November 23, 2007
The Importance of Defining Doctrine and the Universal Inquisition
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith often creates much controversy as it keeps the faith pure with definitions of doctrine, and with its past association with the Inquisition. Before he became pope, Cardinal Ratzinger headed this office with tremendous responsibility, and kept an intense prayer life in order to not fall into the danger of becoming a bureaucrat who mechanically signed decrees without thinking of the humanity of the persons involved.
There are many misunderstandings surrounding the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Originally called the "Holy Office", it was in charge of the Universal Inquisition, which tried to protect the faith from heresy spreading from Germany and Switzerland in the sixteenth century. Contrary to popular thought, the Holy Office was more just, more moderate, and more prudent than myth would have it. According to the book The Ratzinger Report, it is precisely secular historical research that proves this. There must also be a distinction between the "Spanish Inquisition" and the "Roman and Universal Inquisition". Though the Spanish Inquisition sometimes protected the faith against heresy, it was also often used as a political tool of the Spanish monarchy against Rome's wishes. By contrast, the Roman and Universal Inquisition was never influenced by secular powers.
Unfortunately, the clarification of doctrine is not very appreciated in the Church today. Many don't understand that truth is the fundamental life-element for man which must be protected from all distortions. Many fall into the trap of thinking 'all that really matters is how I treat my neighbor'. However, they don't realize that correct behavior presupposes correct thinking, thus necessitating a search for orthodoxy. Consequently, the Church sees this search and defense of orthodoxy as a social work for the benefit of all believers, no matter how scandalous some may think it is to define truth.
Let us keep the new head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the faith, Cardinal William Levada in our prayers as he continues the wonderful job done by Cardinal Ratzinger.
God bless,
Daniel
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