Authority Quote by Saint Basil
“It is right to submit to a higher authority whenever a command of God would be violated.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: “On Obedience to Authority” (c. 370 AD)
Submitting to higher authority is justified when divine command conflicts with earthly law.
In simple terms: Follow divine authority over human law when they clash.
Discern and prioritize higher moral directives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal conflicts
- religious practice
- moral decision‑making
- church law
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should one defy civil authority for higher moral law?
- How do you determine the legitimacy of authority?
May conflict with secular law.