doctor of the church: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “doctor of the church” mean?
A title given to certain saints in the Catholic Church whose writings and teachings are considered of exceptional authority and importance for Christian doctrine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A title given to certain saints in the Catholic Church whose writings and teachings are considered of exceptional authority and importance for Christian doctrine.
A theologian or saint whose work has been officially recognized as providing profound insight into Christian faith and is recommended for study. In a broader, informal sense, it can refer to any exceptionally learned or authoritative religious teacher.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage, as the term is specific to Catholic theology. Spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Carries the same formal, ecclesiastical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, confined to religious and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “doctor of the church” in a Sentence
[Saint X] was declared a Doctor of the Church.The title 'Doctor of the Church' is bestowed upon [theologian].She studied the works of the Doctors of the Church.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doctor of the church” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (The term is not used as a verb.)
American English
- (The term is not used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- (The term is not used as an adverb.)
American English
- (The term is not used as an adverb.)
adjective
British English
- (The term is not used as an adjective.)
American English
- (The term is not used as an adjective.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, historical, and religious studies contexts. E.g., 'Her thesis focused on the contributions of the Doctors of the Church to medieval philosophy.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A precise technical term within Catholic ecclesiology and historiography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doctor of the church”
- Using it as a generic term for any priest or theologian.
- Capitalizing incorrectly (should be 'Doctor of the Church').
- Thinking it refers to a medical role within a church.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As of now, there are 37 officially declared Doctors of the Church, including figures like St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Catherine of Siena.
Yes. Four women have been declared Doctors of the Church: St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and St. Hildegard of Bingen.
Primarily, yes. It is an official title within the Catholic Church. Other Christian traditions may use the term informally or historically to refer to influential early theologians.
All early Doctors are also Church Fathers, but not all Church Fathers are Doctors. 'Church Father' refers to influential theologians and writers of the early centuries. 'Doctor of the Church' is a later, formal title that can be given to saints from any era whose teaching is deemed exceptionally valuable.
A title given to certain saints in the Catholic Church whose writings and teachings are considered of exceptional authority and importance for Christian doctrine.
Doctor of the church is usually formal, ecclesiastical, academic in register.
Doctor of the church: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒk.tə(r) əv ðə ˈtʃɜː.tʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːk.tɚ əv ðə ˈtʃɝːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none specific to this term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'doctor' as a 'teacher' (from Latin *docere*, 'to teach') of the Church. It's an honorary PhD in holiness and theology for saints.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH IS A SCHOOL (and its greatest teachers are Doctors). THEOLOGICAL WISDOM IS MEDICINE (for the soul, dispensed by a Doctor).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Doctor of the Church'?