Sensus Fidelium: Lessons from a Contested Concept

Author

Frankie White, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

5-5-2002

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theology

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

Susan K. Wood SCL

Subject Categories

Christianity | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

In this paper, I look at the contested meaning of sensus fidelium from the perspective of two models which I construct on the basis of literature that has appeared since the Second Vatican Council. I attribute the differences between the two models to fundamentally different hermeneutical and epistemological presuppositions and use the models to identify common ground between two different understandings of sensus fidelium and to bring into relief the underlying presuppositions on which the models, and hence the perspectives, are based. I conclude by suggesting basic principles of dialogue on the question of the sense of the faithful and the exercise of teaching authority in the church.

Comments

Access restricted to College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University on-campus users.

Recommended Citation

White, Frankie, "Sensus Fidelium: Lessons from a Contested Concept" (2002). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1476.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1476