Why hasn't the Catholic Church published an official list of every single infallible teaching?

[PumpkinCookie]

As far as I am aware, the Catholic Church has never published an official list of every single infallible teaching. Why is this? Think of all the confusion it would clear up! Most of the discussions on this website would be easily resolved if there were such a list.

An organization such as Catholic Answers would become redundant very quickly since it is mostly here to help confused Catholics understand what their own church teaches.

I’m thinking something like this:

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

It could be signed by the Pope and all of the bishops in the world, kind of like a constitution or something. And just like that, sooo many problems would be solved. So, why hasn’t this happened yet? Thoughts?

 

[Vico]

As far as I am aware, the Catholic Church has never published an official list of every single infallible teaching. Why is this? Think of all the confusion it would clear up! Most of the discussions on this website would be easily resolved if there were such a list.

An organization such as Catholic Answers would become redundant very quickly since it is mostly here to help confused Catholics understand what their own church teaches.

I’m thinking something like this:

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

It could be signed by the Pope and all of the bishops in the world, kind of like a constitution or something. And just like that, sooo many problems would be solved. So, why hasn’t this happened yet? Thoughts?

We do have Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum by Denzinger-Schonmetzer and Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Ludwig Ott.

 

[PumpkinCookie]

We do have Denzinger Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum and Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Ludwig Ott.

Indeed, I own the Ott in an English translation. However, both the Denzinger and Ott are secondary sources.

Why not a primary source? Why doesn’t the Catholic Church compile a list of every single thing they believe to be infallibly true and officially endorse it? That way, no one could say "well…that’s just Ott’s interpretation or opinion."

 

[Cheiron]

We do have Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum by Denzinger-Schonmetzer and Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, by Ludwig Ott.

I found a version of the former online. It’s updated untill 1950 or so.

patristica.net/denzinger/

It consists of authoritive texts concerning dogma’s, it’s not really a list of dogma’s. The writers (I assume such a massive work must have several) have collected 2333 of such texts. An official list would be very helpful to everyone interested in Catholicism.

 

[lax16]

As far as I am aware, the Catholic Church has never published an official list of every single infallible teaching. Why is this? Think of all the confusion it would clear up! Most of the discussions on this website would be easily resolved if there were such a list.

An organization such as Catholic Answers would become redundant very quickly since it is mostly here to help confused Catholics understand what their own church teaches.

I’m thinking something like this:

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

It could be signed by the Pope and all of the bishops in the world, kind of like a constitution or something. And just like that, sooo many problems would be solved. So, why hasn’t this happened yet? Thoughts?

I was very poorly catechized and yet knew what the church taught, even without a list.

The Catechism is very implicit and available to all.

What problems would a list of infallible teachings solve?

 

[Vico]

I found a version of the former online. It’s updated untill 1950 or so.

patristica.net/denzinger/

It consists of authoritive texts concerning dogma’s, it’s not really a list of dogma’s. The writers (I assume such a massive work must have several) have collected 2333 of such texts. An official list would be very helpful to everyone interested in Catholicism.

Also Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma:

essan.org/SignumMagnum/e%20Books/Fundamentals%20Of%20Catholic%20Dogma.pdf

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

I was very poorly catechized and yet knew what the church taught, even without a list.

The Catechism is very implicit and available to all.

What problems would a list of infallible teachings solve?

Something that comes to mind is that the Church itself claims to be infallible in matters of faith and morals. A listing of what qualifies as an infallible teaching would help lend support to that argument.

For example, if teaching ‘x’ changes within the Church, the Church could claim that teaching ‘x’ wasn’t an infallible teaching, therefore okay to change since it’s not definitely an infallible teaching.

Some people, for example, claim that there could be women priests some day in the Catholic Church. Some say yes, most say no. Most say it’s impossible due to the nature of the priesthood and that teaching is infallible (unchangable). Some however, claim that it could change. Those who know it is infallible teaching could say ‘here is the list of infallible teachings of the Catholic Church’ and male-only priesthood would undoubtedly be there. Of course the list doesn’t exist, so we are left with having to go to document ‘x’ which is supported by document ‘y’ which references biblical text ‘z’.

 

[Tomdstone]

As far as I am aware, the Catholic Church has never published an official list of every single infallible teaching. Why is this? Think of all the confusion it would clear up! Most of the discussions on this website would be easily resolved if there were such a list.

An organization such as Catholic Answers would become redundant very quickly since it is mostly here to help confused Catholics understand what their own church teaches.

I’m thinking something like this:

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

It could be signed by the Pope and all of the bishops in the world, kind of like a constitution or something. And just like that, sooo many problems would be solved. So, why hasn’t this happened yet? Thoughts?

The rule against contraception and women’s ordination must be followed and adhered to, but AFAIK there are theologians who maintain that these are declarations of the ordinary magisterium of the Catholic Church but are not ex cathedra infallible.

