Sources of Wisdom and Authority Edexcel A Paper 1 – Unit 3 Sources of Wisdom and Authority

Greek word Biblia – meaning ‘the books’ Inspired by God Catholic Bible – 73 books in total 46 in OT and 27 in the NT The revealed word of God

NT OT The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John The books of Law (first five books, given to Moses, known as the Torah for Jewish people) The Prophets, e.g. Isaiah, Jeremiah. Also, History books such as Joshua and Judges The Writings, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John The Acts of the Apostles Epistles (letters) One apocalyptic book

Interpretation of the Bible Fundamentalist These people believe that every word of the Bible is literally true and is the Word of God…e.g Six Day Creation Therefore the Bible is not open to interpretation Interpretation of the Bible Liberal The Bible was written by humans but inspired by God. Therefore some of the stories, or teachings may need reinterpreting in light of the modern world.

The Magisterium The teaching office of the Church, from the Latin word ‘magister’ which means ‘teacher’. Conciliar – when the Pope calls a general council, e.g. Second Vatican Council, to discuss and decide upon important issues. Pontifical –When a matter cannot be decided by Bishops, the Pope can make a statement that settles the issue. When the Pope speaks authoritatively on an issue like this, it is called Papal infallibility.

Apostolic succession….

Topics which might be debated through the different sources of authority…

Second Vatican Council

DEI VERBUM (Word of God) Divine revelation in the Bible and the tradition handed down from the Apostles LUMEN GENTIUM (Light of Humanity) Emphasised the role of all people in the Church SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM (The sacred council) Simplified the mass, made it so mass could now be said in the language of whichever country it was said in (vernacular), made it easier for lay people to take part in mass GAUDIUM ET SPES (Joy and hope) The dignity of all people was affirmed in this document as well as their human rights Concerns over morals and values

The Church as the Body of Christ The people are the Body The consecrated bread of Eucharist is the body The people are the body as they are baptised into Christ People of God

Why is it important? We carry on the work of Christ now… We are united with each other as well as Christ… Baptism is important as we join the Body of Christ

One Holy Catholic Apostolic United One Lord, Jesus Christ One faith, agreed in the creed Holy God made it, it belongs to him, therefore it’s holy Christ gave his life to make it holy Guided by the Holy Spirirt Catholic ‘Universal’ Christianity is for the whole world Apostolic Founded by the Apostles It teaches what the apostles taught Bishops are the successors of the Apostles

Mary as a model of the Church Discipleship = Mary obeyed God’s plan for her, she Devoted herself to Jesus, she trusted in God Faith and Charity = faith – she believed the Angel Gabriel, trusted God, charity – she was ready to give up her own life for what God required Today = She is a role model for all Catholics,Hail Mary, Marian shrines such as Lourdes and Walsingham

Conscience An inner feeling of the rightness or wrongness of an action Given by God Natural Law St Augustine: “The natural law is nothing other than the light of understanding placed in us by God; through it we know what we must do and what we must not do”. Jesus’ teachings Golden Rule Sermon on the Mount Love God, Love neighbour Church teachings The Church can help us to understand out conscience or natural law. Through the magisterium we can gain a greater understanding of what God wants us to do or not to do.