DOCSLIB.ORG

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY of AMERICA Scripture, Tradition, And

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium in the Teaching of Vatican II A DISSERTATION Submitted to the Faculty of the School of Theology and Religious Studies Of The Catholic University of America In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree Doctor of Philosophy © Copyright All Rights Reserved By James C. Kruggel Washington, DC 2013 Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium in the Teaching of Vatican II James C. Kruggel, Ph.D. Director: John T. Ford, C.S.C., S.T.D. The Second Vatican Council taught in no. 10.4 of its Dogmatic Constitution on Di- vine Revelation (Dei Verbum) (1965) that “Scripture, Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God’s most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” This sentence offers a particularly organic description of the relationship of these three things that reflects a development from selected preconciliar thought. In his 1950 encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII presented Scripture and Tradition as “sources” of revelation entrusted to the Magisterium. He did not explain their relationship or discuss a theology of Tradition. Gerardus Van Noort’s seminary manual Dog- matic Theology said the sources of revelation “mix” in the Magisterium which interprets them. The Council asserted a mutual interdependence of the three. It offered a more dy- namic notion of tradition, one associated with a view of revelation as God’s self-disclosure. This view resembled those of Yves Congar, Karl Rahner, and Joseph Ratzinger. The Council presented Scripture and Tradition as expressions of one Word, served by the Magisterium. Dei Verbum 10.4’s teaching was incorporated by Pope John Paul II into his encycli- cal On the Relationship of Faith and Reason (Fides et Ratio) (1998) Ch. 5. Dei Verbum had identified Scripture and Tradition as the rule of faith in no. 21. John Paul II citesDei Verbum 10.4 in support of a teaching that the unity among them and the Magisterium constitutes the rule of faith. This teaching, along with the encyclical’s recalling of intellectual issues related to belief, a major preconciliar concern, suggests that John Paul II perceived a unity between these points and the Council’s emphasis upon a view of revelation as Divine-self disclosure. This dissertation by James C. Kruggel fulfills the dissertation requirement for the doctoral degree in Historical and Systematic Theology approved by John T. Ford, C.S.C., S.T.D. as director, and by Kevin W. Irwin, S.T.D. and John P. Galvin, Dr. Theol. as Readers. ________________________________________ John T. Ford, C.S.C., S.T.D., Director ________________________________________ Kevin W. Irwin, S.T.D., Reader ________________________________________ John P. Galvin, Dr. Theol., Reader ii Dedicated to the memory of my mother, Kathleen S. Kruggel (1930-2011) iii Table of Contents Introduction . .1 I. Prospectus of this Dissertation . 5 Part I: Representative Thinkers on Revelation Prior to Vatican II Chapter 1: Ecclesiastical Perspective: Pope Pius XII, Humani Generis . 7 Vatican Interest in the Nouvelle Théologie . 15 An Analysis of Humani Generis . 19 Summary . 44 Chapter 2: Gerardus Van Noort: Dogmatic Theology . 46 Volume I: The True Religion . 48 Volume II: Christ’s Church . 51 Volume III: The Sources of Revelation and Divine Faith . 55 Summary . 67 Chapter 3: New Perspectives on Divine Revelation—Yves Congar . 69 The Idea of Tradition . 70 The Notion of Tradition . 75 “The Subject of Tradition” . 77 Tradition and the Life of the Church . 82 “Scripture and Tradition in Relation to Revelation and to the Church.” . 86 “The Monuments of Tradition” . 94 Summary . 101 Chapter 4: Conciliar Perspectives on Divine Revelation: Karl Rahner And Joseph Ratzinger . 103 Karl Rahner, “The Concept of Revelation” . 104 Joseph Ratzinger: “Revelation and Tradition” . 111 Joseph Ratzinger: “On the Interpretation of the Tridentine Decree on Tradition.” . 120 Summary . 125 Part II: Vatican II on the Mediation of Revelation Figure 1. Schemas Related to the Development of Dei Verbum . .128 iv Chapter 5: The Preparations for Vatican II . 129 Preparations for the Council . 133 The Theology of Revelation at the time of Vatican II . 139 Two Pre-Conciliar Schemata (1960) “The Sources of Revelation” and “Defending the Deposit of Faith” . 