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Which are the Dogmas of the Catholic Church?
What must one believe to be a believing Catholic?

Hello John,

Good question! Those are code words for I don't know the complete answer.

My list of Catholic dogma begins with the Nicene Creed.

Any one else want to chime in?

Paul

Dear JohnRussell,

Everything the RC Church believes is also believed by EC's.

It is just that we have differing but legitimate theological approaches to the same issues.

So we both believe in Mary's total holiness and bodily assumption into heaven, for example.

It is just that the East has ALWAYS believed this, while the West, under Augustinianism, endured a period of time when divurging views were allowed.

We believe the same about the Church, although we affirm the Church as a commmunion of Particular Churches believing the same faith, having the same Sacraments/Mysteries and united in the same Apostolic Orders of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

We believe the same about all other issues, but again have differing perspectives on them that affect nothing in terms of the pith and substance of the faith itself.

Alex

Dear John:

Extracted from "Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma" by Dr. Ludwig Ott, F. John Loughnan lists 418 dogmas of the Catholic Church, in varying degrees of required assent:

http://jloughnan.tripod.com/dogma.htm

The list includes the "Dogma of the Immaculate Conception" (#155) and the "Dogma of the Assumption" (#163), the only 2 Catholic dogmas known to have been each declared by a Pope speaking ex cathedra in the exercise of Papal Infallibility as defined by Vatican I.

Amado

Please reference Denzinger - The Sources of Catholic Dogma.

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SOURCES OF CATHOLIC DOGMA

Henry Denzinger. This is a brand new edition of Denzinger's Enchridion Symbolorum as translated by Roy Deffarari. Reprinted from the 1957 edition, it includes the corrigenda (corrections) as issued by Herder. This is a list of mistakes corrected that is a very important addition to the work that was missing from the last copy in print. This beautiful hardbound edition is an essential reference work for any Catholic who wishes to know exactly what the Church has taught infallibly. It is used by all scholars as the source-book for the Mind of the Church on any given subject pertaining to faith and morals. 760 pp. HB. No increase in price since the last printing! ITEM #11181 $29.95
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Some other good refs not mentioned to go along with Ott are


http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10083.html


Catholic Treasures

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CANONS AND DECREES OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT

Translated and introduced by Rev. H.J. Schroeder, O.P. Of the 20 ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) is universally regarded as the greatest - in the scope of its discussion, in the number of its pronouncements, and in the extent of its influence. Here in one volume is Father Schroeder's wonderful translation of all the canons and decrees of that Council. These infallible pronouncements shine in their clarity and simplicity, and are a certain statement on many important matters of Faith at a time when the Catholic world is racked by confusion and controversy. Destined to do a great good to enlighten many. A must for every student of the Faith and everyone who loves the Church. No Catholic library, whether home, parish or school, is complete without these teachings. 293pp. PB. Imprimatur. ITEM #10083 $16.50

http://www.catholictreasures.com/cartdescrip/10088.html

Catholic Treasures

-----------------------------------

CATECHISM OF THE COUNCIL OF TRENT

Rev. John A. McHugh, O.P. and Chas J. Callan, O.P. This is the only officially promulgated catechism of the Catholic Church. Referred to as the Roman Catechism, it was composed by order of the Council of Trent under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Edited by St. Charles Borromeo. Published by decree of Pope St. Pius V. Prescribed by Pope St. Pius X to be used by all priests in instructing the faithful. Recommended by Pope Leo XIII for all seminarians. Universally recognized as the most authoritative Catholic catechism in the Church. Pope Clement XIII said it contains a clear explanation of all that is necessary for salvation and useful for the faithful, and that no other catechism can be compared to it. Covers the basic knowledge of the Faith by detailed explanations of the Ten Commandments, Sacraments, and each word of the Apostles Creed and the Our Father. Includes over 5 pages, for example, on just the word "Amen" at the end of the Our Father. Easy to read. Cardinal Ratzinger called this "the most important Catholic catechism" the most exact English translation available anywhere today. 639 pp. PB. Imprimatur. ITEM #10088 $27.50

http://www.angeluspress.org/catechetics_theology.htm

CATECHETICS

angelus press online

My Catholic Faith
Rev. Louis LaRavoire Morrow, STD
The classic 1954 edition of this fabulous catechism is available again. 193 chapters in three sections: What to Believe, What to Do, and Means of Grace. Abundant Scriptural references. Excellent charts, lists, graphs, and profusely illustrated. The durable burgundy and gold-embossed hardcover make it a family heirloom.

Lessons include:

Eastern Churches

Roman Curia

Church and State

Science and the Bible

Capital and Labor

Evolution and much, much more!


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http://www.angeluspress.org/catechetics_theology.htm

The Catechism of Pope Saint Pius X

Pope Saint Pius X desired to fill the need for a simple Catechism that could be easily understood and that would be uniform throughout the world. For priests, parents, teachers, and children. Provides the student with a Catholic vision of faith, prayer, Commandments, the Sacraments, and virtue. Beautiful in its simplicity.

