Authority Quote by Pope Benedict XIV
“If anyone dared to assert that the Pontiff had erred in this or that canonisation, we shall say that he is, if not a heretic, at least temerarious, a giver of scandal to the whole Church, an insulter of the saints, a favourer of those heretics who deny the Church's authority in canonizing saints, savouring of heresy by giving unbelievers an occasion to mock the faithful, the assertor of an erroneous opinion and liable to very grave penalties.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Encyclical on Canonisation (1769) by Pope Benedict XIV
The author condemns those who challenge the Church’s authority to canonize saints, labeling them as scandalous and heretical.
In simple terms: Criticizing Church canonizations is seen as dangerous and scandalous.
Key Takeaway
Respect authority while encouraging thoughtful dialogue.
Themes
religion
authority
heresy
Mood
formal
defensive
Type
theological
institutional
When to use this quote
- church debates
- theological education
- faith communities
Key Concepts
ecclesiastical law
institutional legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is questioning authority always harmful?
- How can institutions balance tradition and reform?
A Different Perspective
May stifle legitimate theological discussion.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)