1. What is the source & evidence for religious truth claims within the religion?

2. From where does the authority for leadership arise? ScriptureWord used to decribe sacred texts? Historical figure? Human figure? Tradition? SpiritualA word with many religious connotations, often used to describe a multiplicity of phenomena that would include inner, reflective or emotional experiences, and those aspects of life that give it meaning and depth or which are profoundly moving or aesthetic. ?

3. Means by which authority is expressed in practice? Position of scripture? Place of worshipThe offering of praise and reverence to God via a religious service ? Clothing? Attitudes in prayer etc?

4. Means by which authority relates to individuals, communities and the world.

5. How is the authority evaluated?

The Bible is the single most important source of authority in the Christian tradition. Accepted by most Christian scholars to reflect ‘Heilsgeschichte' or ‘salvation history' the Bible is an account of the history of IsraelThe chosen land of the Jews, and pilgrimage country for Christians and the early churchterm referring to the church that formed immediately after Jesus' resurrection in its exploration of their relationship with GodWord used to describe a personal transcendent Being. Through defining acts in the history of Israel and through events and people in this history, the nature of God and the manner in which God interacts with the people of faith is explored through revealedGod disclosing himself in history and people writing.

The Bible tells a story for Christians that discloses the true nature of God and accordingly Jesus ChristHonorific title for Jesus with messianic overtones, alongside the way in which God's creation should behave in the world. Beginning with a creation story in the Book of GenesisFirst book of the Bible that reflects the inception of a relationship between humans and God, yet culminating in the heavenly vision of the Revelation of St JohnLast book of New Testament, apocalyptic in nature in the New TestamentThe new covenant described in the final 27 books of the Bible, that is available for those who have gained reward through participation in the values of the Kingdom. For Christians, the revelations given through JesusFounder of Christianity Christ as God incarnateWord used to describe God becoming human, means that his teachings are the absolute authority. It is considered by many that the limitations inherent in Jesus' human nature must be taken into account, but these teachings have special authority. The Church, guided by the Holy SpiritTerm for the third person of the Trinity, has passed on these teachings through tradition, and interpreted them accordingly so that authority also lies in this tradition. For Roman CatholicsMajor denomination of Christianity with the Pope as its head, such authority of the Church lies with the PopeLeader of worldwide Catholicism. For ProtestantsMajor denomination of Christianity, preferable authority lies with the Bible guided by individual conscience, directed through the offices of church leaders such as bishops, priests and ministers.

Leaders in the church are those who have been chosen either by their congregationA group of people in a place of worship or selection committee according to certain criteria which demonstrates the persons 'calling'. In the Bible there are many examples of God searching and ‘calling' various people for specific jobs, (for example, 1 SamuelJewish prophet 3). These religious roles have served the needs of the religious community and provided a pattern for the Christian Church sine New Testament times. All churches select according to the manner in which a person identifies their calling. Priests, Ministers, Bishops, Archbishops and Popes are all selected through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is often known as ‘identifying a vocationHaving a sense of calling to service by God'.

The Bible is pivotal to the Christian faith. It therefore takes a central position in the church which recognizes this authority. Normally it is placed on a lecternA stand for the Bible in a church at the east end or front of the church. In all church services readings are taken from it, and sermons are prepared from these readings. Many Christians will have a Bible in their home and will read a daily lesson from it.

Priests in the Church of EnglandThe main Protestant denomination of England and Catholic traditions wear distinctive clothing which shows they are in the service of God. The clerical collar, or ‘dog collar' is a visible symbol of their authority given by God and demonstrates the special place they have within their community. Their clothing in worship also signifies this authority, and they are often referred to by special titles such as ‘Father', vicarWord used to describe a priest or the ReverendWord used to describe a priest.

Various traditions have practices in worship that denote authority - some Christians genuflect to show obeisance, most kneel for prayer and some kiss icons, as in the Orthodox tradition.

In the UK, the authority of the Church of England is recognized through the legislative power it has. Bishops sit in the House of Lords and thus hold a key to enormous influence. PrayersExtempore and set conversations with God are said each day in Parliament in the House of Commons and there is a Parliamentary Chaplain. The Archbishop of CanterburyCentral diocese in the Anglican church's London residence is opposite the Houses of Parliament and demonstrates the traditional balance of power and authority between church and state. By recognizing the authority of the Church, the state also has church dignitaries present on all state occasions. Even within the media, which is becoming increasingly secularized in the UK, popular television programmes such as Songs of Praise on SundayChristian holy day, chosen as Jesus was resurrected on this day, and the daily act of worship or Thought for the Day on national radio, are still popular with both those involved in church worship and those less committed.

The influence of the words of the Pope, and to a lesser extent the Archbishop of Canterbury and other leaders of Christian denominationsDifferent groups within one religion, is still considerable, and many world leaders look to their church leaders for guidance on ethical, moral and spiritual and sometimes political matters. Many priests and ministers in are often the focus for change within their community. Their high education, experience of public speaking and willingness to express opinions on subjects with authority means many church leaders become the centre of their communities. A number of church leaders are school governors, town councillors, and spokespersons for various local and national charities.

On a political level, politicians know the power, influence and authority Christian pressure groups can exert. In the USA the ‘Bible belt' of the southern states of America can and often does, influence the election of the President of the USA. In the UK, politicians are always extremely sensitive to religious issues with political leaders encouraging balanced media coverage of their religious affiliations.

Websites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genuflection - for information on bowing as a sign of respect

http://www.bangor.ac.uk/rs/pt/research/ljfindex - a link to Professor Leslie Francis' work on the evaluation of the impact of Christianity in the UK

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ritesrituals/worshi... - a very brief summary of the Christian texts

http://www.ntgateway.com/ - excellent starting point for New Testament links

http://www.otgateway.com/ - excellent starting point for Old Testament links

http://www.portsmouth.anglican.org - useful ideas about what a diocese looks for with regard to vocations.

http://www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/ordination.html - useful advice on the criteria for seeking training as a priest

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm - a Catholic website with a wealth of information of attitudes in prayer

http://www.textweek.com/ - for theology networking

Bibliography

Barton, J. & Muddiman, J., (eds), 2007. The Oxford Bible Commentary. Oxford: OUP.

Barton, J., 1993. People of the Book?: Authority of the Bible in Christianity. London: SPCK Publishing.

Charpentier, E., 1982. How to Read the New Testament. London: SCM Press.

Ford, D., 2000. Theology: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions). Oxford: OUP.

Gunton, C., 2001. The Christian Faith: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine. Oxford: Blackwell.

Migliore, D., 2002. Faith Seeking Understanding. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

Rogerson, J. Dunn, J. & Barton, J. 2004. Eerdmans Commentary on the Bible. Grand Rapids: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co.

The Bible, 1995. New Revised Standard Version Bible (Anglicized) with Apocrypha (Bible NRSV). Oxford: OUP.

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