Transcript The Church and Moral Teaching

THE CHURCH AND MORAL
TEACHING
HRE4M
The Church Shapes Moral Character



The Church’s position on ethical and moral issues is reported
widely in its own publications, the press, television and
Internet, and is taught in churches, Catholic schools and
Catholic homes.
Moral character requires more than ideas, but imagination
as well. This includes rituals and images, art and
architecture, symbols and stories, through the Bible and the
liturgy, through its social outreach programs, and through
interacting with other Christians.
The liturgy is the primary tool through which the Church
teaches. These events in liturgy shape our moral character
step by step until the story of salvation becomes our story.
The Church Guards and Maintains
Moral Tradition


Over the years, the Church has been confronted by
many moral issues. The Church’s teaching can be
found in many different documents, and is carried
out by the people.
Four different groups carry this moral tradition
forward: the faithful, theologians, priests and
pastoral ministers, and the teaching authority of the
Church.
The Faithful




Our first teachers are our baptized parents and
friends.
By the example they set, they have an enormous
influence on our moral development as children.
Catechists and schools also give important witness
to the moral truths.
Faith is caught through example.
Theologians



Theologians interpret this moral tradition, and play
an important role by bridging the gap between
tradition and the present time.
They interpret the ancient tradition and they
contribute to the teaching mission of the magisterium
by interpreting moral issues today.
Although, not official teachers of the church their
task is to present the ancient message using ideas
and images that are accessible today. (E.g.
Hermeneutics)
Priests and Pastoral Workers



Priests, deacons, pastoral assistants, administrators
and catechists also strive to make these teachings
plain to ordinary believers.
They seek to respond to the individual’s cultural,
social and personal needs
They preside and celebrate the sacraments. The
seven sacraments are personal encounters with the
Risen Christ giving us grace.
The Magisterium:
The Teaching Authority of the Church:



The “official teaching” of the church on moral
matters is called the magisterium.
It is made up of the Pope and bishops.
It is their task to teach the faith and to ensure that
believers honour the values of tradition in their lives.
Bishops


Bishops delegate: Bishops designate others to teach
as well, such as teachers and catechists in Catholic
schools.
Bishops give a teaching mission to theologians: They
approve certain books and other catechetical
materials for use in schools. This approval is called
the imprimatur.
Bishops Continued


Bishops also teach directly: They publish formal
definitions of faith, together with the Bishop of
Rome, broadcasting the decrees of ecumenical
councils.
They write encyclicals, apostolic exhortations,
pastoral letters, and declarations under the
authority of the papal congregations.
The Magisterium




There are two levels of magisterium, extraordinary and
ordinary.
Extraordinary is in effect in two situations. The first, an
ecumenical council, the college of all bishops united with
the pope, pronounces a solemn decree.
The second, a solemn decree, when the pope speaks
explicitly as the head of the Church.
Ordinary magisterium refers to the normal daily
teachings of the bishops throughout the world. It
includes teachings of the pope in encyclicals and
apostolic letters.
The Church is a Community of Moral
Deliberation



Ethical positions emerge in response to events in a
community and in the world.
The bishops enter into dialogue and debate on
moral issues so that everyone may arrive at moral
maturity.
Ethical positions are developed through open
debate and consultation. Letters outlining views of
the Church can be revised countless times before
they are released.