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.