 

[johnnyc176]

I thought they did…the Bible and the Catechism.of the Catholic Church.

 

[lax16]

Something that comes to mind is that the Church itself claims to be infallible in matters of faith and morals. A listing of what qualifies as an infallible teaching would help lend support to that argument.

For example, if teaching ‘x’ changes within the Church, the Church could claim that teaching ‘x’ wasn’t an infallible teaching, therefore okay to change since it’s not definitely an infallible teaching.

Some people, for example, claim that there could be women priests some day in the Catholic Church. Some say yes, most say no. Most say it’s impossible due to the nature of the priesthood and that teaching is infallible (unchangable). Some however, claim that it could change. Those who know it is infallible teaching could say ‘here is the list of infallible teachings of the Catholic Church’ and male-only priesthood would undoubtedly be there. Of course the list doesn’t exist, so we are left with having to go to document ‘x’ which is supported by document ‘y’ which references biblical text ‘z’.

I don’t know of any practicing Catholics thst make these claims. Any one questioning church teaching had an agenda, IMO.

 

[dshix]

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

I cannot help but observe that #2 on your list is NOT, in fact, unchangeable Catholic doctrine, and #4 is very vague and possibly incorrect, depending on the way it is understood.

Regarding #2: that is actually a Church discipline, which CAN be changed. I don’t believe it ever will, though, nor should it. But that doesn’t make it a doctrine, just a discipline.

Regarding the question of the thread’s title: The Catholic Church has essentially posted a compendium of its teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sure, it’s long, but it contains the majority of the Church’s teaching, including the things which are not doctrines but still important.

There are other lists that can be found, though, just shortly stating the Church’s doctrines in a more simple list; I haven’t looked through the links provided above in this thread, but I’m sure you can find a good one.

 

[johnnyc176]

Regarding #2: that is actually a Church discipline, which CAN be changed. I don’t believe it ever will, though, nor should it. But that doesn’t make it a doctrine, just a discipline.

Are you sure you are not thinking of celibate priests? I thought St. John Paul answered once and for all that Jesus did not intend wymyn priests.

 

[Memaw]

Something that comes to mind is that the Church itself claims to be infallible in matters of faith and morals. A listing of what qualifies as an infallible teaching would help lend support to that argument.

For example, if teaching ‘x’ changes within the Church, the Church could claim that teaching ‘x’ wasn’t an infallible teaching, therefore okay to change since it’s not definitely an infallible teaching.

Some people, for example, claim that there could be women priests some day in the Catholic Church. Some say yes, most say no. Most say it’s impossible due to the nature of the priesthood and that teaching is infallible (unchangable). Some however, claim that it could change. Those who know it is infallible teaching could say ‘here is the list of infallible teachings of the Catholic Church’ and male-only priesthood would undoubtedly be there. Of course the list doesn’t exist, so we are left with having to go to document ‘x’ which is supported by document ‘y’ which references biblical text ‘z’.

The Holy Father has already said the male priesthood will NEVER change and that should be enough for all Catholics.The fact that many still try to push the issue doesn’t change the fact that the Church cannot ever change it. They are just banging their head against a brick wall. TRUST the Church!! God Bless, Memaw

 

[PumpkinCookie]

I specifically chose some of those example teachings because I knew they would cause the type of problems a list like this would solve.

Think about it:

Catholic 1: “I think women could be priests someday.”

Catholic 2: "Nope, the official list of infallible Catholic teachings says explicitly: “only a human being of the male sex is the proper matter for the sacrament of holy orders.”

Case closed, no hay problema!

Think of the misunderstandings it would prevent.
So, why haven’t they done this?

 

[LethalMouse]

I specifically chose some of those example teachings because I knew they would cause the type of problems a list like this would solve.

Think about it:

Catholic 1: “I think women could be priests someday.”

Catholic 2: "Nope, the official list of infallible Catholic teachings says explicitly: “only a human being of the male sex is the proper matter for the sacrament of holy orders.”

Case closed, no hay problema!

Think of the misunderstandings it would prevent.
So, why haven’t they done this?

I largely agree with you on one hand and think such a list would be nifty!

But in the interest of debate, I submit the following:

A Muslim friend said a big diff between Islam and Catholicism was that Islam did good deeds and Catholics do good works.

Obamacare was passed into law because they said it is not a tax.
Supreme court said it was illegal
Administration said: “It’s a tax?”
Court said "oh okay then totally legal.

Have you read some differences between certain christian denominations and their main sticking points???
You can’t tell one synonym from another, yet apparently they swear they “disagree”

How many posters quote the exact same passage of the CCC or even Bible and have completely opposite ideas on what it means?

Women no ordained? Ok. But but deaconesses!!! But but they arent “ordained” but but yes they are because now we are going to argue the meaning of a word for 12 yrs.

