In the transition of the ages, industrial to information and now to an emerging post-information, authority’s role has changed. The tradition of established parochial authority of industrial age gave way to fallible leaders that were measured by facts (actions and outcomes). In today’s age, the measures of the past seem inadequate.
In a post information age, what defines authority? While the process of putting people in positions of authority remains relatively consistent, from the psalmist observation that “God calls the judges into his courtroom, he puts all the judges in the dock,” (Psalm 82.1) through elections and less democratic methods, the way people respond to authority has dramatically shifted. No longer do we simply accept, the evidence and experience of abuse and evil handed out by those in authority is too great to simply ignore or explain away. Even the idea that wise and generally authentic people appointed to positions of trust should be given unlimited trust, is beyond most intelligent belief.
I would like to suggest the following.
Truth filled principles such as compassion, mercy, and community first, remain constant and unchanging. They can be relied on as guides and measures in all circumstances.
Blanket statements should be treated with caution. Taking a principle and applying it to a situation other than one’s own is somewhere between risky and presumptuous.
Truth and principles are more than things we talk about, they are something we live and breathe. If one wants to criticize, look in the mirror. If one wants to correct, examine what yesterday tells you about your choices and priorities.
Where does authority fit in this framework? Authority rests in the creative ideas of how we can live out compassion, mercy, and love for our communities under the threat and actions of chaos and evil. It is a difficult world! I am looking ideas and practical ideals. These can and are found all around us. Ideally I look to individuals in positions with a mandate in this space; absent answers shown through their lives, I will seek it anywhere I see God in action.