145 Proposed Formula for the Profession of Faith . 149 Draft Constitution De Fontibus Revelationis (Forms A, B) 1961 . 151 Draft De Fontibus Revelationis (Form C) 1962 . 160 Draft Constitution De Deposito Fidei . 161 Draft Constitution De Ecclesia . 168 Conclusion: Divergent Views about Revelation . 169 Chapter 6: Conciliar Discsussion of Revelation . 171 Conciliar Discussion of De Fontibus Revelatonis (Form C) . 173 Pope John XXIII’s Intervention and the Creation of the Mixed Commission . 181 Schema De Verbo Dei . 183 Discussion of the schema De Ecclesia . 185 Draft Constitution on Revelation De Divina Revelatione (Form D): 1963 . 191 ‘De Divina Revelatione (Form E): 1964 . 199 De Divina Revelatione (Form F): 1965 . 208 Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum (Form G) . 217 Conclusion . 219 Chapter 7: The Second Vatican Council’s Teaching about Revelation . 220 Dei Verbum § 7 . 223 Dei Verbum § 8 . 229 Dei Verbum § 9 . 237 Dei Verbum § 10 . 242 Lumen Gentium § 25 . 252 Conclusion . 260 Part III Chapter 8: A Postconciliar Teaching on Revelation: Fides et Ratio (1998) . 262 Dei Filius (1870) . 262 Fides et Ratio . 270 Introduction . 272 Chapter 1: “The Revelation of God’s Wisdom” . 275 Chapter 2: “Credo ut Intellegam: Believing that one may understand” . 278 Chapter 3: “Intellego ut Credam: Knowing that one may believe.” . 280 Chapter 4: “The Relationship Between Faith and Reason” . 284 Chapter 5: “The Magisterium’s Interventions in Philosophical Matters” . 288 v Chapter 6: “The Interaction Between Philosophy and Theology” . 293 Chapter 7: “Current Requirements and Tasks” . 296 Conclusion of the Encyclical . 300 Conclusion . 305 The Teaching of Vatican II about Revelation . 310 Postconciliar Teaching on the Mediation of Revelation: Fides et Ratio . 315 Retroscript and Postscript . 316 Bibliography . 317 vi Acknowledgements It would not be possible to thank everyone who had some role in this dissertation. A dissertation is truly a community enterprise, made possible by the support and coopera- tion of many. First and foremost is the help of the revealing Triune God Himself, and Our Lady His faithful servant, who leads all to her Son. To consider Divine revelation is a work pursued in prayer with the help of God’s grace. Also vital are my parents, Paul and Kathleen Kruggel, who consistently supported me throughout the process, along with the rest of my family—Don, Anne, Kevin, Rich, and Katie & her boyfriend Ian. This dissertation is dedi- cated to my mother, who left his world in 2011. Throughout the process, my director Fr. John Ford provided careful intellectual and editorial guidance. My initial readers were of great help. Fr. Joseph Komonchak provided detailed historical and theological guidance, and Fr. Patrick Granfield, OSB, provided care- ful editorial guidance. My final readers were of great help as well. Fr. Kevin Irwin and Fr. John Galvin both provided helpful editorial guidance and theological observations. Of in- estimable help were many friends and colleagues who have helped form my understanding of Divine Revelation, including Michael Sirilla, Christopher Malloy, Andrew Minto, Scott Hahn, and many others. vii Introduction How is Divine Revelation communicated? The Second Vatican Council taught that Divine Revelation is communicated through Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium.1 The Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) described the interrelationship of these three means of communication as follows:2 It is clear, therefore, that sacred tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God's most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls (§ 10). What is this interrelationship of Tradition, Scripture and the Magisterium? This dissertation answers this question by: (1) examining selected writings about Revelation, Tradition, Scripture and the Magisterium in the period prior to Vatican II; (2) considering the teaching of Dei Verbum in regard to the mediation of Revelation through Tradition, Scripture and the Magisterium; (3) examining the post-conciliar teaching of Pope John Paul II in his encyclical, Fides et Ratio, On the Relationship of Faith and Reason (1998). The primary focus of this dissertation is Revelation, God’s self-disclosure to the human race. After the immediate events of divine disclosure,.
Recommended publications
  • University of Southern Denmark

