Stagman, David J: Authority in the Church

What is the source of authority when it is found in any community? How did authority in the Roman Catholic Church come to be as it is? In Authority in the Church David Stagaman provides answers to these questions. He asserts that authority is not an attribute of a person (for example the local bishop) nor of a thing (for example the Scriptures). It is rather the bond experienced by all members of a community as they interact.

Authority in the Church explores relationships between official and charismatic authority, and their legitimation. The study also provides a basis for dissent by showing how official and charismatic exercises of authority are incomplete without it.