Question Authority

That was the slogan of a generation disillusioned by what they saw as the abuses of those in power. A steady stream of foreign policy failures, presidential scandals, and corporate abuses left an entire generation skeptical of authority.

According to some educators, for example, the only way to teach children to have a balanced view of the world is to teach them to skeptically question everything in the curriculum or the text. Nothing is to be taken for granted; everything is to be examined as an antagonist.

And for some, "authority" is synonymous with "tyranny." There is no essential difference between the exercise of authority and responsibility for others and a repressive boot pressed across the neck of the people. To the "Question authority" bumper stickers and buttons have been added: * "Question authority before they question you;" * "Dissent is the highest form of patriotism" * "Oh well, I wasn't using my civil liberties anyway"

It seems that some have moved well beyond calls for an alert mind, discernment, legitimate concern about the abuse of position and power, and a "balanced view of the world" to the outright rejection of authority itself.

And the Christian church and faith have not escaped this rejection. Spiritual authority, too, is besieged by individualistic, anti-submissive skepticism. We may find the attitude in places as diverse as some strands of the house church and emergent church movements. And we've long recognized the rejection of biblical and ecclesial authority in some theologically liberal quarters. An authority-rejecting attitude and posture existed in Jesus' day as well. Perhaps that's why the Master was "amazed" when he encountered a man who both respected authorities over him and exercised authority over others (Luke 7:8-9).

Jesus once asked, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). The question makes it clear that there simply can be no proper and healthy participation in the Christian faith without submission to authority. And moreover, the Christian owes a joyful submission to authority, not just the skeptical, reluctant "caving in" of a person who has no other options. In our skeptical, individualistic, and morally relativistic age, perhaps we need a fresh examination of authority, its exercise, and benefits.

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[TheJamesChattaway]

amazing.. where is the rest of this footage and does anyone know the names of the acedemics?

[vardanology]

I heard this crap before.The second guy is saying the same thing as Alex Jones from infowarsDOTcom.What makes you think that these guys are not the bad guys and the authority is the bad guy?

[QuasiBonafide]

The footage appears to be the 80's. Coincidentally they are talking about what so many are saying now. Interesting...

[whiteguysamurai]

People are crazy.

[IFknHateUTube]

lol wtf is going on here

[headcrabzombie]

fascinating.