Chapter 3: The Church Transmits the Revelation of Jesus Christ Through Sacred Tradition & Sacred...

Chapter 3: The Church Transmits

the Revelation of Jesus Christ Through Sacred Tradition & Sacred

Scripture

FAITH AND REVELATION

BASIC QUESTIONSWhy did Christ establish a Church?What is the Magisterium?What is an Ecumenical Council?What is apostolic succession?

KEY IDEASBy the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ established a Church under St. Peter and the Apostles so his Revelation could be preserved in its entirety and be proclaimed to all nations without corruption.“Magisterium” is the name given to the universal teaching authority of the Pope and the bishops in communion with him, which guides the members of the Church without error in matters of faith and morals through the interpretation of Sacred Scripture and Tradition.One way the Church has exercised her Magisterium is through the twenty-one Ecumenical Councils; this is called the “ordinary Magisterium.”The Magisterium is preserved through Apostolic Succession, the lineage of Catholic bishops, including the Pope, through the ages, in which each holds office in a direct link to the Twelve Apostles.

1. The Church Transmits the Revelation of Jesus Christ

Anticipatory Set

Work with a partner to create a bullet-point summary of salvation history based on the first five paragraphs of this chapter.


Focus Questions What key instrument has God used to transmit salvation history? Sacred Scripture.

What should our response be to what God reveals? Faith.

How is the Church a motive of credibility for the truth of Revelation? It has been faithful to Christ for two millennia despite severe trials.

How is the faithfulness of the Church promised by Christ? When Christ made St. Peter the visible head of his Church on earth, he said, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18).


Guided Exercise Peruse the objectives listed under “In This Chapter.” To access your current knowledge, free write for five minutes on the objective you know the most about.


THE CHURCH TRANSMITS THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST Why is it logical to think God would provide a means by which his Revelation should be fully preserved and transmitted into the future? Since the Good News is for all people in all times, it makes sense he would provide a way for all people to have access to this Revelation.

How did Christ guarantee that his Revelation would reach all nations unadulterated? He established his Church and granted his teaching authority to his Apostles.

What guarantees the Church can infallibly transmit the Faith? The Holy Spirit.


With respect to his message, when was Christ’s guarantee fulfilled? It was fulfilled on Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.

How was the Apostles’ divine authority confirmed? By miracles: “Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).

When was the infallibility guaranteed to the teaching of the Apostles first seen? In the Council of Jerusalem, the Apostles decided the Gentiles did not have to follow the Mosaic Law. “It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28).

What was the model for the First Ecumenical Council? The Council of Jerusalem.


Why is a General Council also called “Ecumenical”? Bishops gather from around the world; the Greek oikoumene means “the whole inhabited world.”

With what kind of issues have Ecumenical Councils dealt?They have addressed theological issues, matters of worship, and Church discipline.

What was the role of the Ecumenical Council in the early centuries of the Church? These councils would served as the primary means by which bishops discussed and made definitive decisions about theological issues facing the entire Church.

What are the two key qualities of an Ecumenical Council? Bishops from local churches around the world and the successor of St. Peter, the Pope (or his legate), must be present.


Guided Exercise Think/Pair/Share: Why are the following questions of utmost importance?How has the message revealed by Jesus Christ been transmitted down through the generations? How can we be sure that it has been handed on faithfully?


What is the sensus fidelium? The “sense of the faithful” is the whole body of the faithful, who have an anointing that comes from the Holy One, cannot err in matters of belief. This characteristic is shown in the supernatural appreciation of the faith (sensus fidei) of the whole people, when, “from the bishops to the last of the faithful,” they manifest a universal consent in matters of faith and morals.

Who guides the People of God in knowing the faith? The sacred teaching authority of the Church, or Magisterium.


Sidebar: WHAT IS AN ECUMENICAL COUNCIL? What is an Ecumenical Council? An Ecumenical Council is a meeting at which bishops from around the world convene to discuss and debate matters of concern to the whole Church.

