Why is authority important?

Answer 1

If people believe the authority to be legitamate then it will be successful. If people think the autority is not legitimate then the authority will experience difficulties in passing legislation (making laws & rules).

Answer 2

Authority is important for maintaining order, control, and organization in various aspects of society such as government, workplaces, and schools. It helps to establish boundaries, rules, and expectations, which in turn can guide behavior and decision-making. Authority also plays a role in enforcing laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring accountability.

Answer 3

Churches can be thought of as "organizations". Every organization runs best with a heirachy of authority figures, such as in the Roman Catholic Church the Pope is the head, with Arch-Bishops who assist the Pope, and Bishops to run sections of a country within Dioceses (offices), then Priests who run individual churches.

Some religious groups talk about "being under the authority" within the church. This simply means that believers in the church submit to the authority figures within that church or denomination. Using again the example of the Roman Catholic Church, a parishioner would be expected to follow the teaching and instructions of the local priest who acts under the authority of his Bishop, who in turn is under the authority of Arch-Bishops... and all are under the Pope's authority.

In this line of thinking, to disobey or disrespect a Priest also means you've disrespected and disobeyed the entire heirarchy within a religious denomination. Moreso in the past, members of a church could be ex-communicated, e.g. told to leave the church and are barred from participating in services or from holding church offices. Different denominations have different processes for keeping members in line with the church's teachings.

Churches that emphasize the "authority" of their church / denomination often claim this authority directly from the "God" whom they worship. A Priest, Pastor, or Minister is seen as being the "earthly representation" of "God". Therefore, disobedience of the earthly figure also means, in these churches, that you are not submitting to God.

However, many people and religious leaders disagree that all persons belonging to "a church" must blindly follow the instructions of any human (man or woman in authority). Their argument is that the only absolute teaching and religious Law comes from God (note: Many religions call use other names for the Supreme Being). Opponents argue that all humans are flawed or sinful and that no human can "stand in the place of God." Most of the people on this side of the debate feel that all people are sinners; that we all need redemption. They don't believe any particular person has more authority than any other person. Instead, they feel the Bible and God speak to everyone, equally, and that each person must remain as the only authority over themselves, other than God. Fuel for this argument comes up a lot after a religious leader is found to have done wrong deeds, while righteously preaching God's word. Often, some church members cannot reconcile that a "godly preacher" can also be a "flawed human" and the member leaves the church altogether as a stand against "false authority."

On the other hand, some people find it more comforting and feel they are following their God's plan if they belong to a church with clearly defined authority. They believe their God has annointed certain persons (example: Preachers) to speak and teach religious beliefs and religious Laws. They believe their submission to earthly authority gains more favor in their God's view and that to do otherwise offends their God. They follow all doctrines and church policies, as set by the highest church leaders. Again, using the Roman Catholic Church as an example, many members believe they cannot receive the Sacrament of Communion if the person has not gone to confession, as described in R.C. beliefs.

"Authority in the Church" is a subject debated and discussed by the best religious scholars and ordinary believers. A search of books and articles at the local library can help if you need more information.

Answer 4

Authority is important because it identifies who has the right of way and sometimes why.

Answer 5

If there is no authority people could do what they want. And if people do what they want the world would be like Syria is now. Put it together and see how you would like that.