2. Who has authority over you?
Brainstorm everyone you have to listen to.
To what degree do you have to listen to them?
1 2 3 4 5
If you feel
like it
In some
situations
Do
whatever
they say
(almost)
3. What’s authority?
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.
4. Who has authority?
Government
Police
Courts
Principal
Teacher
Elder
Doctor
Counselor
Priest
Employer
Pool Lifeguard
Referee
Where does this authority come from?
God.
5. Why authority?
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.
6. Church 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
7. Assignment
Complete reading assignment (119-121) and
Reflection questions on hand-out
