Joseph Ratzinger’s conception of moral authority
This article gives an analysis of select studies by contemporary Catholic thinker Joseph Ratzinger. The author makes a study of Ratzinger’s views on the essence and character of political power, its role in society, and on the relations between the State and the person. In course of this work the author concludes that Ratzinger’s reasoning is based on Christian doctrine. It is shown that, expounding on Holy Scripture, Ratzinger presents a formula of «ideal» authority and breaks down its structure. In conclusion, key points of J. Ratzinger’s concept of political authority are revealed and interpreted.