The Magisterium
If one was to ask a Roman Catholic, what his/her authority is for determining truth, they would invariably respond by saying the Magisterium. One cannot seek to understand the authority of the Roman Catholic Church without understanding what the Magisterium is. Having dealt with the papacy, we turn our attention in this teaching to the second leg in the three-legged stool on which Rome sits – the first being the Papacy, and the third being Sacred Tradition. In short, the Magisterium is the name given to the official teaching office of the Roman Catholic Church, which Rome maintains is the sole teaching authority which alone is qualified to define and explain the authentic teaching of the Church to the people. The Magisterium is made up of the pope in communion with the college of bishops. Rome believes that this authority has been entrusted to them by no less authority than Jesus Christ. When the Magisterium exercises this teaching authority in a solemn way to define and teach divine revealed truths (dogma) whether by an ex cathedra papal declaration or in an Ecumenical Council this is the Magisterium acting in an extraordinary and solemn manner. These solemn pronouncements are deemed to be infallible and as such binding upon the universal Church of Jesus Christ.
In this teaching we seek to understand what the Magisterium is as it pertains to the extraordinary Magisterium and the ordinary Magisterium. Is such a teaching office biblical? Are the teachings arising from this teaching office biblical? May the Lord increase your knowledge as you listen to this very important teaching as we seek for an answer to the question; “Is Roman Catholicism True Christianity?”
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