Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-05-25
INFALLIBILITY.
What Ii MeanS--frOm n Catholic
StaudpOiut.

Nhnt Ii MeanS--frOm n CathOus
Standpoint.
In answer TO the frequent questions adj
dressed US since the telegraph has an
nounced the opening of debate on this
latest phase of the Roman question, ~
we give place to the following as a matter
of curiosity, if not interest, to many of
our readers:
Catholics believe that the Church es-
tablished by Christ continues through all
time, and can never teach error, in conse-
quence of the continuous presence of
Christ, promised in Matt xviii, 90.
They further believe that the supremacy
in this Church was vested in Peter by the
words of Jesus at Cesarea Philippi.
(Matt. xvi, Is, 19;) and that Peter was
appointed to confirm the faith of his
brethren by the words recorded in Luke
xxi, 3. As the Church did not cease
wrth the Apostles, Catholics believe this
primacy continues in the successor of Pc
ter; and as in the Apostolic days Peter
was divinely appointed to confirm the
believers of that day, SO now, by the same
appointment, his successor confirms the
believers of to-day.
The grounds are thus briefly indicated
on which rests the belief in Papal Infal-
libility-that is, that the successor of
Peter does not err in his expositions of
Christian doctrine that he cannot err.
being prevented by the continued presence
with the Church of Christ and the Holy
Spirit.
This infallibility docs not attach to all
ntterances of the Pope, but only to those
issued c-cdthedrG-that is, officially,
with intent of defining doctrine. Such
uttcrances are comparatively few and
readily distinguished from all others.
Writing as a mere doctor of theology, no
more importance attaches to his opinions
per sc than to those of any other writer
In the same field. Paul, no doubt, wrote
other letters besides those we recognize
rs authoritative.
Neither does Instability extend to mat
tcrs of mere discipline and government
In the selection of rulers and subordi-
mates, for instance, the Pope, may not
always put the right man in the right |
place. Jesus himself selected Judas as
an apostle.
Nor docs this infallibility involve i'm
occability-frecdOm from committing /
sin. As free agent, he is liable to per
dillon like the rest of US. And he must /
confess his sins like the humblest bishop |
or priest, or layman. Only few of the |
pOpes have been Canorized as saints. /
of old, was medium of Divine |
revelation, but who shall tell us that the |
wisest of men was wise unto salvation
that he died in peace with his Maker9
Such is the Catholic belief. 1t looks /
like pinning ones faith 10 man; but the
Catholic answers that lie pins his faith to
q Divine promise.
II is no new thing. This age has had
practical illustration of the existing belief. |
On the Sth of December, 1854, Plus TX.
declared &C cuthCdrd that the mother of /
Christ was conceived without the stain of |
original sin. The world has seen how
readily all Catholics, high and low, of /
every nation, believed And throughout !
the world not a voice was heard to ques-
ton the authority or finality of the POpe's
declaration.
There is no dispute among Catholics
about the truth of infallibility. The only |
matter to he determined by the Council, |
I beyond the mere verbal formula) is the /
or policy of its definition |
at this time. Some few have been found /
to contend that It's distinct enunciatiou |
will shock those outside of the Church |
more than the existing implicit belief
does and that since all Catholics already |
BELIEVE 1t, there is nothing to gain by its
erection into a dogma But it may be |
argued on the other hand, that the great |
bulk of Catholics, the writer among the |
number, would be disappointed if the ex-
isiInG belief should fail to receive the most |
soleau sanction of the Church. -.