3.9 The Magisterium's views on the Trinity

The Authority of the Magisterium

• Summary: The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, which comes from the authority passed down from the twelve apostles.

• Key Concept: The Pope and bishops form the Magisterium, with the Pope as the head. This authority is believed to come through the apostolic succession.

  • Apostolic Succession: The unbroken line of bishops and Popes tracing back to St. Peter, the leader of the apostles, who was the first Bishop of Rome.

Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople

• Summary: The Magisterium convened councils to affirm the Catholic Church's teachings about the Trinity.

  • Council of Nicaea (325 CE): Called to address the teachings of Arius, who claimed only God the Father was eternal, not the Son.

  • Council of Constantinople (381 CE): Reaffirmed that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal and fully God.

• Nicene Creed: A statement of faith produced by these councils, confirming that:

  • Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

  • The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity and proceeds from the Father.