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In this episode, taking their lead from the themes of the previous episode, Lydia and Kevin reflect on the nature and exercise of authority in the Orthodox Church.

Topics discussed include:

• The nature of priestly and episcopal authority
• The ways that authority is embodied and enacted by the clergy and the laity
• The history of church hierarchy and structure
• Roles of the ordained and the non-ordained
• Ways that ministry can be extended beyond the purview of one person, the parish priest

Passing On

The following books, blogs, podcasts, and articles were used in preparing this episode. Please check them out for more information and discussion on the subjects we dove into today!

• “Reflections on the Wise Words of Cartman,” by Dr. David Dunn
• “Grace and the Inverted Pyramid,” by Fr. Stephen Freeman
• “The Inverted Pyramid,” by Abbot Tryphon
• “Power and Pity,” by Fr. Josiah Trenham
• “Causing Our Savior to Marvel,” by Fr. Josiah Trenham
• “Shared Ministry and Divine Grace: Restoring the Diaconate in Orthodoxy,” by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Denysenko
• “Women Deacons in Africa; not in America,” by Carrie Frederick Frost
• Thinking Through Faith: New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars, ed. Aristotle Papanikolaou and Elizabeth Prodromou
• Religious Knowledge, Authority, and Charisma: Islamic and Jewish Perspectives, ed. Ephrat and Hatina
• The Bible Made Impossible, by Christian Smith
• Fraudulent Authority, by Wade Burleson

Tune in next time to hear Lydia and Kevin discuss the book and recent film of The Shack!