No doubt about it, we live in a hierarchical world. Authority reigns, even in the most democratic of societies. Some of this is needed in order to maintain lawful, political and societal order, and some is complete and utter balderdash.
Authority when it is tainted by power hungry control seeking individuals hellbent on using their position to fearmonger can be seen in boardrooms, gymnasiums, legislative assemblies, at the market, in families, in schools.......heck it can happen anywhere you find a group of people who have relinquished their own ability to critically think. It's easier to allow someone else to make decisions, and to tell us what to do. Its easier to pass the baton onto someone who will espouse their opinions and interpretations of world affairs, of religious doctrine, of the equation which consists of how life should be lived or how a certain task should be completed...............my way or the highway they insist. Given how it can feel to be walking down that lonesome highway, people choose to do things someone else's way.
Authority takes itself too seriously and often evolves into believing the diatribe it spins out. There's an old story about a priest who was praying in a church while a group of children loudly played outside. The priest couldn't concentrate and became frustrated with the ongoing noise that he went outside and told the children that a big monster was seen down by the shoreline. He described the monster in great detail which intrigued the children. Off they went, excited to see the monster. Along the way, they repeated the priest's story to anyone who would listen. Because the story was told by the man who was considered an authority figure......he rang the bell of truth didn't he???...... everyone completely took it as fact. Why, it was inconceivable that the priest would lie. Before too long, hundreds of villagers were running down to the shore to see the monster. In no time, a group of enthusiastic people popped into the church to tell the priest about this amazing monster they had heard about. Then they headed out the door and down to the shore.....along with the priest! Even though he was the one who completely fabricated the story, and cognitively KNEW it was a lie, the priest was swept up with the possibility that there truly was a monster. Amazing how one can be accepting of the craziest ideas!
People in authority have the capacity to convince themselves of even the most ludricrous falsehoods. It is an intoxicating mistress who alluringly wraps her legs around truth. Faith that stands on authority and uses its self-projected importance to sermonize in disguise alters the fabric of free expression. Whether its from a pulpit, a podium or a panel, authority gone awry frightens the masses into believing that their word is the way. Judgement is a one way street with this type of authority.
Interestingly, an effective leader never demands to stand on podium or a pulpit to speak from. They may use one, but they respectfully know that all beings govern their own actions and encourage them to protect their own rights and abilities. Effective leaders applaudingly welcome new thought, not shoot it down. They are not afraid to be challenged or questioned.
Is their anything more harming for a community than living under the guise of respect based on fear?
4 comments:
it was the heavy handed hierarchy in the church which led me to find my own way spiritually. i grew sick of the judgemental views of the so called leaders. There was no openness to accomodating anyone who questioned their authority or what they preached. Spoon feeding and non thinking is what is expected.
I'm struggling with this issue right now. Church leadership which wants to make everybody fit their model of what being a good Christian looks like, anything else and you're immediately backsliding. Not sure if I need to walk away or stick it out.
Anyway, great story about the priest and the monster! And thanks, as always, for some food for thought.
So well said -- you've captured the problem with power hungry authority very well. I've experienced this very thing with a group of board members this year.
Fortunately, this is a group of people I no longer have to deal with!
ginger...it seems like many experience the same thing.... I recently read the book, The Shack and couldnt quite grasp the reason behind it's huge popularity until i spoke with a friend the other day who explained to me the fact that the book drums up issues and seems to have opened the doors to questioning and discussing when for the most part, they have never had the opportunity....the story allowed them to see a real person struggling with the religious issues etc they have.....it humanized it. She spoke of how the lessons and stories were taught in a very black and white cognitive manner....The Shack was a way of taking the lessons and putting heart into it. From that discussion, I realized more deeply how different my experiences have been with church and religion than many others.
Fearfullymade....Models should always be considered fluent....it's like when i'm teaching and using the course curriculum that has been set out. I always prepare, but most definately use it as a guide. Our personal interpretations and our personalities need to be included in the mix..... also, i believe it's SO important that we always recognize that we all are made of skin and bones etc, we have our own essence....this needs to be recognized by the churches of the day......
i wish you well on your personal journey...... and know it's always good to ponder, consider, question and think..... I thank God He gave us those fabulous tools to use. ;)
Deb....man oh man i hear ya! Looks like i'm out from under that yucky scenario too. However, whereever you go, there seems to be some people intent on having a pissing contest. I try to tell myself that it's their own stuff, but when it gets in the way of my own stuff, it just gets frustrating and complicated.
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