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The Assumption Dogma: Some Reactions and Ecumenical Implications in the Thought of English-Speaking Theologians

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The Assumption Dogma: Some Reactions and Ecumenical Implications in the Thought of English-Speaking Theologians Doctoral Dissertation Presented at the International Marian Research Institute (Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum) THE ASSUMPTION DOGMA: SOME REACTIONS AND ECUMENICAL IMPLICATIONS IN THE THOUGHT OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING THEOLOGIANS A Doctoral Dissertation in Sacred Theology with Specialization in Marian Studies In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Sacred Theology by Paul E. Duggan International Marian Research Institute University of Dayton Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A 1989 © 1989 Paul E. Duggan This Book was set by Data Imaging Services Company and printed and bound by The Emerson Press in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. Vidimus et approbamus. Dayton (Ohio), ex aedibus Instituti "International Marian Research Institute," et Romae, ex aedibus Pontificiae Facultatis Theologicae Marianum, Nomina Revisorum Date: 21 July 1989 Ludovicus Gambero, S.M. Date: 25 July 1989 Johannes E. Roten, S.M. DEDICATIO Optimis Octo Et Petro Multitudinous ascend I, Dreadful as a battle arrayed, For I bear you whither tend I; Ye are 1: be undismayed! I, the ark that for the graven Tables of the law was made; Man's own heart was one; one, Heaven; Both within my womb were laid. For there Anteros with Eros, Heaven with man, conjoined was,­ Twin-stone of the law, lschyros, Agios Athanatos. Francis Thompson, Assumpta Maria. + In gratitude to The Distinguished Marianist (IMRI, Dayton) and Jesuit (Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley) Theological Faculties With Much Esteem + In filial recognition of three faithful sons of Mary +John R. Quinn Archbishop of San Francisco +William J. McDonald+ Deceased Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco Former Rector of the Catholic University of America and +Daniel F. Walsh Bishop of Reno-Las Vegas Former Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page THE ASSUMPTION DOGMA IN RETROSPECT: An Analysis and Commentary on Munificentissimus Deus ................................................. I Preparation for the Definition ........................................................................................... 2 God's Providence ......................................................................................................... 2 Immaculate Conception ............................................................................................... 3 Ineffabilis Deus ............................................................................................................ 7 Munificenti:;simus Deus .............................................................................................. 8 Sources of the Sensus Fidei ............................................................................................ 12 The Ordinary Magisterium: Depositum Fidei ............................................................ 12 The Liturgy ................................................................................................................ 22 The Voice of the Church Fathers ................................................................................ 26 Scrutiny by Scholastic Theologians ........................................................................... 30 Later Doctors ............................................................................................................. 32 Marian Privilege ............................................................................................................. 35 Divine Maternity ........................................................................................................ 35 New Eve ..................................................................................................................... 36 Expectations ................................................................................................................... 40 Dogmatic Definition ....................................................................................................... 41 Assumption Prayer ......................................................................................................... 43 2 SITUATING THE STUDY ................................................................................................. 45 The Dogma ... .................................................................................................................. 45 The Contemporary Situation: Extrinsic and Intrinsic Forces for Definition ............ .45 Relevance of the Dogma .................................................... ............................................ 4 7 Humankind':; Bodiliness:Atheistic Communism and Christian Anthropology ........ .47 The Problem of Man: Nature and Dignity ................................................................. 49 Resurrection of the Body ........................................................................................... 50 Contents of the Definition .............................................................................................. 52 Heavenly Glory: A Transformative Theological Event ............................................. 53 In Corpore et Anima: The Person in Relation to Thanatos ........................................ 55 The Sacred Humanity in Glory .................................................................................. 56 The Death of Mary: An Open Question ..................................................................... 57 Doctrinal Considerations ................................................................................................ 63 Mary's Prerogatives ................................................................................................... 63 Mother of the Lord: Foundation ............................................................................ 63 Immaculate Conception ......................................................................................... 65 Virginity ................................................................................................................. 67 iii New Eve ................................................................................................................ 68 An Irrefutable Argument ............................................................................................ 71 3 VIEWS ON THE ASSUMPTION DOGMA: Reactions of English-Speaking Theologians, Catholic and Non-Catholic ......................... 73 Mary and the Church ................................................................................................. 73 Revelation: Foundations for the Magisterium ........................................................... 76 Implicit Revelation: Development of Dogma ....................................................... 76 Inner Coherency and Unity: Redemption, Divine Maternity, Holy Spirit ............ 78 Implicit Reasoning: Converging Probabilities ...................................................... 80 Most Perfect Work of Redemption: Predestination; Intimate Association of Mother with Son .......................................................... 82 Theoteknos ............................................................................................................ 83 Post-Thirteenth Century Universal Belief by Ecclesia Docens et Discens ........... 85 A Converging Accumulation Through the Action of the Holy Spirit ................... 86 Eschatology in Light of the Assumption .................................................................... 88 Symbol of Hope ..................................................................................................... 88 Most Fully Redeemed ........................................................................................... 91 General Resurrection ............................................................................................. 92 Transforming Glorification ................................................................................... 93 Eschaton ................................................................................................................ 94 The Church in Light of the Assumption .................................................................... 95 Mary and Church: Single Mystery ........................................................................ 95 Mary: Type of the Church ..................................................................................... 97 Archetype of Church ............................................................................................. 99 Reaction to the Dogma ............................................................................................ 100 A Corollary on the Orthodox Church .................................................................. 100 The Ecumenical Climate ..................................................................................... 105 Protestantism ....................................................................................................... 108 Summation ........................................................................................................... 116 Foundations of Protestant Opposition to the Assumption Definition ...................... 117 Three So1as .......................................................................................................... 117 Ascension/Assumption ........................................................................................ 119 Coherency of Assumption with Christian Truth ............................................................... 120 Challenge of Catholicism .................................................................................................
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