    University of Southern Denmark

    UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK THE CHRISTIAN KINGDOM AS AN IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM ACCORDING TO ST. BIRGITTA OF SWEDEN A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF HUMANITIES IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY, CULTURE AND CIVILISATION CENTRE FOR MEDIEVAL STUDIES BY EMILIA ŻOCHOWSKA ODENSE FEBRUARY 2010 2 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In my work, I had the privilege to be guided by three distinguished scholars: Professor Jacek Salij in Warsaw, and Professors Tore Nyberg and Kurt Villads Jensen in Odense. It is a pleasure to admit that this study would never been completed without the generous instruction and guidance of my masters. Professor Salij introduced me to the world of ancient and medieval theology and taught me the rules of scholarly work. Finally, he encouraged me to search for a new research environment where I could develop my skills. I found this environment in Odense, where Professor Nyberg kindly accepted me as his student and shared his vast knowledge with me. Studying with Professor Nyberg has been a great intellectual adventure and a pleasure. Moreover, I never would have been able to work at the University of Southern Denmark if not for my main supervisor, Kurt Villads Jensen, who trusted me and decided to give me the opportunity to study under his kind tutorial, for which I am exceedingly grateful. The trust and inspiration I received from him encouraged me to work and in fact made this study possible. Karen Fogh Rasmussen, the secretary of the Centre of Medieval Studies, had been the good spirit behind my work.
  • One Hundred Years of Thomism Aeterni Patris and Afterwards a Symposium

    One Hundred Years of Thomism Aeterni Patris and Afterwards a Symposium

    One Hundred Years of Thomism Aeterni Patris and Afterwards A Symposium Edited By Victor B. Brezik, C.S.B, CENTER FOR THOMISTIC STUDIES University of St. Thomas Houston, Texas 77006 ~ NIHIL OBSTAT: ReverendJamesK. Contents Farge, C.S.B. Censor Deputatus INTRODUCTION . 1 IMPRIMATUR: LOOKING AT THE PAST . 5 Most Reverend John L. Morkovsky, S.T.D. A Remembrance Of Pope Leo XIII: The Encyclical Aeterni Patris, Leonard E. Boyle,O.P. 7 Bishop of Galveston-Houston Commentary, James A. Weisheipl, O.P. ..23 January 6, 1981 The Legacy Of Etienne Gilson, Armand A. Maurer,C.S.B . .28 The Legacy Of Jacques Maritain, Christian Philosopher, First Printing: April 1981 Donald A. Gallagher. .45 LOOKING AT THE PRESENT. .61 Copyright©1981 by The Center For Thomistic Studies Reflections On Christian Philosophy, All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or Ralph McInerny . .63 reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written Thomism And Today's Crisis In Moral Values, Michael permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in Bertram Crowe . .74 critical articles and reviews. For information, write to The Transcendental Thomism, A Critical Assessment, Center For Thomistic Studies, 3812 Montrose Boulevard, Robert J. Henle, S.J. 90 Houston, Texas 77006. LOOKING AT THE FUTURE. .117 Library of Congress catalog card number: 80-70377 Can St. Thomas Speak To The Modem World?, Leo Sweeney, S.J. .119 The Future Of Thomistic Metaphysics, ISBN 0-9605456-0-3 Joseph Owens, C.Ss.R. .142 EPILOGUE. .163 The New Center And The Intellectualism Of St. Thomas, Printed in the United States of America Vernon J.
  • COLLOQVIA MARVLIANA XXVII Uredništvo

