Comments on: 基督教思想史 – 序章﹕教義的慨念 http://www.horace.org/blog/2007/06/01/%e6%95%99%e7%be%a9%e7%9a%84%e6%85%a8%e5%bf%b5/ Serious about the frivolous, frivolous about the serious Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:57:33 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: hevangel http://www.horace.org/blog/2007/06/01/%e6%95%99%e7%be%a9%e7%9a%84%e6%85%a8%e5%bf%b5/#comment-46002 hevangel Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:06:50 +0000 http://www.horace.org/blog/2007/06/01/%e6%95%99%e7%be%a9%e7%9a%84%e6%85%a8%e5%bf%b5/#comment-46002 Here is a paradox: the infallible authority of the Church itself is a dogma. It is no doubt that if there is no dogma, there is no religion. The problem is what to do if there are two sets of conflicting dogma. Or two religion with conflicting dogmas claiming for the same "Truth". Paul Tillich's point on dogma is that a dogma arise only when some point is challenged. The dogma of Immaculate Conception is an answer to the religion revolution, as we will see in later cheaper. Here is another paradox, if dogma is Truth discovered, why can't a lay person (given that he is faithful and knowledgeable) make new dogma through new discovery in theology? Here is a paradox: the infallible authority of the Church itself is a dogma.

It is no doubt that if there is no dogma, there is no religion. The problem is what to do if there are two sets of conflicting dogma. Or two religion with conflicting dogmas claiming for the same “Truth”.

Paul Tillich’s point on dogma is that a dogma arise only when some point is challenged. The dogma of Immaculate Conception is an answer to the religion revolution, as we will see in later cheaper.

Here is another paradox, if dogma is Truth discovered, why can’t a lay person (given that he is faithful and knowledgeable) make new dogma through new discovery in theology?

]]> By: Cecilia http://www.horace.org/blog/2007/06/01/%e6%95%99%e7%be%a9%e7%9a%84%e6%85%a8%e5%bf%b5/#comment-45974 Cecilia Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:33:07 +0000 http://www.horace.org/blog/2007/06/01/%e6%95%99%e7%be%a9%e7%9a%84%e6%85%a8%e5%bf%b5/#comment-45974 Dogma doesn't change over time. It evolves. That means the fundamental of the dogmas does not change. The Church elaborates and brings them to fullness over time. When new issues arises, say abortion, the Church hold councils to clarify that it is wrong basing on the fifth commandments that one shalt not kill. When the Church defines a dogma, its purpose is to avoid further doubt and controversy. For example, before the dogma of Immaculate Conception was defined, it was already a truth. It was just that too many people argued about it then the Church decided to confirm this dogma so that no further discussion was needed. Therefore, there is no room for further thoughts on dogmas. When a dogma is defined, the faithfuls are obliged to believe; otherwise excommunication will be incurred. This is not blind faith. If everyone freely uses their private interpretation on dogmas, there will be no religion rather every individual is a religion. The Magisterium teaches us with her authority through the fact that the Church is guided by the Holy Ghost and the infallibility of the Pope on faith and moral. Therefore, Dogmas are infallible because they are defined using the infallible authority of the Church. But, if it's just general teachings (not Dogma) of the Church, faithful can judge whether to follow it or not based on the infallible teachings of the Magisterium. For example, if the Church suddenly says it's ok not to go to Mass on Sunday, faithful can choose not to follow because it is against the Teaching of the Church throughout her history. Nevertheless, we, as faithful, cannot make our own dogma. Dogma doesn’t change over time. It evolves. That means the fundamental of the dogmas does not change. The Church elaborates and brings them to fullness over time. When new issues arises, say abortion, the Church hold councils to clarify that it is wrong basing on the fifth commandments that one shalt not kill.

When the Church defines a dogma, its purpose is to avoid further doubt and controversy. For example, before the dogma of Immaculate Conception was defined, it was already a truth. It was just that too many people argued about it then the Church decided to confirm this dogma so that no further discussion was needed. Therefore, there is no room for further thoughts on dogmas. When a dogma is defined, the faithfuls are obliged to believe; otherwise excommunication will be incurred. This is not blind faith. If everyone freely uses their private interpretation on dogmas, there will be no religion rather every individual is a religion. The Magisterium teaches us with her authority through the fact that the Church is guided by the Holy Ghost and the infallibility of the Pope on faith and moral. Therefore, Dogmas are infallible because they are defined using the infallible authority of the Church.

But, if it’s just general teachings (not Dogma) of the Church, faithful can judge whether to follow it or not based on the infallible teachings of the Magisterium. For example, if the Church suddenly says it’s ok not to go to Mass on Sunday, faithful can choose not to follow because it is against the Teaching of the Church throughout her history. Nevertheless, we, as faithful, cannot make our own dogma.

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