Dear Gary:

Thank you for the comprehensive list of notable companions to the Dr. Ott's book!

Obviously absent from YOUR iteration is the current Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is a must for all Catholics!

I have one, hard-bound! But I will grab a copy of the "Compendium" when it is available at my local bookstore!

Amado

Thanks, Amadeus. I took it for granted that everyone would have the CCC.

One needs to be aware of the differance between a "doctrine" and a "dogma". A dogma is an unchangeable truth revealed by God. A doctrine is a current teaching about a subject.

Dogmas are "unchangeable". Doctrines are "changeable"

Joe Prokopchak
Otpust 2005
Sept. 2-5

Very true. So, which teachings of the Church are unchangeable?

Joe,

Are you sure doctrines are changeable?

I thought the basic gist of "doctrine" is that it is simply unchangeable Church Teaching that hasn't been officially "dogmatized" yet - but unalterable nonetheless.

Logos Teen

Dear JohnRussell,

Do you want a list?

Alex

I want a list. Of course, Dr. Ott has provided a list. Are Dr. Ott's sources the true arbitors of Dogma? He contradicts you, Alex, on a point or two, so you must have a different idea of where to get your dogma.

I've been having a months long, ever-escalating crisis of faith. I have always believed that the true faith is given to people by God through His Church and that the Church uses Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium to teach us this true faith. I have believed that a council is Ecumenical if, and only if, it is declared so by the Pope, successor to St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, who is both the prime and supreme head of the One True Church. The teachings of these councils, including the Council of Trent and all others, are to be believed without doubt. All this I believed firmly and without doubt until recently. Therefore, I would have readily assented to all the dogmas proclaimed by Dr. Ott, coming as they do from said councils. Now, however, I have belonged to an Eastern Catholic Church for over a year and have constantly had to deal with challenges to this faith I describe: "There are only seven truly ecumenical councils. Only what is contained in the Nicene Creed is fundamental to the true faith. The pope is never infallible. Etcetera etcetera etcetera. Blah blah blah." Having been stripped of the foundation of my faith, that is, the teachings of the Church as I have always known them, or thought them to be. I am looking for the true foundation of the faith, that is, the true teachings of the Church. The Church cannot teach one thing for some Catholics and a contradictorary thing for other Catholics. There is one truth and it cannot contradict itself. Yes, I am looking for a list. And I want to know why I should believe in that list - Why EVERYONE should believe in that list. I am looking for a creed. My creed - and every Catholic's creed - is much longer than the Nicene Creed which does not even mention sacraments. That's what a creed is - a list of beliefs. What's your creed Alex? Why?

Dear John,

Well, you've raised very important concerns.

And I think that I'm different from others here who have made statements that you quote.

I would like to know where Dr. Otto contradicts me or vice-versa - I would like an opportunity to present my views more fully.

As a Ukrainian Catholic, I believe what the Catholic Church as a whole teaches. I also have family members who believe as I do and who have suffered in Siberia for their faith and unity with Rome. Two relatives of mine are now beatified Martyrs for the Catholic faith.

I don't know if you have relatives who have suffered for their Catholic faith, but, irrespective of that, let me say I take my Catholic faith very seriously as it is also a "family affair!"

There is nothing that the Catholic faith teaches that I disagree with or don't accept.

Where a POSSIBLE problem may occur is in the area of Particular theological traditions among the Particular Catholic Churches in communion with Rome.

Yes, we believe that the Seven Ecumenical Councils relate to the East and West in a way the later 14 Latin councils (also "Universal") do not.

That doesn't mean that there is a contradiction.

If you feel there is, then please state how and we can discuss it.

I'm not out to "get" you as a Roman Catholic or anyone else on these important matters.

We should be able to discuss points of contention, one by one, and in depth.

Otherwise, if we start giving each other general views, there could be room for misunderstanding.

I think that is what has happened here.

No one else speaks for me. Not the Administrator, not Incognitus or any other here.

Nor do I pretend to speak for them - they don't need me to do so anyway.

This is an opportunity to talk about how we are "Catholic" and yet "Particular" in our theologies.

That is the beauty and the strength of the Catholic Church.

I am ready when you are.

Let's take it one point at a time.

Your brother,

Alexander Roman, PhD

First off, sorry if I came on a little strong.

Following is a quote from Dr. Ott. If nothing you have said contradicts these statements, as is more than likely, then I have misunderstood you:

Adam's sin is transmitted to his posterity, not by imitation, but by descent. (De fide.)
Original Sin consists in the deprivation of grace caused by the free act of sin committed by the head of the race. (Sent. communis.)
Original sin is transmitted by natural generation. (De fide.)
In the state of original sin man is deprived of sanctifying grace and all that this implies, as well as of the preternatural gifts of integrity. (De fide in regard to Sanctifying Grace and the Donum Immortalitatus. D788 et seq.)