Opposing Authority

I want to focus on the idea of challenging Papal Authority in the Reformation because I think it was the most radical at that time. In John Colet’s sermon, I thought point 10 illustrated our theme of “Plough Boys and Bibles” perfectly, as he described the priesthood being “dishonored” and the “great dignity is sore shadowed when priests are occupied in earthly things.” By stating this in his sermon, it highlights the mentality of the Reformation and how the priests of the church were viewed. The church had a established a historical authority, going all the way back to Jesus Christ and his apostle, Peter. Catholics believe, “that Peter’s successor’s shared in his special authority and primacy.” So challenging this idea was extremely radical in that it was almost like challenging the origins of the church. However, the corruptness of the church was perhaps a call to challenge this authority anyway. I especially think the way that Colet challenges it, is exciting and straightforward. The diction he uses is very negatively charged, which challenged the image, intentions, and character of the authority, causing a lot of tension between the reformers and the church. 

Progressively, our culture and society has been skeptical of religious and political authority. I think back to last General Conference when there were some members at the conference center that opposed the sustaining of our church leaders. Many members were mad about this challenge, but I appreciated the fact that they have the right to do so and I appreciated the way it was handled. During the Reformation, challenging religious authority was radical, yet necessary. Similarly, our Church provides ways for members to voice their opinion. In some ways, “opposing” is still radical, but it all ties into this idea of reformation and having the freedom to voice your opinion about it. 

Brom, Robert H. "The Authority of the Pope: Part 1." Catholic Answers. IMPRIMATUR, 10 Aug. 2004. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.