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What is held by the whole Church, and that not as…

“What is held by the whole Church, and that not as instituted by Councils, but as a matter of invariable custom, is rightly held to have been handed down by authority.” quote by Saint Augustine
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“What is held by the whole Church, and that not as instituted by Councils, but as a matter of invariable custom, is rightly held to have been handed down by authority.”

Saint Augustine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Institutional authority is rooted in longstanding tradition rather than formal council decisions.

In simple terms: Authority comes from tradition, not just councils.

Key Takeaway

Respect enduring customs.

Themes

tradition authority church customs

Mood

reflective serious

Type

theological historical

When to use this quote

  • church governance
  • doctrine formation
  • liturgical practice
  • faith education

Key Concepts

theology ecclesiology canon law

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we balance tradition with needed change?
  • When should councils override custom?
A Different Perspective

Tradition may resist needed reform.

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