There exist diverse interpretations and expressions of religious authority within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each of these traditions has its unique characteristics, and even within them, there is a wide range of beliefs regarding the essence and role of authority. The variations in forms of authority can be attributed to the differences in religious communities. It is important to recognize that even within a single religious tradition, the experiences and circumstances of its adherents can vary significantly.
In Judaism, according to biblical accounts, Israel was only able to become a country from a collection of families and clans under the leadership of Moses. It is in Judaism also at least there are four kind of authorities that ever exist such as (1) a country led by prophets, (2) a liturgical community led by priests, (3) a state lead by kings, or (4) a disciple community led by sages when viewed from the standpoint of its collective life and identity.
Looking at the concept of authority in Christianity, they believe that Christianity's message of redemption and sense of community have always depended on the authority of Jesus Christ. Same as Judaism, Christianity has so many perspectives of authority depending on the religious communities that they follow. Within two generations of Jesus' passing, the apostolic office of the clergy had evolved into an emblem, a representation of the power the church wielded. Moreover, the bishops of Rome asserted a greater authority than all other bishops—even above that of the popes of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople, because they believed they were the apostle Peter's successors in office and that Jesus had granted Peter supreme authority over the entire Christian community.
While in Islam there are several kinds of authorities. First, based on scripture, that is the Quran and Sunnah. Second, based on ushul fiqh or fiqh tradition, this can be explained as Ijma, or "consensus," as a source of law. It had also argumentation by analogy, sometimes referred to as qiyas. Third, based on the caliphate of Islam that was believed to be the successor of prophet Muhammad.
In the caliphate concept, there is the difference between Sunni and Shi'a communities. In Sunni there are no more Caliphate after the Turki Ottoman and change to the nation state and while in Shi’a they still believe in the Caliphate as a continuity until the coming of Imam Mahdi. They believe that the adherents of Islam should be led by the Imam as an authoritative figure.
All in all, in all three religions, the concept or the idea of authority is all depending on the perspective, religious communities, religious tradition, and the way they interpret the scriptures. It also can be influenced by other cultures that existed in that period of time. There is no final concept about authority in those religions even until now, it always changes depending on the situation and conditions either politic, economy, social, or even now technology that is increasingly fast and disrupts all elements not except religions field.
By: Haikal Fadhil Anam
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