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Stagaman situates all exercises of authority in the context of the ecclesiastical community--its fundamental norms and values as well as the tradition that has shaped them. He also explores how dissent forms as integral function for all church authority. Stagaman draws on his expertise not only in theology but also in language philosophy and the social sciences. His major claims are that church authority requires a delicate balance betweeen charisms and offices for its healthy functioning and is sacramental in character. The latter claim means that the historical development of church authority provides crucial clues for its theological understanding. Stagaman addresses the distinctive features of Roman Catholic authority and the need for the free exercise of speech within the church. The Liturgical Press, 143 pages. Paperback.
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