Authority of the State, Church, God, Angels and others
Authority
Definition
1. Power given, or taken by one over another- or due to one over another- whereby consent, reverence to knowledge, or obedience is “required”, either for membership to a group, or by the principal of justice, or by consequences rendered for non-compliance.
2. Influence, or domain over specific matters, within a specific jurisdiction in certain circumstance, given to one individual or group over others- either due to circumstance or higher authority.
Civil authority
What is meant by such:
This authority- given to governments- for the uplifting of their people- not just groups within- relates to the civil responsibility of states or nations to uphold the rights of their people, and the moral responsibility of every citizen to obey the present authorities above them- in every just command- placing God first in command, and all other authorities in proportion.
catechism :
“1898 Every human community needs an authority to govern it.16 The foundation of such authority lies in human nature. It is necessary for the unity of the state. Its role is to ensure as far as possible the common good of the society.” catechism of the Catholic Church
Where authority is not valid:
“1903 Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it. If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take measures contrary to the moral order, such arrangements would not be binding in conscience. In such a case, “authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse.”23” catechism of the Catholic Church
Bible on authority
“Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God that which is due to God” Jesus of Nazareth
“It is better to obey God than man” (or “is it better to obey God, or Man” in some translations) The apostles in The Acts of the Apostles
“12 Always behave honourably among gentiles so that they can see for themselves what moral lives you lead, and when the day of reckoning comes, give thanks to God for the things which now make them denounce you as criminals.
13 For the sake of the Lord, accept the authority of every human institution: the emperor, as the supreme authority,
14 and the governors as commissioned by him to punish criminals and praise those who do good. ” New Jerusalem Bible (1 Peter Chapter 2) http://www.catholic.org/bible/book.php?id=58&bible_chapter=2
“
10 That is why I am writing this while still far away, so that when I am with you I shall not have to be harsh, with the authority that the Lord has given me, an authority that is for building up and not for breaking down.
10 That is why I am writing this while still far away, so that when I am with you I shall not have to be harsh, with the authority that the Lord has given me, an authority that is for building up and not for breaking down.
Conclusion
11 To end then, brothers, we wish you joy; try to grow perfect; encourage one another; have a common mind and live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
New Jerusalem Bible (II Corinthians Chapter 13)
“1 I urge then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be offered for everyone,
2 for kings and others in authority, so that we may be able to live peaceful and quiet lives with all devotion and propriety.
3 To do this is right, and acceptable to God our Saviour: “
New Jerusalem Bible (I Timothy Chapter 2)
“2 And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. ” New Jerusalem Bible (Gospel of Mark Chapter 1)
“14 He offered himself for us in order to ransom us from all our faults and to purify a people to be his very own and eager to do good.
15 This is what you must say, encouraging or arguing with full authority; no one should despise you.” New Jerusalem Bible (Titus Chapter 2)
“51 He went down with them then and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. “
New Jerusalem Bible (Luke Chapter 2)
Church authority
Catholics believe in the authority of the Apostles (Luke 9,Luke 10 v 8-16,John 11 v 51,Acts 15 v 19,22-30,Acts 5 v 4,Acts 1 v 20) over the Christian world, and their right to interpret scripture, and other revelation in relation to morals and doctrine, in certain circumstances- accurately. They further believe that this right was passed down by Apostolic succession (Acts 1 v 20), whereby the apostles had the right to transfer their authority to others. All valid Christianity springs from the catholic church, who has maintained this succession via the clergy and the papacy. This authority is used in all infallible decisions.
Catholics believe in the authority of the Apostles (Luke 9,Luke 10 v 8-16,John 11 v 51,Acts 15 v 19,22-30,Acts 5 v 4,Acts 1 v 20) over the Christian world, and their right to interpret scripture, and other revelation in relation to morals and doctrine, in certain circumstances- accurately. They further believe that this right was passed down by Apostolic succession (Acts 1 v 20), whereby the apostles had the right to transfer their authority to others. All valid Christianity springs from the catholic church, who has maintained this succession via the clergy and the papacy. This authority is used in all infallible decisions.
Other Authority and domains of the Roman Apostolic Catholic Church
The church- further is seen as having authority over its followers as demanded by justice- whereby certain actions are forbidden or required (Luke 9). The church may validly excommunicate certain individuals, groups, or peoples- automatically via decree, or individually according to the case (1 Corinthians 5).
Limit of the Authority of Rome
The human person cannot be coerced into the Christian faith, but must be given the choice to remain, or join such. On the other hand- the human person may not- neither without restraint nor with much noise- be permitted to publicize their dissent, diabolic, or hateful views.
Doctrinal authority
One credits the church with superior interpretive abilities as to the Sacred Text, due to her position, and submits to it.
Authority of God
“Do not fear those who can only kill the body” Jesus of Nazareth
God is considered to have absolute authority over destiny, fate (Ephesians 1 v 11-15), and all created beings, including the devil. Only what he permits is able to exist.
This does not make God evil, rather demonstrates his justice in allowing choice (”You send yourself to hell”- popular Christian opinion), which is also demonstrated in strict punishment of both well-meaning and bad.
The good are punished- that they may become pure.
The evil/wicked are punished- because God places all in the right place, and renders onto others as they have themselves rendered to others, and perhaps even worse.
Spiritual Authority
The bible notes hierarchical structures for good and for evil in the spiritual world.
Christians are told to note that it is not flesh or blood they fight against, but principalities and authorities of the spiritual world.
Conscience and natural Law
People are also obligated to obey RIGHT conscience, as to what they ought to do.
The Family
Limit of obediance.
“anyone who loves their mother, son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” Jesus of Nazareth.
In normal events
Children are to obey their parents (Luke Chapter 2 verse 51), but not above the church, or God.
Children are to obey their parents (Luke Chapter 2 verse 51), but not above the church, or God.
Wives are to obey their husbands (Ephesians chapter 5: verses 21-33), but within limits and boundaries, and not in such a way that it affects the dignity of the person, or contradicts the will or command of God. (see article on The Family structure relating to the degree of submission required of wives).
People are also required to work for their masters diligently, as though working for the Lord.
Parents, husbands, or others with authority are to treat those below them with respect as fellow human beings, paying what dignity is deserved. Husbands and parents are to love and take care of their wives (for husbands) and children.
Further Resources
Vatican
Catechism
Papacy, councils etc
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_10021880_arcanum_en.html
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_10021880_arcanum_en.html
New Advent
EWTN
This Rock
No comments:
Post a Comment