What Is Meant by the Term Gift of Infallibility?
In recent years, the Catholic Church has been criticized for its uncompromising stands on political issues. These issues include abortion, same-sex marriages and the sexual abuse cases involving members of the clergy. Opponents of the church claim that such an institution can hardly claim to be a manifestation of God's will within society. Church leaders disagree, citing in their defense Catholic doctrine, which asserts that the teaching authority of the Catholic Church is blessed with the gift of infallibility.
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God's People
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According to the Lumen Gentium of the Second Vatican Council, the umbrella of protection supplied by the gift of infallibility not only safeguards distinguished church leaders, but also functions to the benefit of "God's people" as a whole. This "universal body of the faithful" cannot err since it functions with a supernatural anointing of God's spirit. On the basis of such an anointing, such common members of the Church obediently submit to guidance from the clergy; they operate within a sacred tradition of leadership.
Proclamation of Doctrine
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An essential purpose of the gift of infallibility is to protect practicing Catholics from attacks against their profession of faith in Catholic doctrine. An essential component to a spiritual profession by a believer within the Catholic Church is faith. According to the gift of infallibility, a person who faithfully accepts Biblical doctrine as true is able to profess his faith. He is able to discuss this doctrine without fear that shortcomings within his own character will undermine the doctrine.
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Defense of Moral Faults
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Church leaders who work within the Catholic Church assert that a difference exists between perfection and infallibility. By doing so, they address a criticism against the Church leveled by John Henry Newman in 1878, who states, "There can be no combination on the basis of truth without an organ of truth." Church leaders admit that an inestimable number of errors have been committed throughout the history of the Catholic Church. However, these leaders cite that, although men are prone to error, God is an infallible being. God's presence in the lives of men and women--particularly the leaders of the Church--permits these leaders to share the divine gift of infallibility.
Deemphasizing Historical Forces
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The concept of infallibility presumes that a mysterious divine force influences the course of human history. Thus, while historical forces are relevant to the decisions and actions taken by church leaders, they do not nullify the importance of this divine force.
Stages vs. Results
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The Catholic Church is a work-in-progress, undergoing stages of development. Church leaders stress that such stages should not be confused with desirable results that may be attained through an observance of Catholic doctrine. According to The Catholic Church Has the Answer by Paul Whitcomb, desirable results that the Church strives to achieve involve allowing new believers to receive the saving and sanctifying grace of Jesus Christ.
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- Photo Credit While humans are prone to error, the presense of God within the world is cited as infallible. "The Pope", by roblisameehan: Flickr.com