Who presides over an Ecumenical Council? The Pope or his delegate.

What is the effect of decrees of the Magisterium emanating from an Ecumenical Council? If ratified by the Pope, they are binding on all Christians.

How many Ecumenical Councils have there been? Twenty-one (Nicæa I through Vatican II)


THE MAGISTERIUM: THE CHURCH TEACHES INFALLIBLY What is the Magisterium? It is the teaching office of the Church, a work of the Holy Spirit, which gives the Church the power to transmit Christ’s Gospel faithfully and without error.

Who constitutes the Magisterium? The Apostles and their successors, the Pope and the bishops in union with him.

What does the infallibility of the Magisterium ensure? The Church cannot teach error in matters of faith and morals.


Who ensures the infallibility of the Magisterium? The Holy Spirit.

What should be the response of the faithful to a teaching of the Magisterium when it proposes a doctrine for belief as divinely revealed? The definitions “must be adhered to with the obedience of faith.”

Does the Magisterium create doctrine? No; the Magisterium is an explanatory source of theology. It interprets Revelation without adding or removing anything from the Good News of Christ.

Where can examples of the teaching of the Magisterium be found? It can be found, among other sources, in creeds and the Catechism.


What is the Deposit of Faith? It describes the whole content of Divine Revelation.

What are the twin sources of the Deposit of Faith? Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture.

How does St. Paul witness to the twin sources of the Faith?He wrote, “Brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” Extension: The phrase word of mouth refers to Tradition, and by letter refers to Scripture.

How are Sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church connected? They work together and none can stand without the other two.


Guided Exercise

Complete the following graphic to summarize the two ways the Magisterium exercises the charism of infallibility.


Guided Exercise

Complete the following graphic to summarize the two ways the Magisterium exercises the charism of infallibility.


Insert Sidebar: APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION How do the contemporary terms “priest,” “bishop,” and “Pope” apply to the Apostles?The Apostles were what we would call the first priests and bishops of the Church, and St. Peter is regarded as the first Pope.

What is Apostolic Succession? The office of bishop has been passed along in an unbroken continuity from the Apostles throughout the history of the Church, even to the present day.

How does a person know the present Pope traces his authority directly to St. Peter? There is a record of the 266 popes from St. Peter through Pope Benedict XVI.

How did most of the early popes show their fidelity to the Gospel? They were martyrs for the faith.


Guided Exercise Think/Pair/Write/Share on the following question: What does St. Matthew teach about St. Peter’s authority (cf. Mt 16:18–29)?


Closure Write a paragraph explaining the relationship between the Church, the Magisterium, Ecumenical Councils, and Apostolic Succession.


Homework Assignment

Reading SACRED TRADITION. FATHERS OF THE CHURCH. SACRED SCRIPTURE.

Study Questions Questions 1–8. Practical Exercise 3.

Workbook Questions 1–18.


Alternative Assessment Visit the Vatican’s Web site at the following address:

www.vatican.va/archive/index.htm Browse the documents of Vatican II to get an idea of the scope of this most recent Ecumenical Council. Share what matters you observed that the bishops discussed in council.


http://www.vatican.va/archive/index.htm

BASIC QUESTIONSWhat is the relationship between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition?What is the relationship between Sacred Tradition and human tradition in the Faith?Where can Sacred Tradition be observed?Who is the author of Sacred Scripture?Are the Sacred Scriptures free from error?Why is Sacred Scripture “sacred”?

KEY IDEASSacred Scripture is that part of Sacred Tradition which was written down under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.The Catholic Faith includes both Sacred, or unchangeable, Tradition, and human traditions, which can change. The Church’s human traditions grow out of her Sacred Tradition.Witnesses of Sacred Tradition include the Church’s liturgy, the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and archaeology.Sacred Scripture has two authors: God, who is its primary author; and inspired human writers, who faithfully communicated what God wished.The Scriptures are both veracious and inerrant.The Scriptures are holy because of their sacred origin, purpose, and precepts.

