The Orthodoxy Of The Church Authority And Submission PDF Download

This closely reasoned but accessible book is a compelling read. It is perfect for group study, young-adults and adults. British Orthodox theologian and author David Dale has given us an exhaustive treatment of urgent contemporary theological problems considered with erudition and compassion. This study will enable the reader to understand the criteria by which the Orthodox Church decides if doctrinal propositions are true or in error. This is a book about why Orthodox doctrine matters and what it is and is not! "Argument about authority continues to fracture the church. David Dale's work gives an essential understanding of this subject for laity and should be compulsory reading for anyone considering ordination." Upon This Rock includes: -- Discerning the authority of God -- The nature of Biblical Authority -- Liberal and Critical Biblical interpretation -- The Orthodox Tradition -- The Church -- Orthodox Dogma -- The Criteria of Christian Truth -- Councils -- The Development of Orthodox Doctrine Upon This Rock will enable the reader to understand how The Church exercises Her function by preaching and living the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and by incorporating people into the way of salvation. The Orthodox Church is able to do this because She holds to certain truths which are summed up in the Creed of the Apostolic Church and in the various dogmatic definitions of the Councils of the Church. We are asked to be tolerant of doctrinal differences. The secular "virtue" of tolerance is put to us as the ideal that should mark our relationships with other Christians. However there is nothing more cruel than the tolerance of error or seeking to persuade othersthat error in doctrine is a matter of no importance. There is a third way. We need not persecute those with whom we disagree. The alternative to persecution is the use of accepted criteria for resolving doctrinal differences. There are well-established principles for deciding the truth in doctrinal disputes. The failure to apply them leads to disorder and confusion in the Church and puts the salvation of souls at hazard.