaking in union with the bishop of Rome, on matters of faith and morals.
It's a what, not a who, and there is no office or group anywhere that is officially designated as the "Magisterium". It's two thousand years of history, scripture, doctrine, writings, speeches, etc. It's everything that the Church represents all rolled into one term.
Thanks Rick, that clears it up. The Pope and the Bishops, then, speak for the Magisterium. (right?)
I know the "three-legged stool" is Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, and the Magesterium. So that makes sense. The Teaching Authority of the Church, the Magesterium, has the authority to interpret Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. And when those interpretations are made, the Pope and the Bishops tell everybody else.
Is that a correct restatement?
Thanks.
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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CajunRick
Network Helper
| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4981 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Sun Sep 23rd, 2007 06:12 pm |
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NanaR wrote: Thanks Rick, that clears it up. The Pope and the Bishops, then, speak for the Magisterium. (right?)
Basically yes, when they speak together. The pope may speak alone for the Magisterium when he meets certain conditions. Otherwise, his statements are interpretations of the teachings of the Magisterium. The doctrine behind his statement may be infallible, but his interpretation generally is not.
I know the "three-legged stool" is Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, and the Magesterium. So that makes sense. The Teaching Authority of the Church, the Magesterium, has the authority to interpret Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. And when those interpretations are made, the Pope and the Bishops tell everybody else. Is that a correct restatement?
Essentially, yes. But remember that the Magisterium is the essential element that makes Scripture and Tradition authoritative. We know it is Scripture because the Magisterium says so. We know that Tradition is part of the Deposit of Faith because the Magisterium says so. So while we speak of the three-legged stool of truth as Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium, it is the Magisterium that makes the stool exist in the first place. It is not the inferior leg, nor is it subject to the other legs; it created the other legs under the authority given by Jesus and the continuing influence and protection of the Holy Spirit.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NanaR
Member
| Joined: | Sat Jun 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | Kentucky USA |
| Posts: | 141 |
| First Name: | Ruth | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Born JW, born-again Catholic (Tiber Swim Team 2008) |
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Posted: Sun Sep 23rd, 2007 06:21 pm |
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CajunRick wrote:
Essentially, yes. But remember that the Magisterium is the essential element that makes Scripture and Tradition authoritative. We know it is Scripture because the Magisterium says so. We know that Tradition is part of the Deposit of Faith because the Magisterium says so. So while we speak of the three-legged stool of truth as Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium, it is the Magisterium that makes the stool exist in the first place. It is not the inferior leg, nor is it subject to the other legs; it created the other legs under the authority given by Jesus and the continuing influence and protection of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks, Rick. I'll go cogitate on this for a while :-)
Sometimes I feel as if I'm swimming in very deep water (2,000 years deep!). I have good teachers in RCIA, but in a group it is not always easy to continue pursuing a point. I appreciate being able to ask questions here.
Thank you for taking the time to answer me.
Ave Maria!
Ruth
____________________
When you bend down to help someone up, that is the best exercise for your heart. -- Fr. Noe, 2007
http://nanaruthann.blogspot.com
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