Magisterium

Magisterium is a Latin term designating the official teaching office of the authorized teaching authority of the catholic orthodox Christian church. According to the Catholic Church the only correct and valid understanding of the revealed Christian doctrine of salvation and the Bible can only be obtained by taking account of both Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Tradition as interpreted by the authentic catholic Christian Magisterium under the promised guidance of God the Holy Spirit. The teachings of the Magisterium are magisterial teachings, most often set forth in magisterial documents, such as the Documents of Vatican II, or the promulgated teachings of ecumenical councils.

More generally, and less often, the term is used by writers as a dignified or ironically sarcastic reference to the authoritative magisterium of any religious, philosophical, educational, scientific, even political, institution or organization. It embodies and represents official teaching.

In Philip Pullman's novels, the Magisterium is an Inquisition-like institution which commits various heinous acts.

See also

Encyclical

Lambeth Conference

University

Denomination

Philosophy

Doctrine

Dogma

Peer review

External link

The Magisterium or Teaching Authority of the Church, by Fr. William G. Most (ewtn.com)