Error, Theological
ERROR, THEOLOGICAL
One of the theological censures, i.e., one of the pejorative judgments that indicate a proposition is in some way opposed or harmful to faith or morals. In condemning many propositions of quesnel, a censure used by Clement XI was that of "error" (H. Denzinger, Enchiridion symbolorum 2502). Theologians distinguish various erroneous propositions and speak of them as involving an error in divine faith, in ecclesiastical faith, in Catholic doctrine, or in theology. This last censure, theological error, is generally applied to a proposition that is directly opposed to a strict theological conclusion from a revealed premise. Thus, to maintain that Christ is not capable of laughter would be a theological error.
Rashness is a censure inferior to that of theological error. It is usually applied to a proposition that contravenes a thesis that is not a strict theological conclusion but is well grounded and commonly held by theologians.
See Also: notes, theological.
Bibliography: Sacrae theologiae summa, ed. fathers of the society of jesus, professors of the theological faculties in spain (Madrid 1962) 1.3:884–913.
[e. j. fortman]