There have been numerous conflicting claims in Christianity about sources of wisdom and authority, raising conflict between Christian groups. While some Christians trust an institution to decide big questions, others prefer personal conscience like the authority of a text or guidance from an individual of great wisdom, such as Jesus. Who is right, and how can you decide? Without bias, this course gives insight into the historical context and theological arguments so you can make up your mind. Is the Bible more authoritative than the Church? Does the Church have sole right to interpret the Bible, or can the individual reader understand for themselves?

The course examines and evaluates the following sources of wisdom and authority in Christianity:

• The Bible: Most Christians believe the Bible is an inspired text written by inspired people to inspire the reader; this means that, for most Christians, it has some authority but is it the only source of wisdom and authority, and if not, how do other sources rank?

• The Magisterium: The teaching authorities of the Roman Catholic Church claim the right to interpret the Bible and give authoritative teaching about ethical issues, such as abortion. Where does this leave personal conscience?

• Tradition: There are very few doctrines explicitly stated in the Bible, and most are interpretations passed down from generation to generation. Can we ever change traditions so that, for example, female ordination is allowed?

• Church leaders, such as the Pope: Apostolic Succession means that the Pope directly inherits responsibility and authority in continuity from the Apostles. Is the Pope infallible (without error), or only sometimes? What do you think?

• Individual Conscience: Most people believe they should follow their conscience, but how is conscience formed, and is it possible to have a poorly formed conscience or no conscience? Is conscience the most important authority of all, or not?

• Religious Experience: We will treat this issue in greater depth in another course, but the core question is whether a personal experience or moment of revelation has any authority over anybody other than the person claiming it.

• Human Reason: Can a person arrive naturally at a knowledge of God by reasoning well? The correct use of reason, however, is the challenge.

• Jesus: The Bible reveals Jesus as authoritative: as a revealer of God, as a miracle worker, as a healer, and as someone who can forgive sin and liberate people from death. The mainstream view is that Jesus was not just a human being but also divine. How much authority can Jesus have today for modern Christians?

This fascinating course will help you understand the past, including the town you live in and where you will find a beautiful Church built and honoured by past generations, full of history, with a story to tell.