The following table comes from Richard R. Gaillardetz, Teaching with Authority: A Theology of the Magisterium in the Church (Theology and Life Series 41; Collegeville, Min..: The Liturgical Press, 1997), 271:
|
LEVELS OF CHURCH TEACHING |
RESPONSE TO THE FAITHFUL |
|
Definitive Dogma |
Assent of Faith [The believer makes an act of faith,
trusting that this teaching is revealed by God] |
|
Definitive Doctrine |
Firm Acceptance [The believer “accepts and holds” these
teachings to be true] |
|
Nondefinitive, Authoritative Doctrine |
Obsequium of
Intellect and Will [The believer strives to assimilate a
teaching of the Church into their religious stance, while recognizing the
remote possibility of Church error] |
|
Prudential Admonitions and Provisional
Applications of Church Doctrine |
Conscientious Obedience [The believer obeys (the spirit of) any
Church law or disciplinary action that does not lead to sin, even when
questioning the ultimate value or wisdom of the law or action] |