Human authority. Moralists tend to obey human authorities…
““Human authority. Moralists tend to obey human authorities (family, tribe, government, and cultural customs) too anxiously, since they rely heavily on their self-image as upright persons. Relativists/pragmatists will either obey human authority too much (since they have no higher authority by which they can judge their culture) or else too little (since they may obey only when they know they can’t get away with it). The result is either authoritarianism or a disregard for the proper place of authority. The gospel gives a standard by which to oppose human authority (if it contradicts the gospel), as well as an incentive to obey the civil authorities from the heart, even when we could get away with disobedience. To confess Jesus as Lord was simultaneously to confess that Caesar was not. Though there have been several studies of late that discuss the “counter-imperial” tenor of various texts, it is important to stress that the Bible is not so much against governing authorities or “empire” as such but that it prescribes a proper reordering of power. It is not that Jesus usurped the throne of Caesar but that when we allow Caesar to overstep his bounds, he is usurping the throne of Christ and leading people into idolatry.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that moralists over‑rely on human authority, while relativists either obey too much or too little; the gospel provides a higher standard to evaluate and rightly order civil power.
In simple terms: Human authority must be measured against higher moral standards.
Key Takeaway
Assess authority against higher principles.
Themes
authority
morality
religion
politics
power
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
theoretical
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- government policy
- personal decision making
- civil disobedience
Key Concepts
Christian ethics
political philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern when civil law conflicts with higher moral law?
- What criteria should guide obedience to authority?
A Different Perspective
Authority can be misused when individuals lack a transcendent reference point.