Quotes

The Necessity of Authority

Published on October 1st, 2010.

In the Church, whose very existence depends on the faithful transmission of the word of God, authority is particularly important. Unless held in check by firm authoritative structures, human willfulness and ignorance could easily corrupt or distort the deposit of faith, sacraments, and ministry. The vagaries of public opinion beat against the Church like storms. It is not difficult, therefore, to see why the Lord equipped the Church with a hierarchical form of government, perpetuating itself by co-option.

–

Avery Cardinal Dulles, “Authority in the Church,” in Civilizing Authority, Patrick McKinley Brennan, ed. (New York: Lexington Books, 2007), 52.

Filled under Dulles, Avery. No Comments.