Why the Church Requires You
to Believe or Adhere to Doctrines
Commonly Taught by her Theologians

Résumé translated by Fr. Cekada from Fr. Reginald-Maria SCHULTES OP, De Ecclesia Catholica: Praelectiones Apologeticae [Apologetic Lectures on the Catholic Church], 2nd. ed., Paris: Lethielleux 1931, pp. 667ff. This book was used by students for Doctoral degrees in theology in Roman Universities in the early 1900s.  Fr. Schultes held the highest theological degree in the Domincan Order (OPS ThMagister), and was a Professor at the Pontifical University of the Angelicuм in Rome. Sections marked with asterisks (*) = additional comments by Fr. Cekada.

I.  Introductory Concepts.

A.  Definition of Theologian =  “learned men who after the time of the Church Fathers scientifically taught sacred doctrine in the Church.”

1.  in the Church = in union with the Church, either with: (a) a Specific mission from the Church or (b) the Consent of the Church, either express or tacit.

2. doctrine = either dogma or moral

B. General Types of Theology.

1. Positive = investigates and expounds the contents of Scripture and the Fathers.

2. Scholastic = seeks understanding of the faith through use of Scripture, the Fathers, reason (syllogisms principles (in explaining revelation, drawing conclusions
and formulating definition).


C. *The Education and Career of a Theologian.*

• Minor Seminary : 6 years. Latin, liberal arts.

• Philosophy: 2–3 years. Logic, Metaphysics, Cosmology, Psychology, Criteriology, etc.

• Theology, studied at a Pontifical University: Dogmatic, Moral, Pastoral courses studied by ordinary clergy, 4 - 5 years. (In 1st year, the criteria for settling theological issues.) S.T.L. degree. Ordination at about age 25. Doctoral studies, 2 - 4 years. Research, dissertation,
public defense of dissertation before examiners of a Pontifical University. S.T.D. degree.

• Early Career: Teaching undergraduate university courses. Assisting senior professors with research. Writing and researching own articles. Publication of articles in journals.