Description
Book SynopsisThis work examines the nature of authority in the Christian Church through analysis of major reform movements of the 16th Century and major ecumenical documents of the 20th Century. Authority in the Church begins with a probing historical analysis of authority as expressed in five competing ecclesial models of the 16th Century: Martin Luther, John Calvin, the Anabaptists, Thomas Cranmer, and the Council of Trent. It follows this analysis with a theological evaluation of authority in the church as expressed in the ecumenical conversations between the Catholic and Protestant traditions in the 20th Century. This approach employs a hermeneutic method in which the historical analysis proceeds from the vantage point of 20th Century ecumenical conversations and issues raised in the sixteenth century debates inform the theological analysis. Out of this interaction, Downton proposes a three-fold model of authority comprised of textual, existential, and ministerial aspects as a common framework
Trade ReviewCentral to the task of the Church is a common witness to the Gospel. In our divided state, that witness can only be realized when we resolve how we might, together, proclaim that Word of God and adjudicate our differences. This volume is an invaluable contribution to the understanding of the traditions of authority that witness to the Christian Tradition and the reconciling initiatives of the churches as they move toward full communion in authority. It will be a contribution to all of our churches… -- Brother Jeff Gros, FSC, Professor of Church History, Memphis Theological Seminary
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 1. Developments Leading Up to the Sixteenth Century Chapter 5 2. Martin Luther's Conception of Authority Chapter 6 3. John Calvin's Conception of Authority Chapter 7 4. The Anabaptist Conception of Authority Chapter 8 5. Thomas Cranmer's Conception of Authority Chapter 9 6. Authority at the Council of Trent Chapter 10 7. The Growth of the Ecumenical Movement Chapter 11 8. Authority at Vatican II Chapter 12 9. Authority in Baptism, Eucharist, and Ministry Chapter 13 10. Authority in International Bilateral Dialogues Chapter 14 11. Implications for Inter-Church Relations Chapter 15 Selected Bibliography Chapter 16 Index Chapter 17 About the Author
