 This theological investigative freedom does not , however , extend to all aspects of theology . According to Pius , theologians , employed by the Church , are assistants , to teach the official teachings of the Church and not their own private thoughts . They are free to engage in empirical research , which the Church generously supports , but in matters of morality and religion , they are subjected to the teaching office and authority of the Church , the Magisterium . " The most noble office of theology is to show how a doctrine defined by the Church is contained in the sources of revelation , ... in that sense in which it has been defined by the Church . " The deposit of faith is authentically interpreted not to each of the faithful , not even to theologians , but only to the teaching authority of the Church . 
