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Theologians and the Magisterium: A Proposal for a Complementarity of Charisms through Dialogue

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 March 2013

Todd A. Salzman  and
Michael G. Lawler
Todd A. Salzman
Affiliation:
Creighton University
Michael G. Lawler
Affiliation:
Creighton University
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Abstract

Archbishop Bernardin recommended that, in the relationship between magisterium and theologians, two extremes are to be avoided. On the one hand, there should be no imperialism on the part of the magisterium, co-opting theologians merely as mouthpieces for magisterial teachings. On the part of theologians, on the other hand, there should be no secession from the magisterium that would give theologians absolute autonomy and freedom from accountability. This essay analyzes the diverse charisms of magisterium and theologians and argues that they are complementary and that both parties should relate in the dialogue of charity recommended for ecumenical discussions in Pope John Paul II's Ut Unum Sint. This dialogue of charity, the essay further argues, should not be restricted to only magisterium and theologians but should embrace also, for upbuilding the Church, the entire People of God journeying together to the Holy Mystery.

Type
Articles
Information
Horizons , Volume 36 , Issue 1 , Spring 2009 , pp. 7 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © The College Theology Society 2009

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References

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82 Ibid., art. 31.

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84 Ibid., art. 29 (emphasis in original).

85 Gaudium et Spes, art. 92.

86 Ibid., art. 36.

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