The Second Difference Continued (The difference between the Postmodern belief of rejection of authority and the Christian belief in, and respect of authority)

Christian View:

I think most people with a secular or differing religious worldview, whether they know anything about the Christian faith  or not, all agree on one aspect about Christianity - that we are ruled by an angry and powerful dictator who sits up on a cloud far away somewhere only looking down to occasionally shoot a lightning bolt at a 'bad person' (and just to clarify, all those times when horrible things happen to good people - that's just when god miss throws a lightning bolt so it lands by a good person) I even found internet support on the subject! (#Google images search: God is distant, angry and judgmental - check!)

 

  

So from the get-go Christianity is already on a back-foot, well, at least as it appears to the rest of the world. Imagine that! Not do Christians have a dictator for a heavenly dad - but they have to serve him unconditionally as a sort of 'get out of jail free card'. I agree. That, would suck. 

But what if Christianity was so much more than that? What if Christians believed in authority yes, but in a loving and caring father. 

Well I can tell you, that actually, they do.

Whether you personally believe that any such God could or does exist is beside the point - Christians do. So for the rest of this discussion, forget everything you have heard about a distant angry God.

Christianity encourages authority and the respect of it. By the very fact that Christians believe in one divine God, they are already upholding the idea of authority. Authority in Christianity is not viewed as a tool to abuse, but as a responsibility of vital importance. In the modern (and ancient) Christian Church the pastor is seen as a mentor for his flock -  a leader of the children of God who attend that congregation. Pastors are not seen as better than other Christians however, but they have been chosen by God to lead and have the responsibility of encouraging the church in their faith and assisting, listening, healing and serving (yes. You read that right, the authoritative figure is actually serving others). In fact, in the Bible it tells of the last supper when Jesus Himself washed the feet of the disciples - His followers.Furthermore, shortly after this, the Bible also tells how Jesus - our ultimate authority and heavenly father - Died for us in a most brutal and demoralizing way. He became the ultimate servant. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 

"For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves." Luke 22:27

"But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." Isiah 53:3

So you see Christianity and Post modernism are again, as polar opposites, with regards to the issue of authority. Postmodernists view authority as a tool by which the authoritative ruler can dictate how everyone else has to live - they do not respect authority or believe in the idea of it. Christians no only believe and uphold the idea of authority but they believe that authority is about responsibility and wisdom - being the ultimate servant for others (just like the relationship a loving, patient and caring parent has with a child).