I think we need to distinguish between the thoughts of individual theologians (for example, Augustine on Limbo) and the teaching of the ordinary magisterium. You cannot, for instance, evidence a consistent, universal teaching on Limbo throughout the Church’s history, while you can do so on abortion.
I could very well be completely wrong about this, but I thought that at one point, Limbo was actually taught by the church, not just St. Augustine. I have no idea how widespread the teaching was or how long it lasted, so I’ll take your word for it that it wasn’t much of either.
What about the chain of being? St. Anslem wrote a book on natural hiearchies, and I belive it was widely accepted and taught by the church at the time.
As for being subject to fallibility, the universal ordinary magisterium is not and is itself the basis of papal infallibility (for instance, before the Assumption was declared as a dogma of faith, it was part of this ordinary magisterium),
hmm, I had forgotten this, but I think you’re right. In that case, does anybody know of any infallible teachings from the magisterium which back the pro-life movement?
and secondly, even if it were, it would be the height of arrogance for any individual Catholic to believe they are right when consistent Church witness is against them,
I don’t know whether I’m right or not. As I’ve said before, I’m probably wrong, and I’ll follow the teachings of the Church in my actions until I have reason to doubt church authority. But I won’t stop questioning the reasons behind my religious practices. If I’m wrong, I’ll find out exactly why. And if not, then maybe I can help straighten the ship.
as is the natural moral law.
As far as I can see, natural moral law has nothing whatsoever to say on this subject.
Going back to the first point, though, I think it’s dangerous to feel obliged to follow the Church’s teaching only when something has been infallibly pronounced. If so, you might as well chuck out your Sunday obligation (which was never set as law at any Church Council to my knowledge)
the Sunday obligation is an action. I will
follow the Catholic teaching in all things, but I will only
believe Catholic teaching if the teaching is infallible or I have good reason to believe it. In the case of Jesus being married, I take the church’s word for it that he wasn’t, because it doesn’t really matter in the long run, and because I have no reason to believe otherwise.