Christ's Idea of Authority in the Church - by John Wijngaards (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Catholic Church--like other churches--has created institutions to support its spiritual mission. The exercise of authority plays a central role in how they function. The truth is that ugly accretions have attached themselves to that ""authority"" in the course of the centuries. Like weeds, scallops, and rubbish clinging to the bottom of a ship. Think of unchristian cultural views, customs, and practices from the Roman Empire, the barbarian tribes in Europe and the feudalistic Middle Ages that nailed themselves to the ministries. These cancerous growths have even been enshrined in church laws. . . . This booklet identifies what is wrong by going back to Jesus' original intentions. Find out how Jesus wanted the spiritual authority he gives to be exercised in practice.

Review Quotes

"John Wijngaards is precisely the prophetic voice we need for our time as the Catholic Church wriggles out of its taut imperial chrysalis to fly at last on two wings, male and female, lay and ordained, equal in voice and decision-making, liberated from clericalism and legalism, free to love one another as Christ intended and as he loves us. If you want to know how to make that great transition, read this wonderful booklet and make the wisdom of these reflections your own!"
--Mary McAleese, president of Ireland (1997-2011)

"This book is an icebreaker in this crucial period of church reform. John Wijngaards the theologian puts his finger on key issues for the church and offers new paths. Wijngaards the communicator addresses them in a refreshing way and makes his points in plain language. This is a book to savor and to help you promote a healthier church!"
--Thomas O'Loughin, director, Brepols Library of Christian Sources

"This is an incredibly engaging and creative work. John Wijngaards's lifetime of commitment to ministry in the church is brought to bear on the place of authority in the community of faith. The reflections that make up this fascinating book interweave personal experience and the practice of Jesus. They make for a thoroughly original account of the importance of personal discernment for a renewal in ecclesial vitality where it most importantly belongs, at the grassroots of church life."
--Paul Lakeland, director, Center for Catholic Studies, Fairfield University

"John Wijngaards's book is a timely collection of reflections proposing a Christocentric model of authority in the Church. Highly relevant in the light of Pope Francis's synodality, a journeying together through authentic dialogue, recognition, and embrace of the sensus fidelium, grounded in 'reality' and experiential learning. This learning invites all the faithful to reflect on authentic authority in the Church based in service, not power. I recommend this to individuals, faith groups, and parish communities."
--Todd Salzman, professor of theology, Creighton University

"This is a profoundly compassionate book drawing on John Wijngaards's vast ministerial experience. It is a wonderful collection of practical meditations that will help adult Christians reflect on their experience. The book shifts our attention away from superficial piety toward a deeper understanding of faith that is focused on Jesus and the Gospels. It's a book for daily reflection that fills the void that many people of faith are experiencing as our church moves from outdated religiosity to a practice of faith relevant to our world and future generations."
--Paul Collins, author of Papal Power

"Multiple cracks in the Church's structures open it to a reality check. John Wijngaards challenges clerical power with Christ's inclusive authority. Replete with humor, true story, and exegesis, the reader is invited to reflect upon how the Church is to organize itself. A timely work. These daily meditations grapple with existential questions that open us to a Church finally moving forward."
--Jane Anderson, adjunct research fellow, University of Western Australia

"John Wijngaards has produced an eye-opening and thought-provoking book of concise daily reflections designed to be read and digested over the course of a month. Each one begins with Scripture, an amusing cartoon, and a personal story or anecdote from Wijngaards's life experience around the world. The theological unfolding that follows is entirely digestible and accessible, not intimidating, the conclusions logical and common sense. These reflections can be used with profit by anyone."
--Susan K. Roll, professor emeri

About the Author

John Wijngaards is professor emeritus of the Missionary Institute London, and at present chair of the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research. He has written thirty-five books on spirituality, biblical theology, adult catechesis, and church reform, among them Background to the Gospels (1970), Did Christ Rule Out Women Priests? (1977), Communicating the Word of God (1978), Experiencing Jesus (1981), God within Us (1988), How to Make Sense of God (1995), The Ordination of Women in the Catholic Church (2001), No Holy Orders for Women? (2006), and Ten Commandments for Church Reform (2022).