So, it appears that I am not the only one concerned about a certain sloppiness in appealing to the sensus fidelium. Pope Benedict XVI addressed the issue in his recent comments to the International Theological Commission. I think the Holy Father makes a key point: The sensus fidelium must cohere, in a sense, with what is known as the Vincentian canon, that is, what has been believed always, everywhere and by everyone. Theology proceeds from the faith and must cohere with the faith. When it doesn't, even if many people believe a given theological position, it can't be defended in terms of the sensus fidelium. I am sure many people will disagree with how the Holy Father views the matter. I am not one of those people.
NCR Email Alerts
Sign up to get NCR updates by email. Existing users: change your preferences here. Enter your email address in the box below and click “Go.”
In This Issue
May 10-23, 2013
- Illinois parish's ESL program welcomes all
- A different Mary assumes the stage
- A question few seem to consider when the US wages war afar
- [Print Edition Only] Special Section: Summer Listings
Not all of our content is online. Subscribe to receive all the news and features you won't find anywhere else.
NCR Comment code:
We are not able to monitor every comment that comes through. If you see something objectionable, please click the "Report abuse" button. Once a comment has been flagged, an NCR staff member will investigate.
For more detailed guidelines, visit our User Guidelines page.
For help on how to post a comment, visit our reference page.