    COLLOQVIA MARVLIANA XXVII Uredništvo

    COLLOQVIA MARVLIANA XXVII Uredništvo: NEVEN JOVANOVIĆ (Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu) BRANKO JOZIĆ (Marulianum, Split) FRANCISCO JAVIER JUEZ GÁLVEZ (Universidad Complutense, Madrid) BRATISLAV LUČIN (Marulianum, Split) VLADO REZAR (Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu) Colloquia Maruliana I-XVI bila su u potpunosti posvećena proučavanju života i djela Marka Marulića. Od XVII sveska nadalje Colloquia Maruliana, uz pri- loge o Marku Maruliću, objavljuju i radove o drugim piscima i temama hrvatske književnosti humanizma i renesanse. Redovito se tiskaju tekstovi sa znanstvenoga skupa što se održava svake godine u Splitu, ali primaju se i drugi vrijedni prilozi. Colloquia Maruliana I-XVI were entirely devoted to the study of the life and works of Marko Marulić. From volume XVII on, Colloquia Maruliana, in conjunction with articles about Marko Marulić, also publish articles about other writers and themes from Croatian Humanist and Renaissance literature. Besides the papers ad- dressed to the conference held every year in Split, other worthwhile contributions can also be accepted. COLLOQVIA MARVLIANA XXVII TEKSTOLOŠKI IZAZOVI HRVATSKE KNJIŽEVNE BAŠTINE (II.) KNJIŽEVNI KRUG SPLIT SPLIT 2018 ITALIAN POETRY IN EARLY MODERN DALMATIA: THE STRANGE CASE OF HANIBAL LUCIĆ (1485-1553) I v a n L u p i ć UDK: 821.131.1-1.09Lucić, H. Ivan Lupić Original scientific paper Stanford University Stanford, California [email protected] The article announces the discovery of Sonetti di messer Anibal Lucio Lesignano, scritti a diversi, a collection of poems written in Italian by Hanibal Lucić (1485-1553), one of the leading poets of the Croatian Renaissance. Until now, scholars have known only one book by Lucić, his Croatian collection entitled Skladanja izvarsnih pisan razlicih, published posthumously by Hanibal’s son Antun.
  • SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX SHRINE CHURCH FLUSHING, NEW YORK May 9, 2021 Sunday of Saint Thomas / St

    SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX SHRINE CHURCH FLUSHING, NEW YORK May 9, 2021 Sunday of Saint Thomas / St

    SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX SHRINE CHURCH FLUSHING, NEW YORK May 9, 2021 Sunday of Saint Thomas / St. Christopher The Great –Martyr Protopresbyter Fr. Paul Palesty, Pastor · Presbyter Aristidis Garinis , Economos Ἀπολυτίκιον Ἦχος βαρύς Apolytikion Grave Tone 1. Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος, ἡ Ζωὴ ἐκ τάφου O Life, You rose from the sepulcher, even though ἀνέτειλας Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν the tomb was secured with a seal, O Christ God. κεκλεισμένων, τοῖς Μαθηταῖς ἐπέστης, ἡ πάντων Then, although the doors were shut, You came to ἀνάστασις· Πνεῦμα εὐθὲς δι' αὐτῶν ἐγκαινίζων Your Disciples, O Resurrection of all. Through them ἡμῖν, κατὰ τὸ μέγα σου ἔλεος. You renew a right spirit in us, according to Your great mercy. Tοῦ Ναου Ἦχος δʹ. Tone 4. Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, A rule of faith are you, and an icon of gentleness, ἐγκρατείας διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίµνῃ and a teacher of self-control. And to your flock this σου, ἡ τῶν πραγµάτων ἀλήθεια· διὰ τοῦτο was evident, by the truth of your life and deeds. ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ You were humble and therefore you acquired exalt- πλούσια, Πάτερ ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε· πρέσβευε ed gifts, treasure in heaven for being poor. O Father Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰςψυχὰς ἡµῶν. and Hierarch St. Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, and entreat Him to save our souls. Kontakion Tone pl. 4 Κοντάκιον. Ἦχος πλ. δʹ Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες Ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ One, yet You brought down the dominion of Hades; ᾅδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν· καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς and You rose as the victor, O Christ our God; and νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις You called out "Rejoice" to the Myrrh-bearing wom- φθεγξάμενος, Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις en, and gave peace to Your Apostles, O Lord who to εἰρήνην δωρούμενος, ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων the fallen grant resurrection.
  • PAG. 3 / Attualita Ta Grave Questione Del Successore Di Papa Giovanni Roma

