Magisterium:
* The overarching term: Refers to the religious and political power structure that governs the world. It's a vast, hierarchical organization based on dogma and control.
* Focus on doctrine: The Magisterium primarily concerns itself with maintaining theological purity, enforcing specific religious doctrines, and stamping out any dissenting thought.
* Fearful and restrictive: It's portrayed as rigid, oppressive, and fear-based, using its power to silence those who challenge its authority.
Authority:
* Specific aspect of the Magisterium: Represents the physical and military arm of the Magisterium, responsible for enforcing its will and suppressing dissent.
* Focus on enforcement: The Authority directly deals with punishment, censorship, and control. It's the embodiment of the Magisterium's power in action.
* Directly confronts dissent: The Authority uses force and intimidation to silence critics and maintain control. They often employ the disciplinarian and the Council of the Secret to carry out their directives.
Key Differences:
* Scope: The Magisterium is a broader concept encompassing the entire system of beliefs and power structures. Authority represents the specific arm of the Magisterium that enforces its will.
* Focus: The Magisterium is focused on doctrinal purity, while the Authority focuses on physical control and enforcement.
* Methods: The Magisterium primarily relies on ideology and indoctrination, while the Authority uses force, coercion, and censorship.
Overall, the Magisterium is the overarching structure, and the Authority is its instrument of enforcement. While they are interconnected, the Authority represents the most visible and direct threat to individual freedom and independent thought within the world of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy.