Contextual reflections on authority

Protestant theologians can be considered as recognizing three levels or strata of authority.

a)    Scripture. This was regarded by the magisterial reformers as possessing supreme authority in matters of Christian belief and conduct.

b)    The creeds of Christendom. These documents, such as the Apostles’ creed and the Nicene creed, were regarded by the magisterial reformers as representing the consensus of the early church, and as being accurate and authoritative interpretations of Scripture. Although they were to be regarded as derivative or secondary in terms of their authority, they were seen as an important check against the individualism of the radical reformation (which generally declined to regard these creeds as having any authority). The authority of the creeds was recognized by both Protestants and Catholics, as well as by the various constituent elements within the mainline Reformation.

c)    Confessions of faith. These documents were regarded as authoritative by specific groupings within the Reformation. Thus, the Augsburg Confession (1530) was recognized by early Lutheran churches as possessing authority. Other groups within the Reformation did not, however, regard it in this way. Specific confessions of faith were, for example, drawn up by other groups within the Reformation. Some were linked with the Reformation in specific cities – for example, the First Confession of Basel (1534) and the Geneva Confession (1536).