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Replace single Magisterial Type column with multi-axis authority model #2

Description

@JohnRDOrazio

Context

Based on Francis Sullivan's Magisterium: Teaching Authority in the Catholic Church, the current table's single "Magisterial Type" column (Extraordinary / Ordinary) is insufficient to capture the graded nature of Magisterial authority.

Problem

The current table reduces teaching authority to a binary Extraordinary/Ordinary distinction. Sullivan argues (and Ratzinger and Dulles broadly agree) that Magisterial authority operates on multiple independent axes, not a single spectrum.

Proposed Change

Replace the current Magisterial Type column with multiple columns representing distinct axes:

Axis Values Description
Mode of Teaching Extraordinary / Ordinary Universal / Authentic (Ordinary) How the teaching is exercised
Intent Definitive / Non-definitive Whether the teaching is proposed as final
Binding Force Irreformable / Reformable Whether the teaching can be revised
Required Assent Fides divina et catholica / Religiosum obsequium / Prudential The type of assent owed by the faithful

This multi-axis model prevents collapsing all Magisterium into one layer, which Sullivan explicitly warns against.

References

  • Francis A. Sullivan, Magisterium: Teaching Authority in the Catholic Church (1983)
  • CDF, Donum Veritatis (1990), esp. §§15–24 on levels of assent
  • Ad Tuendam Fidem (1998), John Paul II

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