Clinton was like “sexual”? Lets redefine this word and lets debate “is” vs “was”.

The second amendment is short and concise, how many people agree what it means? LOL

The best infallible list in the world would be read by that terrible species known as humans. They would still never agree.

 

[Della]

The dogmas of the Church are not negatives, but positives. They are derived from Sacred Tradition and are woven into the whole of Catholic teaching. It’s like picking all the white threads out of a tapestry as if they were the only ones that matter.

The Church’s creeds, the Nicene and the Apostles, are a distillation of the Church teachings. All our doctrines and dogmas are found in kernel form within them. The Divine Praises are also a source:

Dogmas are merely doctrines that have been declared as “must believes” to put it in lay terms. Here’s a link you may find helpful: theworkofgod.org/dogmas.htm.

 

[e_c]

As far as I am aware, the Catholic Church has never published an official list of every single infallible teaching. Why is this? Think of all the confusion it would clear up! Most of the discussions on this website would be easily resolved if there were such a list.

An organization such as Catholic Answers would become redundant very quickly since it is mostly here to help confused Catholics understand what their own church teaches.

I’m thinking something like this:

Official List of Infallible Catholic Teachings

1. The Pope is and has always been infallible on matters of faith and morals when he speaks ex cathedra.
2. Women can never be ordained.
3. Artificial contraception is an intrinsic evil.
4. It is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.
5. Etc…

It could be signed by the Pope and all of the bishops in the world, kind of like a constitution or something. And just like that, sooo many problems would be solved. So, why hasn’t this happened yet? Thoughts?

1. There has never been sufficient need.
2. There are already basically such lists, as has been noted, and many things are better put in lengthier explanations than bullet points… as close as it gets are the catechisms.
3. The Church is headquartered in Rome.

The three go together. The 3rd one is only half a joke.

 

[twf]

The rule against contraception and women’s ordination must be followed and adhered to, but AFAIK there are theologians who maintain that these are declarations of the ordinary magisterium of the Catholic Church but are not ex cathedra infallible.

Yes, neither Blessed Paul VI nor St John Paul II declared a dogma ex cathedra. There is no dogma condemning artificial birth control or women’s ordination. That being said, they remain infallible teachings. It drives me nuts that people see the word “infallible” and automatically jump to “did the pope speak ex cathedra?” The Pope very rarely exercises the Church’s infallibility in a personal manner. The Church is infallible as the Holy Spirit guides her into all truth. Most infallible dogmas have been declared by ecunenical councils, not popes alone. Beyond defined dogmas, most infallible teachings come to us from the Ordinary Magisterium. The Ordinary Magisterium, that is the consistent teaching of the popes and bishops down through the ages, is itself infallible. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under Joseph Ratzinger, clarified this in the wake of St John Paul’s clarification on women’s ordination: no, the sainted pope did not exercise papal infallibility in the sense of defining a dogma ex cathedra, but yes the teaching itself is infallible by virtue of the ordinary magisterium as consistently taught for 2000 years by bishops everywhere.

 

[twf]

Exactly. Our holy faith is not limited to a list of dogmas, but is woven into the liturgy and the lives of the saints…
For those who want a clear presentation of what the Church teaches, articulated for a modern audience, we have the great gift that is the Catechism of the Catholic Church. If you accept all that is in the Catechism, which St John Paul declared a “sure norm”, you should have no need of a list of infallible doctrines.

 

[e_c]

Yes, neither Blessed Paul VI nor St John Paul II declared a dogma ex cathedra. There is no dogma condemning artificial birth control or women’s ordination. That being said, they remain infallible teachings. It drives me nuts that people see the word “infallible” and automatically jump to “did the pope speak ex cathedra?” The Pope very rarely exercises the Church’s infallibility in a personal manner. The Church is infallible as the Holy Spirit guides her into all truth. Most infallible dogmas have been declared by ecunenical councils, not popes alone. Beyond defined dogmas, most infallible teachings come to us from the Ordinary Magisterium. The Ordinary Magisterium, that is the consistent teaching of the popes and bishops down through the ages, is itself infallible. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, under Joseph Ratzinger, clarified this in the wake of St John Paul’s clarification on women’s ordination: no, the sainted pope did not exercise papal infallibility in the sense of defining a dogma ex cathedra, but yes the teaching itself is infallible by virtue of the ordinary magisterium as consistently taught for 2000 years by bishops everywhere.

Interestingly enough, Dr. Ed Peters - who is certainly no slouch - takes the position that JPII actually DID speak infallibly on the matter, given the nature of the formulation of the document (Ordinatio Sacerdotalis)… It really doesn’t matter what Ratzinger said about it, or even what JPII said about it after the fact, it is about the nature of the proclamation itself… The judgments of its status as fallible teaching were certainly NOT infallible.

Just a thought.