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The concept of Divine authority in Christianity

Divine authority in Christianity encompasses several key concepts, including the unique power of Christ, the inspiration of Scripture, and the recognition of God's supreme moral laws. It highlights the authority bestowed upon the apostles and the requirement for texts to be divine-inspired to be canonical. Additionally, divine authority indicates the higher power governing moral and spiritual matters, which demands submission from believers. This authority is evidenced in various practices and scriptures across different Christian traditions, underscoring its pivotal role in faith and governance.

Synonyms: Divine power, Heavenly authority, Sacred authority, Spiritual jurisdiction, Holy power, Divine right, Spiritual power, Sacred command, Heavenly rule, Spiritual dominion, Divine sovereignty, Sovereign power, Supreme rule

In Dutch: Goddelijke autoriteit; In Finnish: Jumalallinen auktoriteetti; In Spanish: Autoridad divina; In German: Göttliche Autorität; In Malay: Kuasa ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig auktoritet; In French: Autorité divine

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Divine authority'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) Divine authority prescribed the ingredients, with their various proportions, of the unguent used to anoint the heads of the priests.[1] (2) Divine authority is the power or permission granted by a higher power, in this case, preventing the king from executing the great work.[2] (3) Divine authority refers to the belief in the power and legitimacy of the Savior, and the arguments against demoniacal possession are not meant to detract from this.[3] (4) The power granted to political governance, according to the text, is linked to the role of collectors of the Roman tribute, who are considered God's attendants, indicating a religious backing.[4] (5) The ultimate command and influence of God over what is included in the Scriptures, making it the word of God.[5]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This refers to the power and right that Jesus possessed, which came from God, and which gave him the ability to act and teach.[6] (2) This is the power and validity of the prophet's words, which are invested with the divine, and the prophet's words call for obedience to them.[7] (3) This describes the power of the divine, focusing on the need for a message from God to break through the barriers of self-deception and ignorance.[8] (4) This phrase refers to a source of power, indicating a governing principle, suggesting the acceptance of the divine will as a guiding force.[9] (5) The unique power that Christ wields, setting Him apart from mere human representatives of God, especially in performing miracles.[10]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This represents the ultimate power, which the king's position was subject to, and which also selected his successor.[11] (2) The authoritative power given to the apostles to teach, guide, and perform miracles as witnesses of Christ.[12] (3) The recognition of Scripture's origin and legitimacy as stemming from God, granting it supreme importance.[13] (4) The belief that a higher power mandated the laws and regulations regarding Jubilee.[14] (5) The belief that the texts and teachings of the scriptures are from God, giving them the highest level of authenticity.[15]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) The supreme authority attributed to God, recognized as the source of moral laws.[16]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) The ultimate source of belief, as it is a concept that faith should be based upon and not solely on human reason, particularly when considering matters of faith.[17] (2) This refers to the teachings or guidance originating from a higher power, and the text implies that such guidance cannot lead to anything morally wrong, as it is inherently good.[18] (3) This represents the power or permission granted by a divine source, which is lacking in trials like the trial by hot iron or boiling water.[19] (4) The concept that human merits and demerits, which are essential components of the coming judgment, are subject to this alone.[20] (5) Divine authority refers to the principles and guidelines established by religious institutions, and the text emphasizes the importance of adhering to them in worship.[21]

From: The city of God

(1) The author mentions the exceptions to the law against killing, which are justified by divine authority, whether through general law or special commission.[22] (2) Divine authority refers to the power or legitimacy that is believed to come from a god or higher power, and it is often used to justify religious beliefs or practices.[23] (3) This term is used to describe the history of a particular religion, and is contrasted with secular books, where whatever opposes it is considered false.[24] (4) This is the power that explicitly states that the angels were made by God, as it is said of them among the other heavenly things, 'He commanded, and they were created.'[25]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) God’s will and governance that may not always explicitly mention all aspects of salvation.[26]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Divine authority is suggested as the source of unity within the Church, and the Lord’s statement of ‘I and my Father are one�� is used to illustrate this unity.[27] (2) The power to root out detractors and the advisers of enemies, which is a directive given by the text, indicating that these individuals should not be admitted in the indictment of bishops or in evidence against them.[28] (3) New Testament passages were cited with this, which points to the first half of the second century.[29] (4) The power and legitimacy that comes from a higher power, which the preachers possessed, and which is validated by their words and the miracles they performed.[30] (5) Divine authority is referenced in the context of expelling individuals from the Church, suggesting a higher power's judgment and the right to make such decisions.[31]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The claim made by Jesus regarding His credentials, which raises questions about how one can attribute titles like 'good' to Him.[32] (2) The recognition of God's power and dominion over all creation, which necessitates submission and acknowledgment from His creatures.[33] (3) The supreme power and legitimacy of God’s word, which is above human reasoning and interpretations.[34]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.