The Seat of Authority in Religion

Description

This theological work by James Martineau explores the foundations of religious authority. Originally conceived as a series of papers between 1872 and 1875, the book presents a comprehensive survey of both natural and historical religion. Martineau examines the presence of God in nature, humanity, and history, while also critiquing what he views as the misplaced authority in both Catholic and Protestant traditions. The book is structured into five parts, delving into topics such as the interplay of divine and human elements, the separation of these elements from Christendom, and the ultimate realization of the divine within the human experience.

Table of contents 40 entries

Book I: Authority Implied in Religion 1
1. Chapter I: God in Nature 1
2. Chapter II: God in Humanity 37
3. Chapter III: Utilitarian Substitute for Authority 76
4. Chapter IV: God in History 101
Book II: Authority Artificially Misplaced 127
1. Chapter I: Catholics and Church 127
2. Chapter II: Protestants and Scriptures 169
  1. Synoptical Gospels 181
  2. Fourth Gospel 189
    1. A. External Testimony 190
    2. B. Internal Character 208
    3. C. Relation to Apocalypse 217
    4. D. Relation to Paschal Controversy 227
    5. E. Marks of Time 236
  3. Acts of the Apostles 243
    1. A. Relation to Luke's Gospel 244
    2. B. Relation to Paul's Epistles 258
Book III: Divine Authority Intermixed with Human Things 287
1. Chapter I: Human and Divine in History 287
2. Chapter II: 'Natural' and 'Revealed Religion' 300
Book IV: Severance of Undivine Elements from Christendom 315
1. Chapter I: Revealed Religion and Apocalyptic Religion 315
2. Chapter II: Theories of the Person of Jesus 326
  1. 1. As Messiah 326
  2. 2. As Risen from the Dead 358
  3. 3. As Spiritual Adam 378
  4. 4. As 'the Word' 399
    1. A. Alexandrine Logos 399
    2. B. Word 'Made Flesh' 422
3. Chapter III: Theories of the Work of Jesus 450
  1. 1. Sense of Sin in Christendom 450
  2. 2. Apostolic Doctrine of Redemption 461
  3. 3. Work of Incarnate Logos 490
4. Chapter IV: Theories of Union with God 513
  1. 1. Present Media of Grace 513
  2. 2. Future Crown of Life 546
Book V: Divine in Human 573
1. Chapter I: Veil Taken Away 573
2. Chapter II: Christian Religion Personally Realized 602