Catholic doctrine is categorized into degrees or level of theological certainty as follows:
Infallible truths (de fide). - must be assented to by all the faithful as Divinely revealed truth, an authentic part of the deposit of faith. This includes things immediately revealed by God (
de fide divina). If the Church, through its infallible teaching authority vouches that the truth is contained in revelation, it is also called Catholic faith (
fides catholica). If Truths are defined by solemn judgement of faith (definition) of the Pope or of a General Council, they are “
de fide defina”. Truths taught solemnly pronounces, but are formally and universally taught by the body of Catholic bishops in communion with the Pope, they are also infallible (*fides ecclesiastica). ***Failure to assent to
de fide dogmas constitute heresy.
**Certain official doctrine, yet less-than-infallible teaching. **all the faithful owe their religious submission of intellect and will to these teachings (
religiosum obsequium). They do not have sufficient universal consent such that they can be reasonably judged *fide ecclesiastica. *However, they are not to be considered doubtful, but are in fact are to be believed with certitude and thus are not a matter of free opinion. Yet, “the
Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of Theologian issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has addressed this matter. It recognized that theologians (and others) might question not only the form but even the substantive content of some authoritatively proposed magisterial teachings. It held that it is permissible in such instances to withhold assent, to raise questions (and present them to the magisterium), to discuss the issues with other theologians (and be humble enough to accept criticism of one’s own views by them). Theologians (and others) can propose their views as hypotheses to be considered and tested by other theologians and
ultimately to be judged by those who have, within the Church, the solemn obligation of settling disputes and speaking the mind of Christ. But it taught one is not giving a true
obsequium religiosum if one dissents from magisterial teaching and proposes one’s own position as a position that the faithful are at liberty to follow, substituting it for the teaching of the magisterium.” [3, italics in original, underline added]. Dr. Ott describes this teaching as teaching proximate to faith (
sententia fidei proxima), teaching pertaining to faith (
sententia ad fidem pertinens), theologically certain (
theologice certa), certain teaching (
sententia certa), or common teaching (
sententia communis).
Withholding assent, if in accord with the instruction cited above, is not heretical, but may be considered heterodox.
Free and tolerated opinions. These theological opinions may be held freely without heresy, and may be considered probable, more probable, well-founded, or pious. These are not the official doctrines of Catholicism. Some opinion may even be weakly founded, yet is tolerated by the Church.
to be continued …
I understand this is a serious conversation but I was just trying to have a little humor break. You’re react just like me when you’re serious about something. 