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The Sources of Catholic Dogma
In this age of doctrinal latitude and speculative innovation there is a pressing need for a comprehensive source book on authentic Catholic dogma that is magisterially anchored while at the same time both practical and non-voluminous. You have such a book in this English translation of Father Heinrich Denzinger's Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum. Since it was first published a century and a half ago, this handbook or collection (enchiridion) of articles (symbols) of faith and morals has enjoyed universal appeal and approbation since the pontificate of Blessed Pope Pius IX. The Enchiridion has been updated periodically; the edition being offered here by Loreto is that issued in 1957. The collection includes all articles and creeds of the Catholic Faith beginning with that of the twelve apostles, all dogmatic definitions stamped with the Petrine authority of the apostolic See (ex cathedra), decrees of the solemn magisterium, papal bulls, encyclicals and letters, as well as some of the more weighty decisions of the Holy Office prior to 1957. Although not every entry in this 653 page compendium of Church teaching is definitional (i.e. ex cathedra) it still should be considered the "locutus est" for every wayfaring Catholic whose patria, this side of heaven, is Roma. In addition to a general index there is a scriptural index plus an invaluable systematic or topical index making for very easy reference. Note, too, this edition comes with a one page Corrigenda which is a list of sixteen corrections that must be applied to errors (usually omissions) that escaped the eyes of editors in previous editions.
715 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1991
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379 people want to read
About the author
Henry Denzinger
3 books3 followersHeinrich Joseph Dominicus Denzinger was a leading German Catholic theologian and author of the Enchiridion Symbolorum et Definitionum (Handbook of Creeds and Definitions) commonly referred to simply as "Denzinger".
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April 1, 2024
Below are all the compiled evidence I could find in support or the theological position of CMRI. Contrariwise, and I was looking, I found nothing which justifies the decisions of the post-vatican II popes concerning the same. I fully understand, or at least to a much more eminent degree, the depth of my own iniquity and proclivity for error. And so I have left the majority of arguments to the words of the Church herself, keeping my input to a minimum. Take a look and judge for yourself.
"... It is well known that to the Church there belongs no right whatsoever to innovate anything touching on the substance of the sacraments; and no less in-harmonious with this is the view that confirmation conferred by any priest at all is to be held valid," (Pius X, Denzinger, p. 552)
Vatican II and false popes since John XXIII promulgated those axioms stating a change in matter and form is permissible in the sacraments of the Eucharist and in Holy Orders conferred upon bishops.
On The Material and Form of the Sacrament of Orders: "The sacrament of orders instituted by Christ the Lord, by which spiritual power is handed down and grace is conferred to perform ecclesiastical duties properly, the Catholic faith professes to be one and the same for the universal Church ... And for these sacraments instituted by Christ the Lord in the course of the ages the Church has not, and could not substitute other sacraments, since, as the Council of Trent teaches, the seven sacraments of the New Law have all been instituted by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Church has no power over the 'substance of the sacraments,' that is, over those things which with sources of divine revelation as witnesses, Christ the Lord Himself decreed to be preserved in a sacramental sign," (Pius XII, Denzinger, p. 629).
On The Infallible "Magisterium" of the Roman Pontiff:
"... And since the sentiment of our Lord Jesus Christ cannot be passed over when He says: 'Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church' [Matt. 16:18], these words which were spoken are proven true by actual results, since in the Apostolic See the Catholic religion has always been preserved untainted, and holy doctrine celebrated," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
Yet the Novus Ordo Mass has removed 90% of the doctrine expressed in the liturgy of the Tridentine Mass... So this doctrine is not celebrated today. Interesting.
