V6M@PSUVM.BITNET (02/18/85)
<<>> The use of sacred Tradition is an important tool and evaluative method of the Roman Church and The High E's (I think). It is less important to the Fundamentalist sects who give FINAL authority to the Bible in matters of faith and life. We contend that the Magesterium of the Church includes Scripture and Tradition and continued UNDERSTANDING of Revelation. Revelation HAS BEEN CLOSED since the death of the last apostle however, so nothing NEW will ever be promulgated....BUT deeper and more complete understanding of Revelation MUST occur. The Church may change her mind on female priests if deeper UNDERSTANDING of Revelation dictates it. IT WOULD BE A FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE AND UNDERSTANDING! Chris called it right when he said it would cause consternation to the laity. I STILL haven't accepted the folk Mass idiom!!! This is really a Catholic problem since it deals with how we perform our basic liturgy. Although it may have wide ranging implications on the basic identity of man/woman. A female priest would be the ultimate vote for androgenous society. There is a universal implication to the interpretation of a solution to a Catholic theological problem. Christian sects which DO NOT HAVE priests do not have the same intense problem. Their problem is one of "shephardship" which has been a male symbol. I defer to the other sects to explain the ramifications of female pastors. As I said in another article I'll post (if Steve doesn't get to it first) more on the RC position on Tradition. Vince Marchionni V6M@PSUVM.BITNET