Few topics are as important, or as controversial, as the proper role and exercise of authority in the Roman Catholic Church. Inspired by Pope Francis's bold rereading and determined implementation of the teaching of Vatican II, Richard Gaillardetz has completely revised and expanded his book By What Authority?

It offers a helpful introduction to the nature and forms of church authority and their relationship to authentic Christian belief and discipleship. Gaillardetz offers theologically clear and pastorally insightful considerations of:

    the character of divine revelation, the authority of Scripture and tradition

    the role of the pope and bishops in preserving the Christian faith

    the levels of church teaching authority, the central faith witness of all the baptized

    the possibility of disagreements with church teaching, and the proper relationship between theologians, the   magisterium, and the whole people of God

    the authority of the believing community and the controversial questions that arise when there are conflicting interpretations of church teaching.