To those who would claim the Pope is only infallible in matters of faith and morals, and therefore do not owe allegiance and obedience to him in any matter otherwise, and can therefore disregard his commands if they deem them as not dealing with faith or morals: "If anyone thus speaks, that the Roman Pontiff has only the office of inspection or direction, but not the full and supreme power of jurisdiction over the universal Church, not only in things which pertain to faith and morals, but also in those which pertain to the discipline and government of the Church spread over the whole world; or, that he possesses only the more important parts, but not the whole plentitude of this supreme power; or that this power of his is not ordinary and immediate, or over the churches altogether and individually, and over the pastors and the faithful altogether and individually: let him be anathema," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
And again: "And since the Roman Pontiff is at the head of the universal Church by the divine right of apostolic primacy, We teach and declare also that he is the supreme judge of the faithful, and that in all cases pertaining to ecclesiastical examination recourse can be had to his judgment of the Apostolic See, whose authority is not surpassed, is to be disclaimed by no one, nor is anyone permitted to pass judgment on its judgment. Therefore, they stray from the straight path of truth who affirm that it is permitted to appeal from the judgments of the Roman Pontiffs to an ecumenical Council, as to an authority higher than the Roman Pontiff," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
And: "... we cannot pass over in silence the boldness of those who 'not enduring sound doctrine' [2 Tim. 4:3], contend that 'without sin and with no loss of Catholic Profession, one can withhold assent and obedience to those judgments and decrees of the Apostolic See, whose object is declared to relate to the general good of the Church and its rights and discipline, provided it does not touch dogmas of faith or morals.' There is no one who does not see and understand clearly and openly how opposed this is to Catholic Dogma of the plenary power divinely bestowed on the Roman Pontiff by Christ the Lord Himself of feeding, ruling, and governing the universal Church, (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 432-433).
In response to those cardinals, bishops, priests, and even post-vatican II "popes" who thought it fit to seek and acknowledge wisdom outside the Church:
"But it is a very mournful thing, by which the ravings of human reason go to ruin when someone is eager for revolution and, against the advice of the Apostle, strives 'to be more wise than it behooveth to be wise' [Rom. 12:3], and trusting too much in himself, affirms that truth must be sought outside of the Catholic Church in which truth itself is found fat from even the slightest defilement of error, and which therefore, is called and is 'the pillar and ground of the truth' [1 Tim. 3:15]. But you well understand, Venerable Brothers, that we are here speaking in open disapproval of that false system of philosophy, not so long ago introduced, by which, because of an extended and unbridled desire of novelty, truth is not sought where it truly resides, and, with a disregard for the holy and apostolic traditions, other vain, futile, uncertain doctrines, not approved by the Church are accepted as true, on which very vain men mistakenly think that truth itself is supported and sustained," (Gregory XVI, Denzinger, p. 404-405).
In response to those promulgating their own version of Scripture or rash translations of the Vulgate:
"... if the Sacred books are permitted everywhere without discrimination in the vulgar tongue, more damage will arise from this than advantage. Furthermore, the Roman Church, accepting only the Vulgate according to ... the Council of Trent, disapproves the versions in other tongues and permits only those which are edited with the explanations carefully chosen from writings of the Fathers and Catholic Doctors, so that so great a treasure may not be exposed to the corruptions of novelties, and so that the Church ... 'may be of one tongue and of the same speech, [Gen. 11:1] ... 'For heresies are not born,' St. Augustine used to say, 'except when the true Scriptures are not well understood and when what is not well understood in them is rashly and boldly asserted.' But, if we grieve that men renowned for piety and wisdom have, by no means rarely, failed in interpreting Scriptures, what should we not fear if the Scriptures, translated into every vulgar tongue whatsoever, are freely handed on to be read by an inexperienced people who, for the most part, judge not with any skill but with a kind of rashness?" (Pius VII, Denzinger, p. 398-399).
In the name of false ecumenism, Vatican II and the Novus Ordo made compromises with the protestant leaders to modernize the mass and appear more welcoming and less offensive to them. It has been argued that the question of whether this mass is infallible is awkward at best since the Novus Ordo would be categorized as a discipline, not as infallible dogma. On the contrary, Pope Pius VI argues against this sentiment:
"The prescription of the synod about the order of transacting business in the conferences, in which, after it prefaced 'in every article that which pertains to faith and to the essence of religion must be distinguished from that which is proper to discipline,' it adds, 'in this itself (discipline) there is to be distinguished what is necessary or useful to retain the faithful in spirit, from that which is useless or too burdensome for the liberty of the sons of the new Covenant to endure, but more so, from that which is dangerous or harmful, namely, leading to superstition and materialism;' insofar as the generality of the words it includes and submits to a prescribed examination even the discipline established and approved by the Church, as if the Church which is ruled by the Spirit of God could have established discipline which is not only useless and burdensome for Christian liberty to endure, but which is even dangerous and harmful and leading to superstition and materialism - false, rash, scandalous, dangerous to pious ears, injurious to the Church and the Spirit of God by whom it is guided, at least erroneous," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 393). Note also something does not need to be proved absolutely to be contrary to truth for it to be condemned; all of the above reasons the Popes have deemed reason enough.
