Sense Of The Faithful?

[Guest Michael]

What is the sense of the faithful ([i]sensus fidelium[/i]) and how does it relate to Catholic teaching?

[Adeodatus]

“Sensus fidelium” is a charism, a gift of the Holy Spirit to the whole Church, of affinity with the object of faith. By this charism the Church as a whole, which expresses itself in the consensus of faith, recognises the object of faith and confesses it in her life, in constant agreement with Sacred Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium of the Church (Catechism, 91-93; Lumen Gentium 12 and 35).

The “sensus fidelium” (sense of the faitfhful), when spoken of as acting in an individual is called “sensus fidei” (sense of faith), and when expressed by the whole Church is called “consensus fidelium” (consensus of the faithful). A special instance of the “consensus fidelium” is the “consensus patrum”, the consensus of the Church Fathers on a matter of faith.

The “sensus fidelium” cannot be identified with the religious opinions of baptised Catholics. Not all our thoughts arise from our faith. Nor can it be seen as a religious Gallop poll. For example, if a majority of people believe contraception is OK, that does not make it right. The “sense” is the error-free expression of the participation of all the faithful in the prophetic office of Christ (Lumen Gentium 12). The Council of Trent had recognised a “universal understanding of the Church” as a guarantee of orthodox belief in opposition to error (DS 1637). The Fathers appealed to the witness of the faithful (Jerome, Adv. Vigilant. 5; Augustine, C. Julian. 1.7, 31; De praed. Sanct. 14.27) to whom they attribute a Christian, Catholic and ecclesial sense. St Thomas Aquinas speaks of the innate affinity (connaturalitas) of the faithful with the matters on which they must pass judgement, and this affinity is a gift of the Spirit.

The sensus fidelium is a charism that flows from the Spirit in baptism and confirmation, and is an expression of the presence of the grace and truth of Jesus in the Church. It has a truth-seeking and truth-attesting function. To the extent that the Magisterium does not establish the faith but preserves and communicates it as handed down, it is subordinate to the sensus fidelium. BUT to the extent that the Magisterium possesses its own apostolic commission authoritatively to interpret and issue final decisions in matters of faith, it takes precedence over the sensus fidelium and ranks higher. The sensus fidelium must always be related to the Scriptures, Tradition, and Magisterium of the Church.