Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith [Paperback]

Avery Cardinal Dulles (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2007

Avery Cardinal Dulle, SJ here offers a complete theology of the Church's Magisterium. In a study that will be the standard treatment of the topic for years to come, Cardinal Dulles takes up such issues as the Magisterium's nature and function, the roots of the Magisterium in the New Testament and its development in the history of the Church, the relationship between the hierarchy of the Church and the theological academy, the scope of the Church's infallibility, the response due to the Magisterium's teachings, and the role of the Church's reception of magisterial teaching. Written for those seeking clarity, wisdom, and erudition about the Church's Magisterium, this book stands head and shoulders above any other presently available. Its accessible style makes it a valuable not only for scholars but for all Catholics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

For years now professors and students of ecclesiology have sorely needed an up-to-date book on the Magisterium. Now it has been written and by a theologian who has been rightly described as the dean of Catholic theologians in America. Written in his usual sober and comprehensive style, Cardinal Dulles has given us a book that undoubtedly will be the standard work on the subject of the Magisterium for many years to come. Professors, pastors, and students will want to return to it again and again. --Lawrence J. Welch, Kenrick School of Theology

Substantial theological and ecumenical questions cluster around the term 'magisterium': Does the Church need a teaching office? Can we clearly trace its origins? What is its sphere of competence and the force of its pronouncements? Most importantly, how does it give living witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? In this comprehensive and highly readable study, Avery Cardinal Dulles answers these questions and others like it with a compelling precision honed by a lifetime of reflection on the Church and her singular mission. This book is a rich and informative resource for all inquirers into the nature, purpose and testimony of the teaching office of the Catholic Church. --Thomas G. Guarino, Professor of Systematic Theology, Seton Hall University

With concise accuracy and clarity Cardinal Dulles provides a comprehensive introduction to the essential elements and historical developments of the Church's Magisterium. It is integral to the mission given by Jesus Christ to the apostles and their successors to preach and teach the revealed Word of God. The excellent theological exposition is complemented by the appendices with key conciliar and papal documents on the subject. Those concerned with the truth of Catholic faith must read this fine treatment of the teaching office of the Church. Cardinal Dulles's book is an auspicious inauguration of an important series of introductions to Catholic doctrines by Sapientia Press. --Matthew L. Lamb, Ave Maria University

About the Author

Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Laurence J. McGinley Professor of Religion and Society, Fordham University, and Professor Emeritus, The Catholic University of America, is an internationally known theologian and lecturer, and the author of twenty-two books and 800 articles on theological topics. Past President of both the Catholic Theological Society of America and the American Theological Society, Cardinal Dulles has served on the International Theological Commission (1992-97) and as a member of the United States Lutheran/Roman Catholic Dialogue (1972-1993). Since 1992 he has served continuously as a consultant to the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He was created a Cardinal of the Catholic Church in Rome on February 21, 2001 by Pope John Paul II, the first American-born theologian who is not a bishop to receive this honor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 219 pages
• Publisher: Sapientia Press of Ave Maria University; First edition (August 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932589384
• ISBN-13: 978-1932589382
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best explanation of the magisterium, December 9, 2009

By 

Francis J. Beckwith (Woodway, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith (Paperback)

The late Avery Cardinal Dulles' masterful work helped me, as a new Catholic, to better understand the nature and function of the Church's Magisterium. Bravo, Cardinal Dulles!

Francis J. Beckwith, author of Return to Rome: Confessions of an Evangelical Catholic (Brazos Press, 2009))

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"God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your servants and handmaids the forgiveness of all their sins. Through our devout prayers may they obtain the pardon which they have always desired. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."

19 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Basic, June 4, 2009

By 

Dave - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith (Paperback)

Avery Cardinal Dulles is one of the intellectual giants of our time, and one of the foremost Catholic Theologians this century. Given his credentials, I was hoping for a work that was far more substantial in scope then this was.

The book is extremely basic in nature. It gives only an introductory view to the topic of the Magesterium. I would expect students in theology, (especially at the graduate level) to already have an understanding of the topics presented in this book.

What I was hoping for was something more substantial in scope. I was hoping for a work dealing with the history and development of the Magesterium, the Papacy, Infallability, Apostolic Sucession, etc, as well as a meaningful and substantial interaction with some of the Protestant Scholarship which seek to undermine Catholic claims. How can one write a work on the Magesterium, and bring up the subject of Infallability without reference to George Salmon's massive volume arguing against Infallability? I would have also liked an exposition on Gallicanism and an interaction with it's claims. None of these topics are covered.

In all, the book while well written is in my opinion far too basic in nature. I would have appreciated something much more substantial and advanced. The book would be well used perhaps for College Freshmen Theology 101, a Permanante Deacon Theology Class, a Catechism Class, etc.