Authority of the Church (and introduction): Christianity

5 Sources of Authority in Christianity: Special Revelation

Revelation that occurs to specific people at specific times.

Examples of special revelation

- Scripture

- Religious experiences

- Ongoing work of the Holy Spirit

Incarnation

The doctrine that Jesus as the Son of God became flesh.

John 1:14 - "... the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

Incarnation expressed within the Bible

What type of revelation is general revelation ?

Revelation available to everyone at all times.

Examples of general revelation

- Reason

- Observation of the world

5 Sources of Authority in Christianity: General Revelation

Knowledge of God that come through natural means.

Anglican Church

Church of England and other Churches with historical ties.

Denomination

A recognised, independent branch of the Christian Church.

Ecumenical Councils

Councils of Church leaders and scholars.

What do Ecumenical Councils do?

Discuss / decide matters of doctrine and practice.

God, Special Revelation, General Revelation, The Church and Other forms of Special Revelation

The 5 sources of authority in Christianity

5 Sources of Authority in Christianity: God

- All-powerful and all-knowing

- All other forms of authority are subject to him

- Primary source of religious authority

5 Sources of Authority in Christianity: The Church

Given authority to:

- Preach

- Teach

- Make Disciples

- Heal

- Guide

5 Sources of Authority in Christianity: Other forms of Special Revelation

Can be Religious Experiences AND / OR the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Types of religious experience

- Dreams

- Visions

- Miracles

Examples of Holy Spirit's work

- Gifts of prophecy

- Speaking in tongues

What does each Church tradition have?

- Pattern of worship and ritual

- Approach to Ecumenical Councils

- Leadership structure and organisation

What is leadership structure and organisation in the Church ?

- Based on understanding of scripture and tradition

- Each tradition considers its structure to be authoritative

Historical background of Catholic Church

Produced scholars such as 13th Century "Angelic Doctor" Thomas Aquinas

Historical background of Protestant Churches

- Emerged from 16th Century Protestant reformation

- Established by Martin Luther, who protested corrupt Catholic practices.

- Protestant Churches = "Sola Scriptura" and "Sola Fide"

Sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone.")

The belief that all man needs for salvation is the Bible.

Sola Fide ("Faith alone")

The belief that all man needs for salvation is faith/belief in God.

Apostolic Tradition - Corinthians (quote)

"I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you."

Apostolic Tradition - Corinthians (meaning)

St Paul tells members of the Church in Corinth to "maintain" tradition of teachings delivered to them from him.

Apostolic Tradition - Timothy (quote)

"What you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

Apostolic Tradition - Timothy (meaning)

Displays the ongoing nature of the tradition.

How does Apostolic Succession link with Apostolic Tradition ?

Tradition = Continued in the succession

How is tradition continued in the succession ?

- Jesus appointed Bishops to be Apostles' successors

- The Bishops were then given teaching authority.

- This then established a continuous line of succession that would last until the end of time.

How are Tradition and Scripture connected ?

- Through the work of the Holy Spirit, who remains active within the Church.

- "Rule of faith" for Catholicism = Embracing both scripture and tradition.

- Only the Church has the authority to interpret scripture correctly.

Protestant View: Scripture and teaching of Catholic Church = Different

- Luther denied they were the same

- Stated the only true authority is "The sure rule of God's Word"

Protestant View: Humans should not pass judgement on God's Word

- Exegetes (expert interpreters) should not tamper with the text.

- By doing this, we are doing the work of the Holy Spirit.

Humans should not pass judgement on God's Word (quote)

"Let us not change the word of God; we ourselves should be changed through the word."

Protestant View: We must "adhere solely to the Word of God"

We must only follow God's unchanged word.

Protestant View: Church teaching must be in line with the Bible

- Church teaching must align with the Bible, otherwise it is false.

- Without scripture, there would be no Church, so the Church cannot be the judge of scripture.

Protestant View: The "Priesthood of all believers"

- All believers have equal access to God through their prayers.

- No ordained priests or sacraments are needed, contrary to the Catholic view

Catholic View of Church Authority

- Apostolic Tradition

- Apostolic Succession

- The Bible and the Church have equal authority, since they are inextricably linked through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Protestant View of Church Authority

- Scripture and Catholic Church teachings are different

- Humans should not pass judgement on God's Word

- We must "adhere solely to the word of God"

- Church teaching must be in line with the Bible

- The "priesthood of all believers"