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In the third verse of his eponymous New Testament epistle, Jude exhorts his readers to contend for the faith which was once for all delivered, a charge that continues to resound to the present day. This collection of essays responds to the apostle's call by providing both a diagnosis of the ills of modern progressivist Catholic doctrinal and moral theology and a prescription for the safeguarding of orthodoxy via a rightly understood return to the traditional sources of theology.The essays in the first part of this collection seek to answer the question, What went wrong with Catholic theology since the Second Vatican Council? Following a brief account of the movement in modern theology from its philosophical basis in Kant and Hegel to the nouvelle théologie and later progressivist theologies of the twentieth century, the writings of Karl Rahner, Walter Kasper, and Bernhard Häring are treated as representative of principal problematic trends, and the concept of heresy is surveyed as it has been understood in the past and as it operates in the Church today. The essays in the second part indicate the way forward for Catholic doctrinal and moral theology, examining and distinguishing the orthodox use of the fontes theologiae of magisterial teachings, the deposit of faith in its development, the sense of the faithful (sensus fidelium), Sacred Scripture, and Church councils and synods.In its twofold attentiveness to contemporary errors in Catholic theology and to tradition-based correctives, The Faith Once for All Delivered offers an urgent and compelling summons to the sacred mission of defending doctrinal and moral orthodoxy.

The Faith Once for All Delivered: Doctrinal Authority in Catholic Theology, edited by Kevin L. Flannery, S.J., delves into the intricate dynamics of doctrinal authority within the Catholic tradition. The book features a collection of scholarly essays that explore the nature, scope, and limits of doctrinal authority in the Church.

The contributors to this volume engage in a nuanced examination of the relationship between Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, highlighting the interplay of these elements in the development and interpretation of Catholic doctrine.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the concept of doctrinal development, which recognizes that the understanding of doctrine can evolve over time while still maintaining its essential core. The authors examine the processes by which doctrines are formulated, clarified, and adapted in response to changing circumstances and new insights.

Another significant aspect addressed in the book is the role of the Magisterium, the teaching authority of the Church, in safeguarding and transmitting the faith. The authors explore the nature of papal infallibility, the authority of ecumenical councils, and the role of bishops in teaching and governing the Church.

The Faith Once for All Delivered also examines the relationship between doctrinal authority and the lived experience of faith. The contributors discuss the role of conscience, the importance of personal assent to doctrine, and the challenges posed by pluralism and diversity within the Church.

This comprehensive volume offers a valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of doctrinal authority in Catholic theology. It provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, theological, and ecclesiological foundations of doctrinal authority, as well as its implications for the life and mission of the Church.