Apostolic Tradition

[MarcoPolo]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

 

[davidv]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

Yes I think they did. The rudiments of it are described in the Gospels and the Act of the Apostles

1. Instruction in the person of Jesus
2. Establishment of leadership
3. Handing on an authority
4. The assignment of a mission (teach all nations).

 

[MarcoPolo]

Yes I think they did. The rudiments of it are described in the Gospels and the Act of the Apostles

1. Instruction in the person of Jesus
2. Establishment of leadership
3. Handing on an authority
4. The assignment of a mission (teach all nations).

Thank you…I’m looking more for something indicating they taught their successors how to determine sound doctrine.

 

[davidv]

Thank you…I’m looking more for something indicating they taught their successors how to determine sound doctrine.

I would think that, determining sound doctrine, was quite low on their priority list. Teaching, correcting and celebrating the liturgy were top priority it seems to me. Particularly, given that it took several centuries to canonize Scripture.

So, I don’t think we will find any documented methodology sourced directly to the apostles.

 

[mardukm]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

It is explicitly contained in the First Vatican Council’s Decree on Papal Primacy (not just with respect to the papacy, but to the whole episcopate), and the Second Vatican Council is riddled with explicit references to the Apostolic Succession of bishops.

Blessings,
Marduk

 

[John_Hiner]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

Laudetur Iesus Christus.

Dear MarcoPolo:

You may find some indication of such a methodology in the prescribed moral reasoning described in the third part of the *Catechism of the Catholic Church *(1997), “Life in Christ,” especially paragraphs 1691 through 1802. If one considers the specific requirements of these teachings in the manner of making moral determinations, and then looks at the footnotes cited in the text, it is quite satisfying. The footnotes indicate that the teachings are based upon the Scriptures, the Magisterium from St. Clement, St. Gregory the Great, through Leo XIII, Pius X and XII, and several of the Doctors of the Church. To the best of my memory, the only non-ecclesial source cited is a single reference to Cicero.

This suggests that this moral reasoning is a reflection of Christ’s own mental processes and that its teaching has been consistent from the time of the Apostles through the present.

If one adds to this the insight into the commandments of the Old Law, which is hinted at in the account of Jesus’ instructions in interpreting the Old Testament given on the road to Emmaus, and the direct knowledge of the commandments of the New Law gained through direct contact with Christ during His ministry on earth, one can discern the sort of “methodology” which would allow the application of the received teachings to new factual circumstances throughout history.

One should note, of course, that this is not a “secret methodology” passed down in the episcopate. It is a part of the Gospel, and constitutes one of the four main sections of the 1997 Catechism. *

Of course, this “method of discerning” is coupled with and supported by the supernatural guidance of Christ and the Holy Spirit, as well as the continuous, fully conscious and actual practice of the Liturgy, which is the “the primary and indispensable source” from which the “true Christian spirit” is derived. (See, Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14; and Optatam Totius, 16.)

Pax Christi nobiscum.

John Hiner

*There is an overview of this section of the Catechism given by Msgr. William Smith in EWTN’s series, “Catholic Morality and the Catechism.” The series is available on the EWTN website at ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=6608&T1=

 

[guanophore]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

Yes, indeed. I think the best Church document on this is the New Testament.

 

[Randy_Carson]

Would it be accurate to say that as part of Tradition, the Apostles left their successors a methodology for determining sound doctrine? Is there a Church document expressing that sentiment?

It appears they were to compare everything to the oral teaching they had received from the Apostles:

2 Timothy 1:13-14
13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

What is certain is that none of the Apostles practiced sola scriptura during their own lifetimes, and we have no written record that they instructed their successors to do so, either.

 

[MarcoPolo]

2 Timothy 1:13-14
13What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching

Outstanding, Randy. That does show us that Paul told Timothy “how” to determine sound teaching, which is indicative that more doctrine remained to be discovered. It fits well with Paul’s other exhortations to Timothy and Titus on following sound doctrine.