2. Tradition and Scripture

Anticipatory Set Read Chapter 67 of St. Justin Martyr’s First Apology, which can be found online.

Discuss what this reveals about the way the early Church worshipped God.


SACRED TRADITION What is Sacred Tradition? It is the Word of God received from Christ through the Apostles that has been handed on without alteration by the Church under the protection of the Holy Spirit.

Why is Tradition called “Sacred”?The Church receives supernatural assistance from God to transmit the Gospel.

What Scriptural evidence indicates God gives the Church supernatural assistance? Before his Ascension, Christ promised his Apostles, “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Mt 28:20), and he told St. Peter, “The powers of death shall not prevail against [the Church]” (Mt 16:18).


How did St. Paul witness Tradition in his Second Epistle to Timothy? He exhorted his disciple St. Timothy to hold fast to the truth he had been given by the Holy Spirit. St. Timothy should then entrust this truth to other faithful men who will be able to pass it on to others.

Why is it erroneous to argue that Revelation should be based on Scripture alone? Tradition is prior to Scripture both logically and chronologically. The teachings of Christ were passed on orally at first and then later written down.

What is the difference between Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture? Sacred Tradition encompasses the entire Deposit of Faith, while Sacred Scripture contains the part of Tradition written down.


Sacred Tradition and Human Traditions What the two kinds of traditions are in the Bible and in the life of the Church? There are divine, or Sacred, Traditions, which have God as their author, and human traditions, which were created by Christians.

Did St. Paul commend the Corinthians for keeping Tradition? Yes; he praised them because they maintained the traditions he delivered to them.

What are some examples of the contents of Sacred Tradition? The divinity of Christ and the mystery of the Blessed Trinity.


What evidence exists that Christ was critical of human traditions? He accused the Pharisees of being too concerned about traditions of men and neglecting the Sacred Traditions of God’s Law, saying: “You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the traditions of men” (Mk 7:8).

Are there legitimate human traditions in the Church? Yes.

What is the value and permanence of human traditions in the Church?They have a temporary value and can be developed or modified. Extension: For example, the Church developed the tradition of plainchant in her liturgy. This did not mean that polyphonic or other forms of song should not have been introduced in later times.


What are some examples of human traditions in the Church?Architectural forms and artistic treasures are human traditions.

How do human traditions relate to Sacred Tradition?The Church’s theological, disciplinary, liturgical, and devotional traditions grew out of the local churches over time and express Sacred Tradition in particular historical and cultural circumstances. In the light of Sacred Tradition, these human traditions can be retained, modified, or abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium.


Sources of Sacred Tradition What are three sources of Sacred Tradition from the early Church? Sources include the Church’s liturgies, the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and archaeological remains. Extension: “Source” in this sense refers to a witness to Sacred Tradition found in these places; Sacred Tradition was not created but rather expressed in these sources.

What are the criteria used to recognize someone as a Father of the Church? He must be of antiquity, exemplify holiness of life, and be orthodox in his belief.


Who are the Apostolic Fathers? They are the earliest Fathers of the Church; they wrote during the first and at the beginning of the second centuries and were disciples of the Apostles.

Who are some of the Apostolic Fathers? St. Clement of Rome, St. Ignatius of Antioch, and St. Polycarp of Smyrna.

Why do the Fathers of the Church have exceptional doctrinal authority? They handed on the Faith received from the Apostles themselves.


Sidebar: Fathers of the Church

Have the students work with a partner to complete the following table about some Fathers of the Church and why they are famous.


A. Being the fourth pope.B. Defending the icons.C. Being a great Christian

teacher (died in the fifth century).

D. Preaching eloquently.E. Being a medieval pope.F. Translating the Bible.G. Defeating Arianism.H. Converting from his life as a

pagan philosopher.

