Christian Ethics 90

Unit 5, Theme 2

Brainstorm everyone you have to listen to.

To what degree do you have to listen to them?

Who has authority over you?

1 2 3 4 5

If you feel

like it

In some

situations

Do

whatever

they say

(almost)

Authority is the power or right to give orders, make

decisions, and enforce obedience

Authority is legitimate when:

It is recognized by the population as a whole

It serves the common good

If authority does not respect its weaker members, or does not work for harmony, it is not legitimate.

We must obey legitimate authority, as long as it is not unfair or immoral.

What’s authority?

Government

Police

Courts

Principal

Teacher

Elder

Doctor

Counselor

Priest

Employer

Pool Lifeguard

Referee

Who has authority?

Where does this authority come from?

God.

Society needs legitimate authority to function.

When authority serves the common good, it is what

God wants, too.

So disobeying legitimate authority is disobeying God.

Why authority?

Church authority helps define what Christians ought

to do. There are 6 precepts of the Church (p122):

1. Attend Mass

2. Confess serious sins once a year

3. Receive Communion at least once a year during

Easter

4. Keep holy days of obligation

5. Fast and abstain during required days

6. Contribute to the Church as able

Church Authority

Complete reading assignment (119-121) and

Reflection questions on hand-out

Assignment