Abstract

SEQUEIRA, Joshua Alexander. SYNDERESIS AND THE MAGISTERIUM: A THEOLOGICAL PROPOSAL. Cuest. teol. [online]. 2013, vol.40, n.93, pp.47-73. ISSN 0120-131X.

In a world prone to relativism, any person or institution claiming a consistent and unalterable doctrine is misconstrued by those who profess the 'supreme principle' of the relativity of all principles, the absolute absence of all absolutes. Hence, the Magisterium of the Church is often considered outdated and is criticized, with possible dangerous consequences. Humans have innate habits without which they could never be rational, one of these being Synderesis, which regulates human activity and is a solid base on which a society of peace can be built. Besides, this habit is essentially linked to the order of human rational nature and of the Universe, both of which are creatures of God, Who reflects His own divine Being in Creation. Thus, when the Church urges all to live according to the order of rational nature, far from proposing what is outdated; She only offers what can bring peace to human beings.

Keywords : Synderesis; Conscience; Natural law; Freedom; Teaching.

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