Should Christians use Church Teachings?

Question 1

The Bible teaches that the Church is the Body of Christ on Earth

Answer 1

Christ is called the Head of the Church in the new Testament
“All authority in heaven and in Earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28: 18-20)
Through the Church, Jesus continues to act in the world today

Question 2

Authority to teach was given to the apostles by Jesus and this authority has been passed down through the leaders of the Church

Answer 2

The leaders of the Church have had training and have studied the teachings of the Bible. Members of the Church can trust that what their leaders are telling them is true
Some Christians believe that God can speak directly through the leaders of the Church

Question 3

Christ is called the Head of the Church in the New Testament so Church teachings come from Jesus

Answer 3

Teachings in the Catechism
Pope writes official letters called Encyclicals
‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’ (Matthew 28: 18-20)

Question 4

The Holy Spirit is present in the Church today so can guide leaders on modern-day issues

Answer 4

General Synod
Magisterium gives official teachings on moral issues
The Church is a community of believers in god. Therefore Christians believe that God guides the Church in its moral teachings, so they should be followed
Modern day issues not in the Bible such as medical science, homosexuality, gender equality, new laws/acceptance/non-acceptance of whats right and wrong

Question 5

Bullet Point the reasons why some people would not use Church Teachings as the only source of moral authority

Answer 5

euthanasia
organ donation
stem cell research
fertility treatment
decisions made by male, unmarried men
they cannot represent everyone because they only have one perspective