Divine Grace and Human Nature as Sources for the Universal Magisterium of Bishops

Abstract

[Theologians have discussed for a century and a half the ecclesial institution of the ordinary universal magisterium of bishops when it functions apart from an ecumenical council. Teaching by bishops from the entire world involves the activity and identity of the bishop and his relationship to other Christians who ponder and teach the faith. Analysis of how grace impacts the bishops in their scattered college has been little developed in theology as well as in the psychology and social interaction of the teaching. The author here looks at this activity of an episcopal teacher within the worldwide college as it flows from human nature and from divine grace.]