Sidebar: Fathers of the Church


SACRED SCRIPTURE

How does Sacred Scripture relate to Sacred Tradition? Sacred Scripture is the part of Sacred Tradition written down because of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Who is the author of Sacred Scripture? God the Holy Spirit is its primary author, and its inspired, human authors are also true authors.

To whom is Sacred Scripture entrusted? It is entrusted to the Church.


a. Inspiration: God Is the Principal Author of Sacred Scripture Who are the two authors of Scripture? God and the human writers are both true authors of the Scriptures.

What does it mean to say that God is the author of Sacred Scripture?The Holy Spirit did not simply assist the human writers but actually authored what they wrote. Inspiration is nothing less than divine authorship.

What effect did God’s inspiration (the divine authorship of Scripture) have on the Sacred Authors? It did not in any way diminish the role of the human writers; rather it enabled them to write the truths revealed by God, who preserved them from error.


Which Person of the Blessed Trinity is the author of Sacred Scripture? Although it is attributed to God the Holy Spirit, like all the works of God, the inspiration given to the writers was an action of all three divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity.

What does it mean to say a Gospel is “according to St. Mark”? The Holy Spirit inspired St. Mark to write an account of Christ’s life, i.e., a Gospel.


Guided Exercise Complete a Focused Reading on the paragraphs “As Pope Leo XIII taught…” and “The divine action of inspiration…” (p. 68) using the following question: What is meant by the word “inspired” in these paragraphs?


b. The Supernatural Content of the Bible

How is the Bible “supernatural”? It has a supernatural origin, God, and it has supernatural content, the wisdom of God.

What are the two types of truth revealed in the Bible? God has revealed supernatural truths about his intimate life and the eternal decrees concerning human salvation. He has also revealed natural truths people could reach through reason but he wished to make known easily, with absolute certainty, and without error.


c. The Veracity and Inerrancy of Sacred Scripture Guided Exercise Work with a partner to write a bullet-point summary of this section of the lesson.


d. The Sanctity of Sacred Scripture To what does the sanctity of the Bible refer? It refers to the moral perfection of the doctrine contained in it.

What are the three aspects of the sanctity of the Bible?They are its divine origin, its purpose, and its precepts.

How is the Bible holy in its divine origin? In Scripture, evil is rejected and good is upheld.


How is the Bible holy in its purpose? Its purpose is the salvation of all. The New Testament explicitly reveals the channels of grace Christ instituted by which every person can become holy.

How is the Bible holy in its precepts? The Old Testament reveals precepts of the natural law and moral law. In the New Testament Christ perfects the moral precepts of the Old Testament by declaring their true meaning, establishing the best way of fulfilling them, and teaching his disciples how to achieve greater sanctity.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing what this lesson teaches about the relationship between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.


Homework Assignment

Reading INTERPRETING SACRED SCRIPTURE. LITERARY FORMS IN SACRED SCRIPTURE. THE DIFFERENT SENSES OF THE BIBLE. Sidebar: HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE.




Alternative Assessment

Free write for five minutes on some aspect of this lesson that you did not understand to gain a greater comprehension. Share responses.


BASIC QUESTIONSWhat literary forms are found in the Scriptures?What are the four senses in which a scriptural passage may be interpreted?What global factors must be taken into account in interpreting the Bible?

KEY IDEASOne factor that must be taken into account in order to understand a passage of the Bible is the literary form in which it is written, for example, history, law, prophecy, apocalyptic, wisdom literature, poetry, or an epistle.Every passage of Scripture can be read in a literal sense, with which it should be read. Many passages also can be read in the spiritual sense, whether allegorical, moral, or anagogical.When interpreting Scripture we must keep in mind the intention of the human and divine authors, the content and unity of the whole of Scripture, the living Tradition of the Church, and the analogy of faith.

3. Fundamentals in Interpreting the Scriptures

Anticipatory Set

[Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying… “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell” (Mt 5:27–30).