    PAG. 3 / Attualita Ta Grave Questione Del Successore Di Papa Giovanni Roma

    FUnitd / giovedi 6 giugno 1963 PAG. 3 / attualita ta grave questione del successore di Papa Giovanni Roma il nuovo ILDEBRANDO ANTONIUTTI — d Spellman. E' considerate un • ron- zione statunltense dl Budapest dopo ITALIA Cardinale di curia. E' ritenuto un, calliano ». - --_., ^ <. la sua partecipazione alia rivolta del • moderate*, anche se intlmo di Ot­ 1956 contro il regime popolare. Non CLEMENTE MICARA — Cardinale taviani. E' nato a Nimis (Udine) ALBERT MEYER — Arcivescovo si sa se verra at Conclave. Sono not) di curia, Gran Cancelliere dell'Uni- nel 1898.' Per molti anni nunzio a d) Chicago. E' nato a Milxankee nel 1903. Membro di varie congregaziont. i recenti sondaggl della Santa Sede verslta lateranense. E* nato a Fra- Madrid; sostenuto dai cardinal! spa- per risotvere il suo caso. ficati nel 1879. Noto come • conserva- gnoli. JAMES MC. INTYRE — Arclve- tore >; ha perso molta dell'influenza EFREM FORNI — Cardinale di scovo di Los Angeles. E' nato a New che aveva sotto Pic XII. E' grave. York net 1886. Membro della con­ mente malato. , curia. E' nato a Milano net 1889. E' OLANDA stato nominate nel 1962. gregazione conclstoriale. GIUSEPPE PIZZARDO — Cardina­ JOSEPH RITTER — Arcivescovo BERNARD ALFRINK — Arcivesco­ le di curia, Prefetto delta Congrega- '« ALBERTO DI JORIO — Cardinale vo di Utrecht. Nato a Nljkeik nel di curia. E' nato a Roma nel 1884. di Saint Louis. E' nato a New Al­ zione dei seminar). E' nato a Savona bany nel 1892. 1900. Figura di punta degli innovator! nel 1877. SI e sempre situate all'estre. Fu segretario nel Conclave del 1958. sia nella rivendicazione dell'autono- ma destra anche nella Curia romana.
  • Historical Perspective on Change & Growth in the Church

    Historical Perspective on Change & Growth in the Church

    Historical Perspective on Change & Growth in the Church Don’t know much about history…. We are a historical people. God chose a people to make His own and from which would come a Savior. The Church was born not only out of the Jewish world of Pentecost but also out of the Greco-Roman world which believed that the Pax Romana was the final chapter. We, the Church, have been given the call to reveal the true Kingdom of Peace to a world still confident in its own power. The History of the Liturgy is the only way to glimpse the power of that Kingdom alive in each epoch, including our own. Jewish Roots—Meal and Word Passover and Seder Elements o Berakoth—classic blessings for food, land and Jerusalem o Todah—an account of God’s works and a petition that the prayers of Israel be heard o Tefillah—great intercessions o Kiddush—Holy is God o Haggadah—great narrative of salvation o Hallel—Psalms 113-118 recited at Passover Synagogue Elements o Readings from Torah, Prophets and Wisdom o Teachings o Singing of Cantor, mainly psalms Early Greco-Roman Elements—from home meal to House Church Paul and problem of agape in I Cor 11, from the 50’s o Divisions among you o Every one in haste to eat their supper, one goes hungry while another gets drunk o Institution Narrative o Whoever eats or drinks unworthily sins against the body and blood of the Lord o One should examine himself first, then eat and drink o Whoever eats or drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks a judgment on himself o That is why so many are sick and dying o Therefore when
  • This Week Announcements Prayers Thank

    This Week Announcements Prayers Thank

    . Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Rector Deacon Luke Loboda, Attached Fr Maxim Sandovich Prayers th 13 Saturday/Sunday after Pentecost In the Lemko region of Carpatho-Rus, part of the Ill and infirm: Known to be hospitalized: (none) Home: Geroge Shaytar, Paul Yewisiak,. Austro-Hungarian Empire, Fr Maxim was imprisoned McKees Rocks/Pittsburgh, PA Shut in, Rehabilitation, or Nursing Home: from 1912 to 1914 and found not guilty. With the OrthodoxPittsburgh.org September 5/6, 2020 Garnette Kerchum, Eleanor Kovacs, Olga outbreak of World War I, Father Maxim was again Tryszyn. arrested and imprisoned on August 4, 1914 along with his entire family. Father Maxim, his father, mother, Welcome! Announcements brother, and wife were forced to travel on foot to the Vigil Lights from Charles A. Wasilko for the prison while being prodded by the bayonets of the Whether you are searching for a new church home This weekend we're honored to have with us departed servant of God, Mat. Janet Mihalick; soldiers. In prison they were placed in separate cells or just visiting, we are glad you’re with us today. If Sister Larysa, a lay-sister with the Convent of St for the health of sisters Doris and Marsha. From and denied the opportunity to see each other. This you have a prayer request, are looking for more Elisabeth in Minsk, Belarus. This convent does John Kowalcheck and Olga Cozza for the health time, however, there would be no court trial. On the information about the Orthodox Faith, would like incredible work in many areas, including caring of Vladimir Mayorov.
  • The Mediation of the Church in Some Pontifical Documents Francis X