Against mass in the vernacular:
"...[introduction] of the use of popular language into the liturgical prayers - false, rash, disturbing to the order prescribed for the celebration of the mysteries, easily productive of many evils," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 390).
And, "it has ... not seemed expedient to the Fathers that it be celebrated everywhere in the vernacular ... [yet] ... the Holy Synod commands pastors and everyone who has the care of souls to explain frequently ... the things which are read in the Mass," (Council of Trent, Denzinger, p. 291).
And, "If anyone says that the rite of the Roman Church, according to which a part of the cannon and the words of consecration are pronounced in a low tone, is to be condemned, or that the Mass ought to be celebrated in the vernacular only, or that water should not be mixed with the wine that is to be offered in the chalice because it is contrary to the institution of Christ: let him be anathema," (Pius IV, Denzinger, p. 292).
John XXIII and John Paul II, and I believe all the post Vatican II popes have promulgated a false ecumenism, or indifferentism, wherein other religions are acknowledged as a viable means to salvation. Pope Gregory XVI says otherwise:
"... indifferentism, ... that eternal salvation of the soul can be acquired by any profession of faith whatsoever, if morals are conformed to the standard of the just and of the honest ... And so from this most rotten source of indifferentism flows that absurd and erroneous opinion, or rather insanity, that liberty of conscience must be claimed and defended for anyone," (Gregory XVI, Denzinger, p. 403).
Against the Novus Ordo and the new Latin Mass:
"But let Bishops, in whose diocese such devotion towards the Blessed Sacrament flourishes, ... nurture it by applying to it the proper measure of prudence and judgment, and on their part they will especially prevail upon themselves that no labor or diligence must be spared to do away with every suspicion of irreverence and scandal in the reception of the true and immaculate lamb, and to increase virtues and gifts in those who partake of it," (Innocent XI, Denzinger, p. 324).
And, "The proposition of the synod by which it shows itself eager to remove the cause through which, in part, there has been induced a forgetfulness of the principles relating to the order of the liturgy, 'by recalling it (the liturgy) to a greater simplicity of rites, by expressing it in the vernacular language, by uttering it in a loud voice;' as if the present order of the liturgy, received and approved by the Church, had emanated in some part from the forgetfulness of the principles by which it should be regulated - rash, offensive to pious ears, insulting to the Church, favorable to the charges of heretics against it," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 380).
Against those who hold John XXIII and subsequent, particularly Francis, are validly elected Popes, but, particularly of Francis, are simply bad Popes, leaders, and men, and find themselves fit to declare these criticisms on their own authority: "... People can at their will correct masters who offend," condemned by the Council of Constance, (Martin V, Denzinger, p. 209).
"... It is well known that to the Church there belongs no right whatsoever to innovate anything touching on the substance of the sacraments; and no less in-harmonious with this is the view that confirmation conferred by any priest at all is to be held valid," (Pius X, Denzinger, p. 552)
Vatican II and false popes since John XXIII promulgated those axioms stating a change in matter and form is permissible in the sacraments of the Eucharist and in Holy Orders conferred upon bishops.
On The Material and Form of the Sacrament of Orders: "The sacrament of orders instituted by Christ the Lord, by which spiritual power is handed down and grace is conferred to perform ecclesiastical duties properly, the Catholic faith professes to be one and the same for the universal Church ... And for these sacraments instituted by Christ the Lord in the course of the ages the Church has not, and could not substitute other sacraments, since, as the Council of Trent teaches, the seven sacraments of the New Law have all been instituted by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Church has no power over the 'substance of the sacraments,' that is, over those things which with sources of divine revelation as witnesses, Christ the Lord Himself decreed to be preserved in a sacramental sign," (Pius XII, Denzinger, p. 629).
On The Infallible "Magisterium" of the Roman Pontiff:
"... And since the sentiment of our Lord Jesus Christ cannot be passed over when He says: 'Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my Church' [Matt. 16:18], these words which were spoken are proven true by actual results, since in the Apostolic See the Catholic religion has always been preserved untainted, and holy doctrine celebrated," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
Yet the Novus Ordo Mass has removed 90% of the doctrine expressed in the liturgy of the Tridentine Mass... So this doctrine is not celebrated today. Interesting.
