How Should We Relate to Authority and Power?
This question addresses how one both critiques authority and power structures as well as one’s own personal use of authority and power.
The questions below are listed for Core Team members at Coworking locations who participated in a Conversation Matters discussion about the topic. Consider inviting a friend to coffee or lunch and see how far the conversation can go.
Don’t feel pressured to force the conversation further than your friend is open. Simply ask questions and listen well. Before you meet your friend for the conversation, pray for your friend and your time together: 1) pray that your friend is open to the conversation, 2) pray that you would grow to love your friend more, and 3) pray that you are used by God to share His undeserved love in compelling ways with your friend.
If you or your friend did not participate in a Conversation Matters you can still use the questions below, but consider a different starting point. For instance, you could begin with “I'm connected with an organization that creates discussion forums in Coworking locations and last month's topic was… [see the question above].” Then you could ask, “what do you think about that question?” Consider progressing the conversation with more questions listed below.
Questions:
What did you think about the lunch discussion on relating to authority and power?
Note: Consider whether your friend shared anything during the discussion that you could ask a specific followup question?
Note: If your friend did not share anything, then you can ask, “I didn’t hear you comment in the discussion. Did anyone share a perspective that was similar to yours?”
Was anything shared by others that made you consider a new perspective on authority and power?
Have you ever thought much about this topic before the discussion?
Are you skeptical of authority and power? Why or why not?
How do you know when authority and power is bad?
What is good about authority and power structures?
Note: We have certain rights and protections. Without good authority there is anarchy and violence.
Where have you seen authority and power used for good?
Note: Anyone other than our parents (be sensitive, some may have painful experiences from parents who abused their power)?
Note: Consider examples like a good boss, teacher/professor, mentor who used their power well.
Describe how authority and power should be used?
How should love influence our thinking of authority and power?
If we’re really honest, do you think we use authority and power for the good of others when it will cost us something?
Gospel - From my perspective, one of the most attractive aspects of Christianity is how Jesus used His authority and power for others - particularly for my good! Christians believe that Jesus lived an incredibly perfect life and suffered God’s wrath against human rebellion when he died on the cross. Jesus’ perfect life and his resurrection from the dead proved he was no mere human. Actually, Christians believe Jesus is God’s Son (God and human - God in the flesh, incarnate). So, from a Christian’s perspective, Jesus used His divine power for the good of all humanity even when cost His life. Jesus used His power for our good for us because of His great love for us. I believe that’s the main reason we (and most Western cultures) value the concept of authority and power used for the well-being of others is because of Jesus' teaching and life.
Have you ever heard that aspect of Christianity and power before?
Can you think of a better historical example of why humans should use their power for the good of others?
If there are comments about Christians throughout history who have abused authority and power (“the most” or “worse than everyone”), DON’T try to defend those historical events.
Agree where possible. Christians have used power and authority poorly throughout history; though, there are incredibly beautiful examples of Christians using authority and power for the good of many. Just agree where you can, then ASK "how do critique those events where Christians abused their power and authority? Don’t you critique them from a Christian standard? Then, the real critique is not against Jesus and his teachings, but against Christians who fail to live up to Jesus’ standards (hypocrisy).”