Catholic Apologetics Online

Catholic Apologetics in Question & Answer Form

Dogmatic certainty

531. Can you dogmatically assert that the Catholic Church teaches truth any more than I can disprove it?

You certainly cannot disprove it; and your own principles compel you to admit that you cannot. I can and do assert with absolute certainty that the Catholic Church teaches the truth.

532. Do you assert this because of superior intelligence, better reasoning powers, or faith?

I would not say because of superior intelligence or more accurate reasoning powers. Had you studied the same data, and had the same years of training as have been my lot, you might manifest much greater ability in dealing with the subject. Therefore, I base my assertion on better acquaintance with philosophy, history, Scripture, and theology-a knowledge I willingly restrict to the religious field. In addition to that, the light of faith, a faith justified by a solid rational groundwork, is of immense assistance. For it is a power of comprehension given by God, who can enlighten the mind interiorly to perceive the truth even as a human teacher can communicate intelligible light to his pupils.

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