Excellent question!
In part, that's the purpose of the Magisterium - to engage in a dialogue to increase understanding of the Church's teaching.
Thus, when legalized abortion started to become prevalent in countries previously associated with Christendom, or at least, with overwhelming Christian majorities, and where it was thought that the laws were based on Judeo-Christian moral premises, the Church began to speak out on the evil that is abortion.
In our own country, prominent Catholics initially interpreted the teachings of the Magisterium to permit Catholic politicians to be “personally opposed” but nonetheless politically in favor of “choice.”
The Church listened, and then taught authoritatively, “No, you can't do that. To be a good Catholic, you must oppose legal abortion at every turn, and demand that the rights of unborn persons be defended in law.”
Many Catholic politicians tried various other methods of wriggling around this teaching of fundamental morality, but the Church magisterially answered all these evasions, objections and loopholes. This was possible because we believe in a living, continuing Magisterium.
Often, the Church takes the initiative to further clarify teaching, to answer questions, evasions, etc., with which clever people come up.
But layfolks and folks lower in the hierarchy can also, if they are in doubt about a teaching or practice of the Church, ask the Church for direction.
There is actually a process by which one may ask the Church a question concerning faith and morals and receive a direct, specific answer. Often, the process is used to clarify points of liturgical practice, etc., but the process can be used to clarify significant theological points, as well.
Thus, I've seen dubia (questions) asked about various theological issues, including the status of the baptism provided in the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Someone specifically asked, is LDS baptism valid? This is a pretty fundamental theological question for us Catholics, at least. Anyway, the answer was provided, no, LDS baptism is not valid, and then explained why.
But this sort of thing doesn't work unless the entity that answers the questions has the authority to do so.
We Catholics believe that our Magisterium derives its authority by being handed down by the Apostles through the ages to the current successors of the Apostles.
sitetest
Super analysis! Thanks!
Look, I know I just woke up, but isn't Dubia the 43rd president of the United States?
Y'all: This is a very nice thread. Really. I am very grateful to you for your well considered and articulate opinions.
@ Petronius: Feedback, D00d! What do you think of our attempts?