Are there different levels of Church teaching?

[Bobmike]

I am presently arguing with a friend of mine, as to whether or not the Catholic Church is right in considering the Pope the direct successor to Saint Peter. He has given me access to a e-book “Ancient Fathers of the Church”. By Ken Johnson, THD.

In the section entitled History of the Fathers, he states " Many confuse primary and secondary doctrines".

What is meant by primary and secondary doctrines, I was not aware that doctrines of the Church were divided into classes.

Could you educate and enlighten me?

Bobmike

 

[Karlo_Broussard]

First, the Catholic Church does teach there exists a hierarchy of truths among those truths that make up the Deposit of Faith. These truths vary as they relate to the fundamental Christian Faith.

This is why we can call Protestants our “separated brethren.” We acknowledge them as Christian because they hold to essential Christian truths (the Trinity, Divinity of Christ, Incarnation, virgin birth of Christ, etc.) while denying other truths, such as the Eucharist, Sacrament of Reconciliation, priesthood, the papacy, and the various dogmas and doctrines concerning Mary.

A good article covering the hierarchy of truths is found here: ignatiusinsight.com/features2005/dbushman_hiertruths_sept05.asp

Second, there are different levels of Church doctrine (teaching), which vary in the nature of the teaching and type of response it requires from Catholics.

The best document to read for this is the Doctrinal Commentary on the Concluding Formula of the Professio Fidei by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

For a good summary of the various levels of Church doctrine as explained in the doctrinal commentary mentioned above, follow this link: ewtn.com/library/Theology/SUMMARY.HTM