Denzinger – Systematic Index of Dogmatic Definitions on Angels and Demons
The Enchiridion Symbolorum, commonly known as “Denzinger” (in honor of its first editor, Heinrich Denzinger, 1854), is a systematic collection of the dogmatic definitions, symbols of faith, and magisterial declarations of the Catholic Church. Each text is assigned a unique sequential number, known as DS, which serves as the standard academic reference in dogmatic theology. This post summarizes all the DS numbers related to angelology and demonology.
Índice dos Números DS Angiológicos e Demonológicos
I. Era Patrística e Antiga (DS 1-400)
| DS | Documento | Conteúdo |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Símbolo Apostólico | Conceito do Espírito Santo (cláusula angélica) |
| 21 | Constitutum sub Damaso | Afirmação de que o Diabo foi criado bom por Deus |
| 30 | Concílio de Constantinopla I (381) | Credo Niceno-Constantinopolitano, enfatizando a descida do Espírito Santo dos céus |
| 150-152 | Concílio de Calcedônia (451) | Estabelecimento do vínculo entre a natureza divina e humana de Cristo, com implicações angélicas |
| 198-200 | Segundo Concílio de Constantinopla (553) | Anátemas contra o Origenismo, condenando visões apocalípticas sobre o Diabo |
| 286 | Concílio de Toledo XI (675) | Profissão de fé com referência explícita aos anjos |
II. Anti-Priscilianismo e Concílio de Braga I (DS 451-464)
| DS | Cânon/Texto | Conteúdo |
|---|---|---|
| 451 | Cânon 1 do Concílio de Braga I | Rejeição do dualismo e afirmação da unidade de Deus, contra as ideias de Prisciliano |
| 457 | Cânon 7 | Afirmação de que a alma e o corpo humanos não foram criados pelo Diabo |
| 458 | Cânon 8 | Negação de poderes sobrenaturais atribuídos ao Diabo, como criar trovões e relâmpagos |
| 459 | Cânon 9 | Condenação da astrologia |
| 460 | Cânon 10 | Rejeição dos signos astrológicos |
| 462 | Cânon 12 | Afirmação de que o corpo humano não é uma criação do Diabo |
| 463 | Cânon 13 | Negação da ideia de que anjos malignos participaram da criação da carne humana |
III. Definição Magna, Concílio de Latrão IV (DS 800-802)
| DS | Texto |
|---|---|
| 800 | Firmiter credimus, definição dogmática sobre a criação dos anjos e a queda dos demônios, estabelecendo a base para toda a teologia angeológica/demonológica posterior. |
| 801 | Encarnação do Verbo e sua conexão com a vitória sobre o Maligno |
| 802 | Trindade e relação com os anjos |
IV. Concílio de Florença (DS 1330-1335)
Table of Contents: Angelology and Demonology (Denzinger, DS)
I. Florence (1330), Cantate Domino (Decretum pro Iacobitis): Recalls the teachings of Lateran IV on the creation of angels.
II. “Diabolus et alii daemones a Deo natura creati boni, sed per liberum arbitrium facti mali” (1333): States that devils and other demons are naturally good beings created by God, but became evil through free will.
V. Trent and Post-Trent (DS 1500-1900):
- 1511: Trent, Session V: Treats original sin and the Devil.
- 1576: Trent, Session VI: Justification and opposition to evil.
- 1640-1690: Trent, Session XIII: The Eucharist as a weapon against evil.
- 1820: Pius V, Ex omnibus afflictionibus: Condemns Baius’ errors on demonology.
VI. Bull Auctorem Fidei, Pius VI (DS 2600-2700):
- 2627-2629: Condemns propositions of the Pistoia Synod (1786) regarding devotion to angels, affirming legitimate devotion to them.
VII. Vatican I (DS 3001-3045):
- 3002: Dei Filius Constitution, Chapter 1: Confirms Lateran IV teachings on the creation of angels.
- 3025: Condemns dualism.
VIII. Magisterium of the 20th Century (DS 3540-4000+):
- 3622: Pius XII, Humani Generis (1950): Affirms the real existence of angels as a matter of faith.
- 4169-4170: Vatican II, Lumen Gentium nos. 49-50: Angels in the Church both celestial and pilgrim.
- AAS 60 (1968) 436: Paul VI, Credo del Popolo di Dio (1968): “We believe in the holy angels…”
IX. Post-Conciliar CDF (no DH numbering – cite by AAS/EV):
- Inde ab aliquot annis (1985): Discipline on exorcisms.
- Fede cristiana e demonologia (1975): The personal reality of the Devil.
- Opera Angelorum (1983): Only three canonical archangels.
Synthesized Dogmas:
Based on Denzinger references, seven dogmatic truths are synthesized:
- DS 800, 1330, 3002: Angels are spiritual creatures created by God at the beginning of time.
- DS 800, 1330: Angels were naturally good.
- DS 800, 1333: The Devil and demons are angels who became evil through their own choice.
- DS 198: The fall of angels is irreversible (anathema against Origen).
- DS 457-463: The Devil is not a creator (anti-dualism).
- DS 1576, 4150: Christ won victory over the Devil on the Cross and through Resurrection.
- DS 2627-2629: Devotion to angels is legitimate (anti-Jansenism).
Denzinger: A Universal Reference in Catholic Dogmatic Theology
Why is the Denzinger a Standard Reference?
- Unique and Stable Numbering: Since 1854, it has maintained a consistent numbering system.
- Widespread Citation: It is cited in all serious theological works.
- Original Latin Texts: Includes the original Latin texts of important documents.
- Chronological Structure: Arranged chronologically, covering the first century to the present.
- Critical Notes: Provides critical notes with alternative sources (Mansi, AAS, ASS).
Major Editions of Denzinger
| Year | Editor | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1854 | Heinrich Denzinger | Original edition |
| 1957 | Karl Rahner (32nd ed.) | Systematic reorganization |
| 1976 | Schoenmetzer (36th ed.) | Definitive DS edition |
| 2009 | Hünermann (43rd ed.) | Includes Vatican II and recent magisterium |
Academic Citation
The standard academic citation format uses the prefix DS followed by the number:
- DS 800: Lateranense IV (1215), Firmiter credimus
- DH 800: Using Hünermann’s prefix (2009 edition)
- Dz 800: Original Denzinger numbering for older texts
Additional Reading
- IV Concílio de Latrão (DS 800)
- Florença, Cantate Domino (DS 1330)
- Concílio de Bracarense I (DS 457-463)
- Concílio de Constantinopla II (DH 403-411)
- Catecismo da Igreja Católica sobre Anjos e Demônios (DS 328-336, 391-395)
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Also see: Our comprehensive guide to Angelology Catholic.
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