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LONGS
The recent Encyclical raises in my mind the question of Papal Infallibility. i would be glad if you would answer the following: When Is the Pope infallible? (Inquirer.) The Pope is infallible when he speaks on matters of faith or morals ex Cathedra. The term ex Cathedra signifies: 1. The Pope must be speaking not as a private person„ nor even ae a Pope who is not using the whole plenitude of his apostolic authority to teach, BUT when as shepherd and teacher of all Christians with his supreme apostolic authority he defines a doctrine to be held by the Whole Church.
2. The Pope must ctrar/y manifest his will to be defining the teaching in question. There is no set formula for so declaring this will of his, but one might take it for granted that if there is real doubt among theologians as to his will to do so, then he has not intended to do so.
by their constant encouragement of fatalistic views unsettle the belief in a Divine Providence.
Moreover, no theory of ether waves or emanations can be used as a sound argument in favour of astrology's fatalistic nonsense. Though it has an ancient history, it can only claim a place in the history or human errors. The harmonious course or the sears may well have suggested to primitive peoples that these manifestations of Divine Power controlled in some way the life of man. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, for instance, the stars were considered the source and at the same time the herald of everything that happened, but from the start the Christian Church strongly opposed the false teaching of astrology, though during periods of religious decline the superstition has occasionally revived.
SHORTS
Please recommend a course of Catholic reading, especially on Fundamental Theology (E. L.)
You will find a very good answer to your question in Mr F. J. Sheed's Groundplan of Catholic Reading (Shoed and Ward, 31, Paternoster Row, London, E.C.4, price 6d., postage 2d. extra). This booklet not only lists the books we should ourselves recommend: it also gives very valuable comments on the books themselves. We think you will rind this Groundplan just what you want. Yes, we would recommend the " Summer School" series, but rather as books to be read along with others, especially those books listed in Mr Shoed's Groundplan. Burns Oates and Washbourne have produced a useful series that contains "a concise statement and explanation of Catholic doctrine ": The Treasury of the Faith Series (Is. each in wrappers, 2s. in cloth). There are thirty-eix volumes in the series. written by experts. Burns Oates will send you a full list on application.
May a Catholic, havhsg volunteered for sniping duty, shoot to kill? (R. D., Manchester).
A soldier is justified in fighting because he is justified in defending his country against aggression. The meane he takes to that end should be proportioned to the nature of the aggression. And since the aggressor in war threatens the very life of the soldier, the latter may shoot to kill—not because he wants to kill a fellow-being, but because of the very nature of war. And since sniping is a recognised method of war, and not immoral, the sniper may shoot to kill.
For a brief account of the Church's ethical teaching on various problems connected with war, R. B. (and others) are advised to read A. Code of International Ethics (Catholic Social Guild, Oxford, Is,).