Topic 3 The Nature and Form of Authority in the RCC Flashcards
1
Q
How is the bible a form of authority in the RCC?
A
- Roman Catholic bible contains the ✨ apocrypha ✨ which contain extra deuterocanonical books that aren’t in the Protestant bible -> apocrypha seen as authoritative as bible
- Stands in line w natural law (aquinas’ primary precepts) so authoritative in matters of belief
- So they practise the morality in bible but some beliefs not wholly dictated by it eg don’t literally interpret gen 1
USE IN COMBINATION W/ TRADITION
2
Q
How is tradition a form of authority in the RCC?
A
- Apostles handed down ‘sacred deposit of the faith’ (catechism of Catholic Church) in 2 forms
- Scripture + tradition : scripture in form of bible , however also believed that gospel was handed down orally
- Oral gospel passed on from apostles to bishops etc through APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION.
- Teaching of church amalgamation of written + oral tradition + is authoritative as it goes back to apostles
3
Q
What is one example of oral tradition in the RCC?
A
- belief in perpetual virginity of Mary
- bible speaks of ‘bros and sisters of Jesus’ which is ambiguous
- though oral tradition they know that Mary stayed a virgin
4
Q
What is apostolic succession?
A
- peter as the ‘rock’ on which jesus built his church
- catholic line of authority comes from here
5
Q
How is the magisterium a form of authority in the RCC?
A
- Magisterium tells catholics what to believe and morally what to do
- duty of Catholic Church to interpret scripture + tradition for current day lives of Catholics
- up to pope + bishops (as they are successors of og apostles) to define beliefs of church + their morals
6
Q
How are church teachings a form of authority in the RCC?
A
- many documents written by/approved by pope (set out teachings that RCs are expected to believe + obey)
- many official documents of church called encyclicals (eg Evangelium vitae, published in 1995 by pope john Paul II, about church’s stance on abortion)
- catechism of Catholic Church (sets out teaching of church on all matters)
7
Q
How is reason a source of authority in the RCC?
A
- catechism states importance of reason (in matters of faith + moral decision making)
- however due to original sin, believe that human reason isn’t always reliable + so guidance of church needed (eg magisterium + encyclicals)
8
Q
How is conscience a form of authority in the RCC?
A
- conscience also important - seen as the law implanted every human + includes use of reason
- conscience can be mistaken so should be educated through teachings of scripture + church
- shouldn’t be primary source of authority, though an educated conscience should be obeyed
9
Q
How are religious leaders one of the most significant sources of authority in the RCC?
A
- pope important source of spiritual + moral guidance
- current pope = pope Francis and = spiritual successor to St. Peter -> teachings must be accepted
- not infallible all the time except when speaking ex Cathedra (pronouncements beyond question)
10
Q
How is the church a significant source of authority in the RCC?
A
- Roman Catholic Church sees itself as having authority as it is one true church (catholic means ‘universal’ makes them one true church of Christ)
- Roman Catholics believe that they will achieve salvation through being member of church (as well as taking sacraments which can only be received through church)
- shows RCC has complete authority over members as demonstrated in forgiving sins during confession
11
Q
Reasons why people should not see the RCC as authoritative?
A
- some teachings are outdated + old fashioned (out of character with today’s society)
- church has history of mistreating people + large scale scandals (the crusades, sex abuse)
- some church teachings are contradictory to other Christian values (love your neighbour suggests inclusivity but they condemn gay people???
