AuthoritySources of authority

When it comes to finding out about or understanding something, or making decisions about what to do, most people have various sources of authority they can go to for guidance and help. These might include:

• friends
• family
• personal experience
• rational thinking
• conscience

Religious people also have other sources of guidance and help available to them. These might include:

• sacred texts
• founders of the faith
• religious principles or rules
• faith community leaders
• religious tradition
• other people in the faith community

Insight and inspiration can sometimes come from the beliefs, teachings and practices of other religions and from non-religious sources too.