Authority: Divine and Human

The word 'authority'-along with such terms as 'ruler', 'hierarchy', 'law', 'commands'-is generally repugnant to modern ears. Perhaps it has always been repugnant to human beings who desire to be free from the leadership and lordship of others and to live their own lives in freedom from what is considered to be the domination of others. Some leaders and rulers do wrongly dominate other members of the human race, but does this misuse and abuse of authority necessarily invalidate the principle of authority? Is it possible that authority is essential to reasonable order in the affairs of humanity? If so, what is the meaning of authority?

An interesting question to ask is, 'Can there be a person who is not under authority, that is a person who can be wholly autonomous, free from any form of leadership and direction?'. The question is not merely speculative.

These are some of the questions we will endeavour to answer.