About the Author

Following retirement from a professional career in education, Roger Payne returned to university for study and research in religion. He is a Reader in the Church of England and lives in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire.

Reviews

This is a very interesting book about the crisis of authority in the Christian Church. It begins with a discussion of the relationship between authority, tradition, power and legitimacy as they relate to scripture and the church as an institution. There is always a balance to be struck between revelation and reason and the relative emphasis between tradition and the Bible varies, with reformers tipping the balance towards the latter and a literal interpretation that itself has partly created the crisis of authority. The author discusses exercise of authority in the early years of the Church and the exercise of power in the Middle Ages. He then examines how we respond to religious authority and why we do so in psychological terms. Living as we do in an age of extremes, it is instructive to look at authoritarianism, dogmatism and kind of blind obedience characteristic of fundamentalism. This leads him to a new understanding of authority as service and love, as indicated in the title. A well informed and timely discussion.--David Lorimer, Programme Director, Scientific and Medical Network, author of Whole in One "Paradigm Explorer"

The book is an easy read, and offers a number of questions for the reader, Christian or not. The text challenges us to reflect, as we seek to understand the authority entrusted to us, and how that authority is given and received. It would make a useful tool for a book group, especially for clergy and lay ministers, as they explore this unavoidable topic.--Alan Jeans, Archdeacon of Sarum in the Diocese of Salisbury

A Different Way: A Human Approach to the Divine is extremely readable and offers much to those who are engaging with and exploring personal and corporate faith more critically... it will have a place on my book shelf and it will be recommended often!--Rev. John Churcher, Progressive Christianity Network

This is a well-written and stimulating book, citing 123 references, addressing a complex and important subject with exemplary clarity, and is highly recommended.--Dr Malcolm Purbrick, research scientist who has been working with the European Commission at the University of Naples