In
the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Authority is a topic of great concern to many people. Just the
mention of the word conjures up many and various images and concepts
in the mind. Authority is important, but is also easily abused and
often mis-handled.
On one hand, we want people to speak and act with authority. When a
public figure or a researcher makes a statement, it is assumed,
generally, that he has the authority to make the statement, and the
expertise and data to substantiate it. Based on an authoritative
statement from the experts, we make a decision. When the Congress
passes legislation or the president gives an order, they do it on the
basis of the authority vested in them by the people of the United
States of America.
On the other hand, much of the political rhetoric these days centers
around who has the authority to do what. Does the president have the
constitutional authority to force his policies? Does the Supreme
Court have the authority to hand down this or that ruling? Does the
federal government have the authority to force its will on the
states? A base of authority is what separates irrational, wild
guessing from reasoned, informed decisions.
