Catholicism has always recognized the need for a normative doctrinal teaching authority. Yet the character, scope, and exercise of that authority, what has come to be called the magisterium, has changed significantly over two millennia. This book gathers contributions from leading Catholic scholars in considering new factors that must be taken into account as we consider the church's official teaching authority in today's postmodern context. Noted experts in their fields cover many intriguing topics here, including the investigation of theologians that has occurred in recent years, canonical perspectives on such investigations, the role that women religious have played in these issues, the place of the media when problems arise, and possible future ways forward The book concludes with "The Elizabeth Johnson Dossier," a selection of documents essential to understanding the case of Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, whose work was recently the subject of severe criticism by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Contributors include Bradford Hinze, James Coriden, Colleen Mallon, Ormond Rush, Gerard Mannion, Anthony Godzieba, Vincent Miller, Richard Gaillardetz, and Elizabeth Johnson.
"Those of us concerned with the future of Catholic theology are deeply grateful to the authors of the essays in this book. With uncommon scholarship and clarity they have shown where the relationships between theologians and the episcopal teaching office have gone wrong---Elizabeth Johnson's case being the latest tragic illustration. With equally uncommon depth and insight they have also charted h
Dr. Peter C. Phan The Ignacio Ellacuria Chair of Catholic Social Thought Georgetown Univ
"When the Magisterium Intervenes is a hard-hitting book that places the exchanges between Elizabeth Johnson and the USCCB's Committee on Doctrine in an historical and analytical context. The anguish and exasperation that seep through the careful academic work express mainlythough not exclusivelythe progressive theologians' side of things and signal that any irenic phase of this discussion remains
Dennis M. Doyle Professor of Religious Studies University of Dayton
"This impressive collection offers new perspectives on the sometimes testy relationship between theologians and bishops as they exercise their shared responsibility to make the time-honored truth of the Gospel speak anew to every generation. Any reader will be grateful for the editor's inclusion of the central documents concerning the recent controversy surrounding Professor Elizabeth Johnson's bo
John E. Thiel Professor of Religious Studies President, Catholic Theological Society of Am