    The Mediation of the Church in Some Pontifical Documents Francis X

    THE MEDIATION OF THE CHURCH IN SOME PONTIFICAL DOCUMENTS FRANCIS X. LAWLOR, SJ. Weston College N His recent encyclical letter, Hurnani generis, of Aug. 12, 1950, the I Holy Father reproves those who "reduce to a meaningless formula the necessity of belonging to the true Church in order to achieve eternal salvation."1 In the light of the Pope's insistence in the same encyclical letter on the ordinary, day-by-day teaching office of the Roman Pontiffs, it will be useful to select from the infra-infallible but authentic teaching of the Popes some of the abundant material touching the question of the mediatorial function of the Church in the order of salvation. The Popes, to be sure, do not speak and write after the manner of theo­ logians but as pastors of souls, and it is doubtless not always easy to transpose to a theological level what is contained in a pastoral docu­ ment and expressed in a pastoral method of approach. Yet the authentic teaching of the Popes is both a guide to, and a source of, theological thinking. The documents cited are of varying solemnity and doctrinal importance; an encyclical letter is clearly of greater magisterial value than, let us say, an occasional epistle to some prelate. It is not possible here to situate each citation in its documentary context; but the force and point of a quotation, removed from its documentary perspective, is perhaps as often lessened as augmented. Those who wish may read them in their context, if they desire a more careful appraisal of evidence.
  • Humani Generis and the Limits of Theology Cyril Vollert, S J

    Humani Generis and the Limits of Theology Cyril Vollert, S J

    HUMANI GENERIS AND THE LIMITS OF THEOLOGY CYRIL VOLLERT, S J. St. Mary's College INCE the encyclical Humani Generis treats of "some false opinions S which threaten to undermine the foundations of Catholic doctrine/' its exceptional gravity is apparent at first glance. A second detail to attract attention is the fact that it is addressed to all the bishops of the world, not to the hierarchy of a single country. Some French writers have asserted that France is envisaged. For instance, the Parisian weekly, UObservateur politique, tconomique et litteraire, published in the issue of August 31, 1950, an article entitled, "L'Encyclique contre les nouveautes franchises." And Robert Barrat states confidently: "No one is deluded about 'Humani Generis' in France. It is France and certain currents of French theological thought to which this encyclical refers."1 Readers who are able to keep abreast of the theological writings of the day are aware that such reports are superficial. Theories condemned in the encyclical have appeared not only in France, but in Germany, Belgium, England, Italy, Spain, and elsewhere. Even in the United States, where a pioneering spirit in theological speculation is not very conspicuous, some of the repudiated opinions, for example, those dealing with evolution, polygenism, and the gratuity of the super­ natural, have found favor. Nor should anyone suppose that only certain members of two great religious orders are called to account. Tendencies reproved in the encyclical have been fostered by philosophers and theologians of various orders and congregations, of the diocesan clergy, and also of the laity.2 The encyclical did not take the Catholic world by surprise.
  • Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

    Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

    CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH LETTER “IUVENESCIT ECCLESIA” to the Bishops of the Catholic Church Regarding the Relationship Between Hierarchical and Charismatic Gifts in the Life and the Mission of the Church Introduction The gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church in mission 1. The Church rejuvenates in the power of the Gospel and the Spirit continually renews her, builds her up, and guides her “with hierarchical and charismatic gifts”.[1] The Second Vatican Council has repeatedly highlighted the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit that sanctifies the People of God, guides it, adorns it with virtue, and enrichens it with special graces for her edification. As the Fathers love to show, the action of the divine Paraclete in the Church is multiform. John Chrysostom writes: “What gifts that work for our salvation are not given freely by the Holy Spirit? Through Him we are freed from slavery and called to liberty; we are led to adoption as children and, one might say, formed anew, after having laid down the heavy and hateful burden of our sins. Through the Holy Spirit we see assemblies of priests and we possess ranks of doctors; from this source spring forth gifts of revelation, healing graces, and all of the other charisms that adorn the Church of God”.[2] Thanks to the Church’s life itself, to the numerous Magisterial interventions, and to theological research, happily the awareness has grown of the multiform action of the Holy Spirit in the Church, thus arousing a particular attentiveness to the charismatic gifts by which at all times the People of God are enriched in order to carry out their mission.
  • The Pre-History of Subsidiarity in Leo XIII

    The Pre-History of Subsidiarity in Leo XIII

    Journal of Catholic Legal Studies Volume 56 Number 1 Article 5 The Pre-History of Subsidiarity in Leo XIII Michael P. Moreland Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.stjohns.edu/jcls This Symposium is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at St. John's Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Catholic Legal Studies by an authorized editor of St. John's Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FINAL_MORELAND 8/14/2018 9:10 PM THE PRE-HISTORY OF SUBSIDIARITY IN LEO XIII MICHAEL P. MORELAND† Christian Legal Thought is a much-anticipated contribution from Patrick Brennan and William Brewbaker that brings the resources of the Christian intellectual tradition to bear on law and legal education. Among its many strengths, the book deftly combines Catholic and Protestant contributions and scholarly material with more widely accessible sources such as sermons and newspaper columns. But no project aiming at a crisp and manageably-sized presentation of Christianity’s contribution to law could hope to offer a comprehensive treatment of particular themes. And so, in this brief essay, I seek to elaborate upon the treatment of the principle of subsidiarity in Catholic social thought. Subsidiarity is mentioned a handful of times in Christian Legal Thought, most squarely with a lengthy quotation from Pius XI’s articulation of the principle in Quadragesimo Anno.1 In this proposed elaboration of subsidiarity, I wish to broaden the discussion of subsidiarity historically (back a few decades from Quadragesimo Anno to the pontificate of Leo XIII) and philosophically (most especially its relation to Leo XIII’s revival of Thomism).2 Statements of the principle have historically been terse and straightforward even if the application of subsidiarity to particular legal questions has not.
  • Concordia Theological Quarterly

    Concordia Theological Quarterly

    teach the faithful, reach lost, and care for all. Forming servants in Jesus Christ who CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY THEOLOGICAL CONCORDIA CONCORDIA Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996 Fort Wayne, 6600 North Clinton Street THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY Volume 81 Number 3–4 July/October 2017 REFORMATION 500 ANNIVERSARY ISSUE The Ninety-Five Theses Cameron A. MacKenzie Luther on Galatians as the Banner of the July/Oct 2017 Reformation Naomichi Masaki Pfarramt, Geography, and the Order of the Church Mark D. Nispel Luther’s Use of Apologetics Adam S. Francisco Antichrist in the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions 81:3–4 Charles A. Gieschen ORGANIZATION Berne, IN 46711 NON-PROFIT NON-PROFIT Permit No. 43 Will the Real Martin Luther Stand Up? U.S. Postage PAID David P. Scaer Luther Lessons for the Present Crisis Peter J. Scaer The Great Litany Benjamin T. G. Mayes US ISSN 0038-8610 Concordia Theological Quarterly Concordia Theological Quarterly, a continuation of The Springfielder, is a theological journal of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, published for its ministerium by the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Editor: David P. Scaer ([email protected]) Associate Editor: Charles A. Gieschen ([email protected]) Assistant Editor: Benjamin T.G. Mayes ([email protected]) Book Review Editor: Peter J. Scaer ([email protected]) Members of the Editorial Committee James G. Bushur, Paul J. Grime, John G. Nordling, and Lawrence R. Rast Jr. Editorial Assistant: Eamonn M. Ferguson The Faculty James G. Bushur Naomichi Masaki David P. Scaer Carl C. Fickenscher II Benjamin T.G.