Sources of Authority

The perennial and vexing question of authority lies at the root of many of the deepest divisions in and among Christian churches. Yet how is one to understand authority itself and the many axes of Christian existence -- scripture, tradition, the believing congregation, liturgy, magisterium, reason, [...]
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The perennial and vexing question of authority lies at the root of many of the deepest divisions in and among Christian churches. Yet how is one to understand authority itself and the many axes of Christian existence -- scripture, tradition, the believing congregation, liturgy, magisterium, reason, and experience -- that prove to be more or less authoritative for churches and communions in their life, their governance, and their acceptance of change? And, crucially, how are the issue and reality of authority altered in a religious tradition, such as Christianity, that claims to subvert the bald exercise of power by leaders? Volume 1 of Sources of Authority examined these questions historically, concentrating on the early church. Now, ranging across the confessional traditions, this second volume turns to contemporary churches themselves and asks theologians to reflect critically on and elaborate those most authoritative aspects of their own ecclesial traditions that, in the end, bind believers together.