Final answer:
The correct answer is a) Magisterium; laity, reflecting the historical belief that the Church's Magisterium is the sole interpreter of Scripture, excluding the laity from having that authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The argument in this selection is that since the Magisterium is the only trustworthy interpreter of Scripture, the laity should not even be listened to, much less believed. The correct answer is a) Magisterium; laity. This argument is rooted in the historical authority of the Church to interpret sacred texts and the belief that the Papacy and its Magisterium hold the key to accurate scriptural translation and understanding. The passages reflect the tension between ecclesiastical hierarchy, typically represented by the Pope and the clergy, and the common believers. This was especially pronounced during periods such as the Reformation, where the interpretation of Scriptures and the role of the Church in salvation were hotly debated issues.