To those who would claim the Pope is only infallible in matters of faith and morals, and therefore do not owe allegiance and obedience to him in any matter otherwise, and can therefore disregard his commands if they deem them as not dealing with faith or morals: "If anyone thus speaks, that the Roman Pontiff has only the office of inspection or direction, but not the full and supreme power of jurisdiction over the universal Church, not only in things which pertain to faith and morals, but also in those which pertain to the discipline and government of the Church spread over the whole world; or, that he possesses only the more important parts, but not the whole plentitude of this supreme power; or that this power of his is not ordinary and immediate, or over the churches altogether and individually, and over the pastors and the faithful altogether and individually: let him be anathema," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
And again: "And since the Roman Pontiff is at the head of the universal Church by the divine right of apostolic primacy, We teach and declare also that he is the supreme judge of the faithful, and that in all cases pertaining to ecclesiastical examination recourse can be had to his judgment of the Apostolic See, whose authority is not surpassed, is to be disclaimed by no one, nor is anyone permitted to pass judgment on its judgment. Therefore, they stray from the straight path of truth who affirm that it is permitted to appeal from the judgments of the Roman Pontiffs to an ecumenical Council, as to an authority higher than the Roman Pontiff," (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 455).
And: "... we cannot pass over in silence the boldness of those who 'not enduring sound doctrine' [2 Tim. 4:3], contend that 'without sin and with no loss of Catholic Profession, one can withhold assent and obedience to those judgments and decrees of the Apostolic See, whose object is declared to relate to the general good of the Church and its rights and discipline, provided it does not touch dogmas of faith or morals.' There is no one who does not see and understand clearly and openly how opposed this is to Catholic Dogma of the plenary power divinely bestowed on the Roman Pontiff by Christ the Lord Himself of feeding, ruling, and governing the universal Church, (Pius IX, Denzinger, p. 432-433).
In response to those cardinals, bishops, priests, and even post-vatican II "popes" who thought it fit to seek and acknowledge wisdom outside the Church:
"But it is a very mournful thing, by which the ravings of human reason go to ruin when someone is eager for revolution and, against the advice of the Apostle, strives 'to be more wise than it behooveth to be wise' [Rom. 12:3], and trusting too much in himself, affirms that truth must be sought outside of the Catholic Church in which truth itself is found fat from even the slightest defilement of error, and which therefore, is called and is 'the pillar and ground of the truth' [1 Tim. 3:15]. But you well understand, Venerable Brothers, that we are here speaking in open disapproval of that false system of philosophy, not so long ago introduced, by which, because of an extended and unbridled desire of novelty, truth is not sought where it truly resides, and, with a disregard for the holy and apostolic traditions, other vain, futile, uncertain doctrines, not approved by the Church are accepted as true, on which very vain men mistakenly think that truth itself is supported and sustained," (Gregory XVI, Denzinger, p. 404-405).
In response to those promulgating their own version of Scripture or rash translations of the Vulgate:
"... if the Sacred books are permitted everywhere without discrimination in the vulgar tongue, more damage will arise from this than advantage. Furthermore, the Roman Church, accepting only the Vulgate according to ... the Council of Trent, disapproves the versions in other tongues and permits only those which are edited with the explanations carefully chosen from writings of the Fathers and Catholic Doctors, so that so great a treasure may not be exposed to the corruptions of novelties, and so that the Church ... 'may be of one tongue and of the same speech, [Gen. 11:1] ... 'For heresies are not born,' St. Augustine used to say, 'except when the true Scriptures are not well understood and when what is not well understood in them is rashly and boldly asserted.' But, if we grieve that men renowned for piety and wisdom have, by no means rarely, failed in interpreting Scriptures, what should we not fear if the Scriptures, translated into every vulgar tongue whatsoever, are freely handed on to be read by an inexperienced people who, for the most part, judge not with any skill but with a kind of rashness?" (Pius VII, Denzinger, p. 398-399).
In the name of false ecumenism, Vatican II and the Novus Ordo made compromises with the protestant leaders to modernize the mass and appear more welcoming and less offensive to them. It has been argued that the question of whether this mass is infallible is awkward at best since the Novus Ordo would be categorized as a discipline, not as infallible dogma. On the contrary, Pope Pius VI argues against this sentiment:
"The prescription of the synod about the order of transacting business in the conferences, in which, after it prefaced 'in every article that which pertains to faith and to the essence of religion must be distinguished from that which is proper to discipline,' it adds, 'in this itself (discipline) there is to be distinguished what is necessary or useful to retain the faithful in spirit, from that which is useless or too burdensome for the liberty of the sons of the new Covenant to endure, but more so, from that which is dangerous or harmful, namely, leading to superstition and materialism;' insofar as the generality of the words it includes and submits to a prescribed examination even the discipline established and approved by the Church, as if the Church which is ruled by the Spirit of God could have established discipline which is not only useless and burdensome for Christian liberty to endure, but which is even dangerous and harmful and leading to superstition and materialism - false, rash, scandalous, dangerous to pious ears, injurious to the Church and the Spirit of God by whom it is guided, at least erroneous," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 393). Note also something does not need to be proved absolutely to be contrary to truth for it to be condemned; all of the above reasons the Popes have deemed reason enough.
