Contents

pp vii-viii

Preface

pp ix-x

Acknowledgements

pp xi-xi

List of abbreviations

pp xii-xiv

Principal collections of articles and theses mentioned in the text

pp xv-xvi

Introduction

pp 1-34

PART I - AUTHORITY FOR THE TRUTH OF THE FAITH

pp 35-36

1 - The authority of the text

pp 37-69

2 - Authoritative testimony

pp 70-85

3 - Authoritative proof

pp 86-112

PART II - SAVING AUTHORITY

pp 113-114

4 - Powerlessness before sin

pp 115-118

5 - Justification

pp 119-136

6 - The empowering of the will for good

pp 137-140

PART III - AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH TO RECONCILE

pp 141-142

7 - The saving power of the sacraments

pp 143-146

8 - The penitential system and ‘power to bind and loose’

pp 147-166

9 - The Eucharist and authority to forgive

pp 167-196

PART IV - AUTHORITY IN THE VISIBLE COMMUNITY

pp 197-198

10 - Visible and invisible

pp 199-204

11 - The two swords and the political analogy

pp 205-215

12 - Making ministers

pp 216-226

13 - Higher Authority

pp 227-238

PART V - THE AUTHORITY OF COMMON SENSE

pp 239-240

14 - A decision-making body

pp 241-259

15 - Decision-making in a divided Church

pp 260-284

Conclusion: the unity we seek

pp 285-292

Select bibliography

pp 293-312

Index

pp 313-328