The Role of Scripture in Catholicism

Catholics use scripture as a fundamental standard for evaluating teachings within the Church, emphasizing that if any ecclesiastical authority, including the Pope, contradicts the Bible, it signifies a potential error. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the different levels of authority within Church teachings, including matters that are doctrinal versus those that are advisory. For instance, while the Pope may offer recommendations on social issues, these do not constitute dogma and are open to interpretation and acceptance by the faithful. This distinction is essential for Catholics who believe that even authoritative figures can err unless they are making infallible declarations sanctioned by the Holy Spirit.