Arguments against this clear and authoritative teaching," wrote Keith Fournier on Catholic Online, "sometimes come from people who do not understand that the priesthood is not a job and have succumbed to the 'rights' mentality of the current age.

This institutional incapacity left some conservatives pining for the authoritative teaching and discipline forsaken by their forebears nearly five centuries ago.

Cardinal Ratzinger criticized bishops in general for letting their own authoritative teaching be drowned out by "so-called experts" in religious education and the "discordant concert" of theologians.

For the Church does not give her sacraments to those who call themselves Catholics, but knowingly reject any of her authoritative teachings.

Modern religion appeals to no revelation, no authoritative teaching, no mystery.

Naturally, therefore, they still held to the principle of authoritative teaching in religion long after men had generally rejected it.

Pastoral letters are not necessarily binding on Catholics, but they sometimes include authoritative teaching and always set guidelines for preaching, educational efforts and national programs by the bishops' conference.

It was not only other ancient literature that was opened up for new understanding by the Renaissance: the Bible too began to be read with new eyes, eyes no longer focused simply by the authoritative teaching of the church.

Among the other questions are these: "Is there a clear process for removing from the seminary faculty members who dissent from the authoritative teaching of the church or whose conduct does not provide good example to future priests?"

However, the University specifically provides that "theologians" in the University are "expected to give assent to the teachings of the magisterium in keeping with the various degrees of assent that are called for by authoritative teaching."