Pornography is prevalent today and involves looking at a member of the opposite sex lustfully and often causes a person to sin further by self-abuse.

Do you think Our Lord is saying that rather than do these things one ought to blind oneself and chop off one’s hands?If you have a problem with this interpretation, on what principles would you reject it?


INTERPRETING SACRED SCRIPTURE

Why can there be no contradiction among the passages of Sacred Scripture? God is the author of the entire Bible.

What is the nature of an apparent contradiction between two passages of Scripture? It is improperly interpreted or understood; otherwise, there is no contradiction.


Guided Exercise Complete a Focused Reading of the paragraph beginning “Since Sacred Scripture…” using the following question: Why is it necessary to know the Catholic Faith in order to interpret Scripture properly?


LITERARY FORMS IN SACRED SCRIPTURE

What aspects of history does Scripture reveal? The Bible narrates historical events as well as the divine meaning and theological purposes of those events.

The Bible is free from error. What does this not guarantee? It does not guarantee individuals can interpret it correctly.

How can modern standards of analysis be abused with the books of the Bible? We might miss the sense that was intended by the Holy Spirit and expressed by the Sacred Authors. Most of the books were written between 2000 and 4000 years ago, and the literary techniques then are different than modern authors employ.


What are some factors to be considered to understand the intent of the human author of a book of the Bible? The conditions of the time and culture; the literary forms used at the time; and the customary and characteristic patterns of perception, speech, and narrative must be considered.

What is a literary form? It is a style of writing that communicates a message through a particular means of expression.

What are some literary forms found in Sacred Scripture? They include historical, juridical, prophetic, apocalyptic, wisdom, poetry, and epistle.

Is the Book of Genesis a collection of fictional stories? No. These events occurred; however, they are told to us in a way that makes the importance or the meaning of what happened most apparent.


What is a good method to begin to understand a book of the Bible? It is best to try to understand the literal sense first. The literal sense is the meaning intended by its author.

What are some literal questions to ask of a story? Who is in the story? What happens in the story? Why does the action happen? What is the result of the action?

How does a literal approach to the Book of Revelation help the reader understand the use of lamp stands and bowls? We do not know if these objects exist in Heaven, but their use in the context of the book shows they figuratively draw connections in the minds of the readers to sacred objects and elements of liturgical worship.

How does a literal approach to the creation narratives in the Book of Genesis help the reader to understand the author’s intention? The unfolding of creation indicates creation itself is to be seen as a temple for the worship of God.


Guided Exercise

Work with a partner to answer the following question, using both the text and the Vocabulary section at the end of this chapter. What is the difference between a literal and a literalistic reading of a text?


What are the two literary senses of Sacred Scripture? They are the literal and the spiritual.

Which of the two literary senses is primary? The literal is primary because every part of Scripture has a literal sense.

What is the literal sense? The literal sense is everything that the Holy Spirit intended to express with the words themselves.


What is an example of the literal sense of a biblical passage? “God created the heavens and the earth” (Gn 1:1) means that God created everything out of nothing.

What is the proper literal sense? It is the direct or ordinary meaning of the words.

What is the improper literal sense? This sense understands words when taken in their figurative or metaphorical meaning.


b. The Spiritual Sense

What is the spiritual sense? This interpretation of Scripture sees people and events as signs of something that goes beyond them.

Why is it possible for the Old Testament to have a spiritual sense even though it was written over thousands of years by different Sacred Authors? Because God is the author of both the Old and the New Testaments and he is infinitely wise, he could have disposed the events and words of the Old Testament so things of the past typified, or prefigured, those to come in the New Testament.

Are all senses present in every passage in the Bible? The proper literal sense is always present. The improper literal and the spiritual senses may or may not be present in each passage.


What is the allegorical sense of Scripture? People and events in salvation history point forward to other times. Extension: This is also called the typological sense.

