A magisterial book about the Magisterium

Fittingly, titled Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith, written by Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., and  published in late 2007 by Sapientia Press. I think every book by Cardinal Dulles is worth reading, and this one is no exception. And it fills the need for a compact, accessible work on a topic that many people, understandably, have questions about.

In the Preface, Cardinal Dulles explains why he wrote the book, "In recent years I have experienced difficulty in finding a clear, concise, up-to-date manual on this subject, even though there exists an abundance of literature on different aspects of the teaching office. ... Most students, not to mention members of the general public, are very unclear about the respective authority of various teachers in the Church. Very few understand the different types and degrees of authority attaching to various types of documents. Most of the faithful are likewise confused about the biblical sources and the historical development of the Magisterium as a normative organ of doctrinal authority."

The book's eight chapters address, in succession: the nature and function of the Magisterium, the Magisterium in the New Testament, hierarchical and non-hierarchical teachers, organs of the Magisterium, infallibility, the response due the Magisterium, and reception. There are several appendices addressing particular Church documents in relation to the issues of authority, infallibility, and the Magisterium.

More on Magisterium:

Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ here offers a complete theology of the Church's Magisterium. In a study that will be the standard treatment of the topic for years to come, Cardinal Dulles takes up such issues as the Magisterium's nature and function, the roots of the Magisterium in the New Testament and its development in the history of the Church, the relationship between the hierarchy of the Church and the theological academy, the scope of the Church's infallibility, the response due to the Magisterium's teachings, and the role of the Church's reception of magisterial teaching. Written for those seeking clarity, wisdom, and erudition about the Church's Magisterium, this book stands head and shoulders above any other presently available. Its accessible style makes it a valuable not only for scholars but for all Catholics.

"With concise accuracy and clarity Cardinal Dulles provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential elements and historical developments of the Church's Magisterium. It is integral to the mission given by Jesus Christ to the apostles and their successors to preach and teach the revealed Word of God. The excellent theological exposition is complemented by the appendices with key conciliar and papal documents on the subject. Those concerned with the truth of Catholic faith must read this fine treatment of the teaching office of the Church. Cardinal Dulles's book is an auspicious inauguration of an important series of introductions to Catholic doctrines by Sapientia Press." — Matthew L. Lamb, Ave Maria University

"For years now professors and students of ecclesiology have sorely needed an up-to-date book on the Magisterium. Now it has been written and by a theologian who has been rightly described as the dean of Catholic theologians in America. Written in his usual sober and comprehensive style, Cardinal Dulles has given us a book that undoubtedly will be the standard work on the subject of the Magisterium for many years to come. Professors, pastors, and students will want to return to it again and again." — Lawrence J. Welch, Kenrick School of Theology

"Substantial theological and ecumenical questions cluster around the term 'magisterium': Does the Church need a teaching office? Can we clearly trace its origins? What is its sphere of competence and the force of its pronouncements? Most importantly, how does it give living witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In this comprehensive and highly readable study, Avery Cardinal Dulles answers these questions and others like it with a compelling precision honed by a lifetime of reflection on the Church and her singular mission. This book is a rich and informative resource for all inquirers into the nature, purpose and testimony of the teaching office of the Catholic Church." — Thomas G. Guarino, Professor of Systematic Theology, Seton Hall University

Here are some other recent titles from Sapientia, all available from Ignatius Press:

• Deification And Grace by Daniel Keating
• Eternity, Time, And The Life Of Wisdom by Matthew Lamb
• Trinity, Church, And The Human Person by Gilles Emery
• Teleological Grammar Of The Moral Act by Steven Long

Comments

[Ed Peters]

Curious, does it have much of a bibliography?

[Carl Olson]

Ed: An eight page bibliography with quite a few books I've never heard of before, including several foreign language titles.

[Mark Brumley]

It's a great book. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to write a review of it. But of course I read it for inclusion in the catalogue. It's from our "sister" press, Sapientia. Due to a glitch with the post office, it did not get included in our fall catalogue (that's a long story) but it's in our current one. And it's available online.