this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: La dottrina cattolica sul matrimonio e sulla famiglia
Subtitle: Questione di sensus fidelium?
Author(s): KNIEPS-PORT LE ROI, Thomas
Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality
Volume: 23    Issue: 1   Date: 2017   
Pages: 70-85
DOI: 10.2143/INT.23.1.3239900

Abstract :
The article explores the extent to which the church’s infallible 'sense of the faith' can also be ascertained with regard to 'matter of morals'. The article first summarizes how the concepts of 'sense of the faith' and 'sense of the faithful' have been understood in the theological tradition up to Vatican II and post-conciliar understanding. In a second step, it is argued that the sensus fidei fidelium does not only pertain to 'matters of faith' but is significant also for the moral sense of the faithful and of the entire Church. Finally, the article maintains that in the present context of discussion on issues of marriage and family life, the question is not so much how the Church contributes to the formation of believers’ moral discernment, but also how the moral sense of the faithful in their daily decision-making and practice can feed into the moral insight of the Church.

Download article