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The concept of Superior in Christianity

The keyphrase "Superior" encompasses various interpretations across Eastern Orthodoxy, the Catholic Church, and Early Christianity. In Eastern Orthodoxy, it denotes individuals of completeness within a hierarchical structure of divine beings. The Catholic Church views a Superior as an authoritative figure commanding obedience and holding a higher rank. Early Christianity respects Superiors within the church according to divine commandments, while also exploring the complexities of power dynamics between God and other entities. The term signifies authority, hierarchy, and the interplay of divine and worldly power.1
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Synonyms: Better, Outstanding, Excellent, Foremost, Supreme, Preeminent, Unparalleled, First-rate, High-quality, Remarkable, Unmatched

In Spanish: Superior; In Dutch: Superieur; In Finnish: Ensiluokkainen; In German: Vorgesetzter; In Malay: Unggul; In Swedish: Ö±¹±ð°ù±ôä²µ²õ±ð²Ô; In French: ³§³Ü±èé°ù¾±±ð³Ü°ù

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Superior'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) These Aeons were not prefigured at all, according to the text, and the text questions why the inferior Aeons were represented by the apostles while the superior ones were not.[1] (2) This describes a state of being greater than something else, which is a characteristic of God, but is questioned when considering the relationship between God and Matter due to their shared attributes.[2] (3) Those in positions of authority within the church, who must be respected and obeyed according to divine commandments.[3] (4) The acknowledgment by magicians of Moses' greater authority and power.[4]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This is an individual who holds a position of authority and can impose oaths on those under their command, and has the right to compel others to act.[5] (2) Individuals who hold a higher rank or status compared to others, often involved in authority or power dynamics.[6]

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) The individual in a position of authority whose commands are deemed to be followed in the context of obedience.[7]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) These possess completeness, in contrast to the lower Orders, and the text explores the reasons behind the hierarchical structure and the different levels of divine beings.[8]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Plural form: Superiors.