Canon Law?

[bmullins]

Where does Canon Law stand in response to Tradition/Sacred Scripture. I’m not asking which would trump the other etc, but more: Is Canon law binding on Catholics like Tradition is? Is breaking Canon Law equivalent to heresy?

 

[1ke]

Where does Canon Law stand in response to Tradition/Sacred Scripture.

For many years the Church issued canons in ecumenical councils. It is only very recently (last few centuries) that the Church gathered all of that into one document, what we now know as canon law.

Canon law includes both divine law and the ecclesial law of the Church.

Is Canon law binding on Catholics like Tradition is?

Yes, canon law is binding on all Catholics over the age of 7. Certain canons have age included as part of the canon, for example marriage, etc.

Is breaking Canon Law equivalent to heresy?

Depends on the law. In some cases it could be. It is more a matter of the sin of disobedience in most cases.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Canon Law is binding upon all Catholics, but it is not considered infallible (though some Canons may be directly based on infallible doctrine). Canon Law are the “rules” of the Church - not the Doctrine of the Church (but both are binding). Canon Law can, does, and should change from time to time (which doctrine cannot do).

A lot of Canon Law does not apply to the laity (or might apply only to a particular subset, such as rules governing marriage tribunals would apply only to those seeking an annulment). Canon Law mainly concerns ordained ministers, members of Religious Orders, and Church officials.

Unlike the Catechism, laypeople are not encouraged or expected to be conversant with Canon Law (though they’re certainly not discouraged). In fact, Canon Law books are not even stocked in many Catholic bookstores (mine had to be ordered). The portions of Canon Law that are applicable to the laity would be found in the Catechism and possibly taught as part of CCD/RCIA. Parts of Canon Law may even be printed in Parish Bulletins (for example, the rules regarding fasting and absence).

Canon Law is regularly cited by Catholic junkies here on CAF (I’ve cited it many times), but most Catholics have no direct knowledge of it.