Facts and Authority

The Crucible of Doubt, by Terryl and Fiona Givens, contains this quote from Austin Farrer that I liked and thought I would pass along:

Facts are not determined by authority. Authority can make law to be law; authority cannot make facts to be facts.

This would seem to be obvious, but you don't have to look too far to find facts disputed on the basis of authority (i.e. position within the Church). By virtue of their authority leaders of (and within) the Church are entitled to establish law, and I strive to obey the law. But when it comes to facts, authority is not a guarantee of accuracy.

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