Consider ecclesial reception as a dimension of document authority (Dulles)

[JohnRDOrazio]

Context

Avery Dulles emphasizes that Magisterial authority is not only issued but also received. A teaching's effective weight is partly visible in how the Church lives it.

Problem

The current table models authority as purely top-down: a document has a type, an issuer, and a magisterial classification. Dulles argues this is incomplete — reception by the faithful, theological consensus, liturgical embedding, and pastoral application all contribute to understanding a teaching's actual authority.

Proposed Enrichment

Consider whether the data model should track dimensions of reception:

• Theological consensus — degree of agreement among theologians
• Liturgical embedding — whether the teaching is reflected in liturgical practice
• Pastoral application — how widely the teaching is applied pastorally
• Reception status — broadly received, debated, or not yet received

Impact on the Table

This may not directly affect the README table columns, but could inform:

• A future "status" or "reception" field in the data model
• A note in the README acknowledging that document authority is not solely determined by formal classification

References

• Avery Dulles, Magisterium: Teacher and Guardian of the Faith (2007)
• Dulles emphasizes trust in the system as a whole and the credibility of the Magisterium
• The concept of sensus fidei fidelium in Lumen Gentium §12