The Priesthood of Some Believers

The author examines the Christian literature of the first three centuries for evidence of the development both of the special priesthood of the ordained and the general priesthood of all believers. He demonstrates that the development of the special priesthood was closely linked to the emerging division between the clergy and the laity, and that these developments harmed the expression of the general priesthood. 'The Priesthood of Some Believers' is the only detailed and comprehensive study of the way the development of the special priesthood harmed that of the general priesthood. 'At the beginning of the third millennium of the history of Christianity, churches of different traditions are endeavoring with sharper seriousness to foster patterns of ministry and leadership less reliant on ordained priests and pastors. This has entailed reconsideration of the general priesthood of all Christian people and the notion of a special priesthood of the ordained alone. It is to this continuing inquiry that Colin Bulley's work is a major contribution of front-rank importance . . . If general priesthood is to increase, special priesthood must decrease. Here is solid, scholarly evidence that, like the proverbial cuckoo in the nest, the two will not comfortably cohabit.' –From the Foreword by David F. Wright, New College, University of Edinburgh After studying modern languages and theology at King's College, London, and The Irish Baptist College, Colin Bulley served briefly as a Baptist minister before going to Nigeria with the Sudan United Mission. He spent seven years as a tutor in Old Testament and church history at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru. He then taught at the Northumbria Bible College for fourteen years and holds his PhD from the University of Edinburgh. He currently serves as a tutor and lecturer at Redcliffe College, Gloucester.