Unit 2.10 — Homework
19 Century Liberal Protestantism
th
Assignment
1) Read Gonzalez Volume II, ch. 31 (“Protestant Theology”).
2) Read “Vatican II: Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium)” --- Handout 2.10A.
Questions
1) In sections 6 & 7, what are some of the Biblical images for the Church that Lumen Gentium highlights?
What is your favorite among these images? Why? What aspect of the mystery of the Church does it
help to elucidate?
2) In section 8, how does Lumen Gentium connect the visible and invisible nature of Christ’s Church?
How does it relate the one true Church of Christ to the Catholic Church and to other churches?
3) Section 9 refers to the Church as the “sacrament” of Christ. If a sacrament is a visible sign of an
invisible mystery, and if it does not merely symbolize this mystery but actually makes it present,
then how does this help you to grasp the mystery of the Church and Christ?
4) Section 12 teaches that the entire body of the faithful cannot err in matters of fundamental belief,
because of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Why do you think Vatican II made this kind of statement
in regard to the “infallibility” of the whole Church?
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5) In sections 14, 15, & 16 how does Lumen Gentium try to balance a sense for the unique gift and truth
of the Catholic Church with an appreciation of truth that is present in all churches, and indeed in all
religions? What is your reaction to this balancing act?
6) How does section 22 relate the authority of bishops as successors of the apostles to the authority of
the pope as a successor of Peter, the leader of the apostles?
7) How does section 25 further nuance and develop the teaching of Vatican I on the infallibility of the
papal teaching office?
8) What was your reaction to the teaching on the dignity and call of the laity in the Church from
Chapter IV (sections 30-38)?
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