In a recent
New York Times opinion piece, University of Notre Dame philosophy professor Gary Gutting, who holds the University’s endowed Philosophy Chair, discounts the teaching authority of the U.S. Bishops. Professor Gutting posits an opinion, purportedly based on philosophical principles, that the tenets of a U.S. Catholic “majority”—and not the teachings of the Church through its Bishops—forms the faith-and-morals authority of the Church on the issue of birth control—and presumably whatever else a “majority” of U.S. Catholics tend to believe. The U.S. Bishops, the professor argues, have no claim on God’s teaching.
Vox populi, vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God). Note to the University of Notre Dame:
Really!
As we move into Holy Week, on to Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, and all through the 40 days of Eastertide, listen closely to the Scriptural readings to hear what Jesus tells the Apostles about their teaching authority. Then read the Acts of the Apostles to see how it all works out on Pentecost Sunday and in the days, weeks, months, and years that follow.
In the meantime, you can read this counterpoint response on why there can be no gutting of Church authority on issues of faith and morals, reported by EWTN, from Professor William E. May of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.
Read more.
