Lecture Notes: Establishing the Catholic Church by Jesus Christ

Introduction

• The claim: Jesus Christ established the Catholic Church.
• Common discourse lacks proof of this claim.
• The aim: Provide strong, logical arguments to support the claim.

Structure of the Lecture

1. Scholastic Section
   • Focus on explicative function of scholastic theology.
   • Explore the concept and nature of the Catholic magisterium.
2. Dogmatic Section
   • Seek foundation for certain theses in divine revelation.
   • Understand what a magisterium is before linking it to scripture or tradition.

Divine Revelation

• Revelation: Communication of God’s truths that lead to eternal life.
• Magisterium: Communicates divine revelation; emphasis on messenger’s role.
• Mysteries: Truths not reachable by natural powers of man.
• Ascent of Faith: Accept truths based on God’s authority.
• Motives of Credibility: Signs like miracles and prophecies to confirm divine speech.
• Universality: Revelation is meant for all men and times.

Means Proportioned to the End

• Catholic Church: Claimed to have means proportioned to effectively preach revelation.
• Distinction of Ends:
  • Physically Necessary: Means without which an end cannot be achieved.
  • Morally Necessary: Means necessary to achieve an end easily and ordinarily.
• Morally Necessary Means: Essential for Catholic Church to counter Protestant arguments.
• Christ’s Provision: Christ provides all necessary means for revelation.

Attributes of the Catholic Magisterium

• Universal and Uniform Communication.
• Pure Communication of Truth.
• Authoritative Proclamation: Ensures obedience and adherence.
• Threefold Commission: Preaching, teaching, and authoritative functions.

Assistance by God

• Infallibility: Internal help to ensure pure teaching.
• Motives of Credibility: External signs for authenticating teaching.
• Divine Sanctions: Promise of rewards or punishments.

Scriptural Basis for Magisterium

• Commissioning of Apostles in the Gospels.
  • Matthew: Authority from Christ, teaching imperatives.
  • Mark: External signs supporting the message.
  • Luke: Authentic preaching and charism.
  • John: Commission of Peter and Papal authority.
• Continuity: Apostolic authority extending through the Church.

Conclusion

• The Catholic concept of the magisterium aligns with divine revelation.
• St. Thomas’ Principle: If the foundation for a charism is perpetual, it extends perpetually.
• The lecture systematically outlines the Magisterium's role, aligning with biblical teachings.