Sharīʿ Authority in Christianity: A Historical and Critical Analysis of Christians Beliefs and Attitudes

مسیحی متون مقدسہ میں شرعی اختیارات:مسیحی نظریات اور رویوں کاتاریخی و تنقیدی جائزہ

Abstract

Authority has been a pervasive and enduring concept throughout the history of religions, manifesting in various forms such as traditional, scriptural, ecclesiastical, and imperial authority. Rooted in religious claims, authority serves as the legitimate power to command obedience and maintain societal order. This phenomenon is evident in both primitive and ancient religions as well as more established religious traditions, particularly during periods where social cohesion is crucial. Religious authority has historically been upheld by key figures such as kings, founders, and spiritual leaders, alongside sacred texts and doctrinal teachings preserved through oral or written traditions. Religious communities, with their structured rituals and priesthoods, and personal spiritual experiences also contribute to this dynamic. However, disputes over the legitimacy of these sources often lead to internal tensions and conflicts between religious groups, highlighting the centrality of authority in religious discourse.

This article offers a critical analysis of the concept of authority, with a particular focus on Sharīʿ authority within Islamic tradition, Christian doctrinal frameworks, and interpretations of authority in Christian sacred texts. By exploring these dimensions, the study aims to illuminate the ways in which religious authority is established, contested, and sustained across different historical and theological contexts.