new church life: september / october 2013
knowledge and ability limited, it is appropriate to question, and at times
challenge, human authorities.
Regarding the Word of God, though, our questioning should not be with
the intention of challenging or denying its authority, but simply to better
understand what its teachings mean and how they are to be obeyed.
(WEO)
by what authority do we question authority?
We can question authority all we want, but on what grounds? Our own
priorities and reasoning? The dictates of our own conscience? These are not
absolutely reliable, and unlikely to be accepted as authoritative by others. The
only sure basis for questioning authority is by referring to some other, higher
authority.
On the civil plane, for example, our ability to question the legitimacy of a
law or the ruling of a court depends upon the existence of higher authorities to
which we can take our case: in the United States, an appeals court, the Supreme
Court and the Constitution itself.
More generally, all human authority is subject to being questioned only
because there is a Divine Authority, the Word of God, which gives us absolute
standards of right and wrong by which to judge.
It has always been customary for earthly rulers to acknowledge their need
of God’s rule over them in order for them to govern wisely. King Solomon is
an outstanding Biblical example – foreshadowing the Lord’s own submission
of His Human nature to the Divine.
In a society that acknowledges its dependence upon God, the people have
a Supreme Authority to appeal to in their questioning of human authorities;
and there is the possibility of settling disputes reasonably and without resorting
to force.
This is why acknowledging the authority of the Word, by individuals and
society generally, is so important. It gives us an objective, independent basis
for questioning all human authority, and is thus essential to civil liberty and
peace.
Yes, there will be disagreements about what the Scriptures mean, and how
to apply them, but the basic principles of Scripture are clear enough. People
of good will who sincerely seek guidance from them can work out the details
harmoniously.
(WEO)
genuine authority deserves respect
In an emergency, one of the first things people do is call “the authorities.” In
fact, whenever we need help with some complex matter – medical, legal or
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