What is the moral, or tropological, sense of Scripture? It sheds light on people and events so the heroes of Scripture can be seen as a pattern for their own lives to do good and avoid evil.

What is the anagogical sense of Scripture? It shows how the events of Scripture point to what will be known in Heaven.


Sidebar: HOW TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE

How can we discover a Sacred Author’s intention? We must take into account the conditions of the Sacred Author’s time and culture; the literary genres in use at his time; and his modes of feeling, speaking, and narrating.

What three criteria did the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council indicate to help interpret Scripture correctly? One should pay attention to the content and unity of the whole of Scripture, the living Tradition of the Church, and the analogy of faith.

What is the analogy of faith? It means the coherence of the truths of the Faith among themselves and within the whole plan of God’s Revelation.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing what you consider the three most important factors in interpreting the Scriptures.


Homework Assignment

Reading HOW TO READ THE BIBLE. CONCLUSION.

Study Questions Questions 18–21. Practical Exercises 1 & 4.



Alternative AssessmentComplete the following table to organize your understanding of the various senses in which Scripture can be interpreted.



BASIC QUESTIONHow should we go about reading the Bible?

KEY IDEAWe should read the Bible under the Church’s guidance, beginning with the more accessible books, in a spirit of prayer, and with faith.

4. How to Read the Bible

Anticipatory Set

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed. (Lk 1:1–4)

Why might the Gospel According to St. Luke be a good place to begin to read and study the Bible?


HOW TO READ THE BIBLE Look to the Church for guidance How does the Bible show us how to interpret itself? Christ granted his teaching authority, or Magisterium, to the Apostles, who then handed on this authority to their successors, the bishops. Therefore, the Scriptures indicate people should look to the Magisterium to help interpret the Bible.

What twofold apostolic authority do bishops possess to understand the Bible? This authority consists of (1) the Church’s long study of the truths of the Faith and (2) the supernatural assistance of the Holy Spirit as the teachers of the Church.


Can each bishop interpret the Scriptures without error? No; this authority belongs to the Church as a whole, not an individual bishop.

What is one of the best resources available to understand how the Church interprets Scripture? In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, many doctrines of the Church are explained; it is replete with quotations from Sacred Scripture and the Fathers of the Church, local and Ecumenical Councils, and the saints of the Church.


What to read first Why is it true to say the more familiar we are with the many parts of the Bible, the richer our reading of it becomes? Every part of the Bible exists in reference to other parts of the Bible.

What is a good place to start to study the Bible? St. Luke’s Gospel is a good place to start because he is a great storyteller and his Gospel was written especially for people who knew little about Jewish customs and traditions.


Guided Exercise Work with a partner to perform a Paragraph Shrink on the paragraph beginning “Genesis and Exodus…”


Pray Why is it important to pray before reading the Bible? God is the perfect guidance to benefit from his Word.

In what context is Scripture best understood? It is best understood within the context of a life of prayer.

Faith

Why is faith the essential condition to read the Bible? Faith provides the right dispositions to read the Bible. Because of the Fall and the resultant pride and darkened intellect, a person may not want to understand what the Bible really teaches.


Guided Exercise Perform a Focused Reading on the paragraph beginning “The Church allows…” using the following question: How does attending Mass regularly help a person understand the Scriptures?


CONCLUSION Guided Exercise

Create a bullet-point summary of this conclusion, using no more than one point per paragraph.


Closure Write a paragraph summarizing how you should go about becoming more acquainted with the Bible.


Homework Assignment




Alternative Assessment In a small group, read your assigned four Mass readings (First Reading, Responsorial Psalm, Second Reading, and Gospel) and identify ways in which the Scriptural selections reinforce and illuminate each other.

The Mass readings can be found in a hand missal or online:

www.usccb.org/nab/


http://www.usccb.org/nab/

The End

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Chapter 3: The Church Transmits the Revelation of Jesus Christ Through Sacred Tradition & Sacred...

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