Against mass in the vernacular:
"...[introduction] of the use of popular language into the liturgical prayers - false, rash, disturbing to the order prescribed for the celebration of the mysteries, easily productive of many evils," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 390).
And, "it has ... not seemed expedient to the Fathers that it be celebrated everywhere in the vernacular ... [yet] ... the Holy Synod commands pastors and everyone who has the care of souls to explain frequently ... the things which are read in the Mass," (Council of Trent, Denzinger, p. 291).
And, "If anyone says that the rite of the Roman Church, according to which a part of the cannon and the words of consecration are pronounced in a low tone, is to be condemned, or that the Mass ought to be celebrated in the vernacular only, or that water should not be mixed with the wine that is to be offered in the chalice because it is contrary to the institution of Christ: let him be anathema," (Pius IV, Denzinger, p. 292).
John XXIII and John Paul II, and I believe all the post Vatican II popes have promulgated a false ecumenism, or indifferentism, wherein other religions are acknowledged as a viable means to salvation. Pope Gregory XVI says otherwise:
"... indifferentism, ... that eternal salvation of the soul can be acquired by any profession of faith whatsoever, if morals are conformed to the standard of the just and of the honest ... And so from this most rotten source of indifferentism flows that absurd and erroneous opinion, or rather insanity, that liberty of conscience must be claimed and defended for anyone," (Gregory XVI, Denzinger, p. 403).
Against the Novus Ordo and the new Latin Mass:
"But let Bishops, in whose diocese such devotion towards the Blessed Sacrament flourishes, ... nurture it by applying to it the proper measure of prudence and judgment, and on their part they will especially prevail upon themselves that no labor or diligence must be spared to do away with every suspicion of irreverence and scandal in the reception of the true and immaculate lamb, and to increase virtues and gifts in those who partake of it," (Innocent XI, Denzinger, p. 324).
And, "The proposition of the synod by which it shows itself eager to remove the cause through which, in part, there has been induced a forgetfulness of the principles relating to the order of the liturgy, 'by recalling it (the liturgy) to a greater simplicity of rites, by expressing it in the vernacular language, by uttering it in a loud voice;' as if the present order of the liturgy, received and approved by the Church, had emanated in some part from the forgetfulness of the principles by which it should be regulated - rash, offensive to pious ears, insulting to the Church, favorable to the charges of heretics against it," (Pius VI, Denzinger, p. 380).
Against those who hold John XXIII and subsequent, particularly Francis, are validly elected Popes, but, particularly of Francis, are simply bad Popes, leaders, and men, and find themselves fit to declare these criticisms on their own authority: "... People can at their will correct masters who offend," condemned by the Council of Constance, (Martin V, Denzinger, p. 209).
November 16, 2025
As far as I am concerned this is a must read for anyone who wants to understand why Traditional Catholics find themselves so lost in the Novus Ordo. This book has excerpts from the writings of the Apostles all the way through to Pope Pius XII. These are all pre conciliar writings that clearly lay out Catholic Dogma, the deposit of faith. This is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church as it existed for 2000 years before Vatican II came along and took a wrecking ball to Catholicism. This is a book that gives meaning to the words “as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be”.
April 25, 2016
This is a great book for any Catholic to have. It's great for answering your own questions and it's often a must-have if you ever get into debates on theological issues.
August 11, 2020
The Denzinger is a must have to any Catholic wishing to learn more about the history and teachings of the Church being an excellent resource! 5/5!
October 22, 2024
It is more of a reference material, however if you are interested in certain apologetic points having this on hand could be wonderful.
April 3, 2025
All the councils and popes to Pius XII
March 8, 2011
Church documents , encyclicas that book "Fundamentals of catholic dogmas is based on".....constant battle with heretics...helps me with my own heresies....evolution?...baptising of jewish children ?.....biblical exegisis ?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews