Course Description: Introduction to the magisterium allows students to
establish a foundational understanding of how teaching authority works
within the Catholic Church.

Course Objectives: This course introduces students to the teaching
authority of the Catholic Church. It will evaluate (a) the Biblical roots of
the magisterium, (b) the organs of the magisterium (c) the objects of the
magisterium, (d) the acts of the magisterium, (e) the levels of magisterial
teachings, (f) and how to evaluate magisterial propositions, among other
material. Upon completion, students will demonstrate:
● How the Catholic magisterium was established.
● Who may teach authoritatively in the Catholic Church.
● The scope of Catholic teaching authority.
● The different ways the magisterium teaches.
● The levels of Catholic doctrine.
● The ability to evaluate the weight of a magisterial teaching.

Date/Time:
● May 12 to July 14
● Every Monday
● 7:30-8:45 PM Central Daylight Time
● Recordings of each lesson will be posted the day after the live
lesson.

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Class Link:
https://classroom.google.com/c/NjcyODI3OTYzNDk3?cjc=jqtmfbe

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Course Outline:
1. The Old Testament roots of the magisterium
2. The New Testament basis for the magisterium
3. The subject of the magisterium
4. The object of the magisterium
5. Dissent (Guest lecture by Dr. Robert Fastiggi)
6. The act of the magisterium
7. Non-definitive Catholic doctrines and disciplines
8. The Theological Notes
9. Evaluating magisterial propositions
10. Magisterial reversals

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Recommended reading:
● Catechism of the Catholic Church
● Avery Dulles, SJ, Magisterium, Teacher and Guardian of the Faith
● Francis A. Sullivan, SJ, Magisterium: Teaching Authority in the
Catholic Church
● Francis A. Sullivan, SJ, Creative Fidelity: Weighing and
Interpreting Documents of the Magisterium
● Richard R. Gaillardetz, By What Authority?: Foundations for
Understanding Authority in the Church
● Jimmy Akin, Teaching with Authority

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***OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS***

Exams: There will be one exam at the end of the course worth 25% of
the final grade.
Quizzes: There will be ten quizzes throughout the course, each worth
50% of the final grade.
Research Assignment: There will be one research assignment
throughout the course, worth 25% of the final grade and can be
completed at any time. The paper should be between 3,000 to 6,000
words. Students are free to choose the topic of their research paper;
however, topics should be submitted by the student to the professor
for approval in advance.

Recommended topics:
● Has the church reversed any of its teachings?
● Similarities between the Old and New Testaments on authority.
● Is the decision on the male-only priesthood in Ordinatio
Sacerdotalis an ex cathedra teaching?
● How can the teachings of the Council of Florence and the
Second Vatican Council on the topic of extra Ecclesiam nulla
salus be harmonized?

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To register, click here.

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After registering, please pay using the buttons below.