Judie. I continue to be confused over what and why some things are 'infallible' and others are not 'infallible'. There are Catholic documents where some argue those documents ARE infallible, yet other theologians argue that those same documents ARE NOT infallible. It seems to me that the Pope and Magesterium could label such teachings as 'infallible', thus ending that part of controversy.

Now, I do not understand WHY there is an 'infallible' declaration in the first place. The pope and Magisterium tell us doctrine, and tell us what to do or not to do. We are to follow. To my mind, it does not matter whether the declaration is an 'infallible' one or not. I am to heed and follow.

Others, perhaps, use simple logic, that if the infallible label means 'must do', then a doctrine that is not infallible cannot also mean 'must do'. And, that is where the confusion, the murky waters are. Following along this logic, if it's not a 'must do' infallible teaching, then it's simply a guideline, a 'do it or not; it's your decision' teaching. This confusion results in cafeteria Catholicism, and I believe is the major cause of the troubles regarding Catholics not following Catholic teaching. Don

Dear Don

I can only refer to the Catholic encyclopedia for the history behind Papal Infallibility. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07790a.htm

Catholics, however, who do not wish to follow Church teaching, for whatever reason, have made a conscious decision to do so either because of ignorance or a desire to select only those teachings that fit a certain lifestyle or attitude. For people in this latter category there is no right or wrong, only opinions. Such people, including some Bishops, take this to extremes and argue that whatever the Pope has to say is merely his opinion! I have seen that myself and heard it with my own ears.

Such attitudes result in scandal. If someone's conscience is warped by attitudes at odds with God's will, chaos results.

Judie Brown Follow me on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/judieannebrown

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