6th Sunday of Easter
Q. 267: The early Church seems to be embroiled in dissension less than one decade after the Resurrection of Jesus. Can the Holy Spirit really be at work in those circumstances? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
(Cycle "C" - May 16, 2004)
A. 267: Perhaps the question could be rephrased this way: "Is there a place for both controversy and peace in our Church?" There are a lot of ways to nuance the meanings of "dissension" and "debate," but the underlying thrust is the same: disagreement over a matter of importance, at least to the parties engaged in debate. The year is only about 49 or 50 AD when this occurred, which shows that lively arguments were arising whenever "changes" occurred that would alter or even threaten to modify "established" rituals and practices.
The answer is a resounding "YES." The Church grew and still grows in understanding its faith through lively discussions and debates among qualified theologians. Those discussions have been going on ever since the vision of St. Peter (Acts 10) which led to the baptism of the first Gentiles (Cornelius' household), around 43 AD. It is important to recognize the wording of the Apostles' decision regarding the waiver of the former discipline of circumcision: "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than…necessary things…" (Acts 15:28). Clearly, the dietary laws, variations in certain rituals, and similar disciplines were deemed eligible for change as circumstances warranted.
Every suggested change creates healthy discussions, and is preceded by healthy discussions. Closure is then brought to the discussion at some point in time, when the Apostles (or their successors, the united Bishops) reach a decision. Cultural conditioning plays a large part in some decisions (e.g., Paul insisting that women had to wear hats in church), as it does today - also called matters of "discipline."
Know Your Catechism! Perhaps it is better to leave the debates in the hands of the theologians, who are schooled in the ways of theological research (CCC #94), and who know the difference between debate and dissension. At some point in time, the Magisterium - the official and recognized teaching office of the Catholic church - reaches a decision on a subject, and to that decision we owe the obedience of faith (CCC#144, 85, 88) or assent of faith (optimally), or as a minimum the religious respect of intellect and will; and the Christian faithful are called upon "to take care to avoid whatever is not in harmony with that teaching" (Canon Law #752).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
