u/dptat2

From my days in catholic education, infallibility of ecclesial authorities is a central concept. It is usually portrayed that this was how it always has been. I am curious, has there been any scholarly discussions or recent work done examining the concept of infallibility, when it arose, how did early Christians think of it, and how has the concept changed over time. I am aware that infallibility isn't the same as inerrancy. I am specifically asking how did the concept of infallible religious authorities developed in early Christianity. Did individuals, groups, churches, communities, or whatever claim infallible authority and if so, what was the wider view of such claims by other Christians at the time.

From my days in catholic education, infallibility of ecclesial authorities is a central concept. It is usually portrayed that this was how it always has been. I am curious, has there been any scholarly discussions or recent work done examining the concept of infallibility, when it arose, how did early Christians think of it, and how has the concept changed over time. I am aware that infallibility isn't the same as inerrancy. I am specifically asking how did the concept of infallible religious authorities developed in early Christianity. Did individuals, groups, churches, communities, or whatever claim infallible authority and if so, what was the wider view of such claims by other Christians at the time.

Disclaimer: I am aware that Papal infallibility as a concept can be traced to Vatican I. Nevertheless, the concept of infallibility as a special quality of certain religious authorities predates Vatican I. Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Churches hold that the first 7 ecumenical councils are infallible to some degree.