On the Common Good, Authority, and Obedience

Acquiring a better understanding of these concepts is crucial for navigating the turbulent waters of our times

Detail from Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s “Allegory of Good Government” (source)

I’ve noticed that most conversations among Catholics about church affairs come around, sooner or later, to the question of “who’s in charge” and “who must obey.” In my opinion, we have inherited an impoverished framework of discussion, where the only poles are power and submission. …