but nothing is more important than the 'prophetic' courage
of those who dare to place truth above all else, and dare
to resist evil, even when (especially when) evil is in power

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

omnis anima potestatibus sublimioribus subdita sit non est enim potestas nisi a Deo quae autem sunt a Deo ordinatae sunt

Just as we respect a policeman or a judge for his position, or a pastor (or priest) for his anointing, so too, let's not forget our elected leaders, and above all the President, for his office.

The servant of God deserves respect. Not because of who he is, but because of the One he represents, and because that One appointed him to his position. We might even say that he is a representative of the Creator of the Universe, and God put him in his position.

David set a fine example of respect to God's anointed one. Saul had slipped away from God and was doing things which were displeasing to God ... but still David refused to do harm to him .... because he knew it was wrong to bring harm to one anointed by God (I Sam 24:6-10; 26:9,11). If the President is "off the track" ... try praying for him. That is what we are commanded. And how else do we best support those in authority? Criticism and fault-finding may be human nature, in fact, they are almost hallmarks of our American democracy. Yet often they only sow seeds of reciprocal fault-finding and criticism from the other side. David said, "Who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?"

As in the case of spiritual leaders, there is something sacred about those in positions of great public responsibility. It is dangerous business to defame or gossip about the Lord's servant. It is for us, one might almost say, a form of spiritual suicide to undermine or hurt someone so heavily charged with the public trust and responsibility. Yes, they need our prayers. yes, they need more than anything sound counsel from the best minds. May God send prophets and courageous advisors unafraid to speak truth and wisdom with candor to them. But may it also be with due respect and dignity.

Other Scriptures teach us to submit to those over us in the Lord, and warn us not to so much as speak evil of dignities. (See Jude). The Romans had a phrase for such disrespect -- scandalum magnatum. We are encouraged in Scripture to esteem our leaders (regard them highly, have a favourable opinion of them).

In the Jewish Torah, God said ... "Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm!" [Exodus 22:28]

To our friends in the Democratic party, to liberals and others who may be disgruntled that George Bush is in the White House, we appeal to you as fellow Americans. Let's give the President a chance. Isn't it American good sportsmanship to give Authority the respect it deserves -- regardless of party? After all, generally speaking, we tend to take turns (in the long run). If you feel "outside" today, one day your side may be "inside" -- and running things.

ANYONE can tear down, or attack, from the sidelines

But who is trying to build up, and actually get something done?

TEDDY ROOSEVELT said: ". . . the man who really counts in the world is the doer, not the mere critic -- the man who actually does the work, even if roughly and imperfectly, not the man who only talks or writes about how it ought to be done."

"Criticism is necessary and useful; it is often indispensable; but it can never take the place of action, or be even a poor substitute for it. The function of the mere critic is of very subordinate usefulness. It is the doer of deeds who actually counts in the battle for life, and not the man who looks on and says how the fight ought to be fought, without himself sharing the stress and the danger."

Criticism is necessary, useful, even indispensable

DISSENT: free speech as a safety valve for society

Those who Tear Down But Don't Build Up

Coping with authority - envy or honor

For all his own inner issues, Freud came up with some profound insights regarding the very common dilemmas of the human challenges of relating to authority generally, or even to those who seem to possess privileges, advantages, of which we have been deprived. The clue is the concept of projection, seeing (and blaming, or resenting) those parts of another which we would like to see flourish in ourselves. It is easier to direct our anger (really anger at ourselves) at offenders outside ourselves. We spot those "flaws" in them which actually most personally affec ourselves. See The tormented Freud. A song by the pop artist Jewel goes, "Do you hate him cause he's pieces of you?"

The saints and ascetics may have been light years ahead of the rest of us in their inner quest to always point the finger inwardly, to bear the cross (personally), and to choose to honor the elites, or those with seeming privileges, rather than to envy them, or blame them, or resent them. Clease first the inside of the pot. Deal with yourself, instead of trying to correct another. Instead of envying those "lucky" elites, or authority -- HONOR THEM. For the Christian masochism of Juan de Yepes y Alvarez

Thomas Sowell

Some Links to Browse

• Why not pray for America's leaders?
• Premature Epitaph for Hard Right
• Continuity even after our 'family feud'
• Early Hopes for Compassionate Moderate Republicanism
• The Genius of the Bush faith based innovation
• Bring in the moralists : big things take working together
• Alan Keyes (Obama come-uppance in Illinos)
• Sarah Palin :: the jewel of a new age
• The Tea Party surges Republicans to victory
• Sarah Palin shines for bloggers in Vegas
• Why are Republican women more feminine
• Chosen by destiny : America's unique founding
• The City On a Hill (American Exceptionalism)
• Redeem the dream: One nation under God
• Femininity for Christian women who love God
• Islam and the West are historically intertwined
• The Father of Our Country : George Washington
  

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