If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:14-17.
My vegetable garden feels my power as I nurse it and serve it.
This is a much-needed reframing of political vocation. In the classical Christian vision (as you point out via Augustine and Aquinas), power is always teleological, ordered not toward domination but toward the perfection of the whole. I’ve written elsewhere on how the modern suspicion of authority stems in part from a deeper Pelagian anthropology: the belief that self-will is pure and that external ordering is always oppressive. But Scripture and tradition point us elsewhere: toward hierarchy as a form of loving service, and toward rule as a sacred charge.
We need more Christians who understand this and are willing to step into power; not for prestige, but for stewardship. Thank you for articulating that so well.
There’s an unexpected elision of the general position of the Early Church prior to the later years of the Fourth Century and the (contentious) business of St Ambrose and Theodosius…
Indeed, power is not domination:
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:14-17.
My vegetable garden feels my power as I nurse it and serve it.
Well said, Daniel. Power is not inherently bad—only abuse of power.
This is a much-needed reframing of political vocation. In the classical Christian vision (as you point out via Augustine and Aquinas), power is always teleological, ordered not toward domination but toward the perfection of the whole. I’ve written elsewhere on how the modern suspicion of authority stems in part from a deeper Pelagian anthropology: the belief that self-will is pure and that external ordering is always oppressive. But Scripture and tradition point us elsewhere: toward hierarchy as a form of loving service, and toward rule as a sacred charge.
We need more Christians who understand this and are willing to step into power; not for prestige, but for stewardship. Thank you for articulating that so well.
Well said. Hierarchy is something beautiful. But our modern egalitarianism tends to find it repulsive.
Unfortunately, Christian politics will continue to lead to white supremacy & war with much of the rest of the world.
This statement is so absurd.
This statement should be provided with at least some backing evidence to it which currently is very conveniently lacking.
Unfortunately, you need some basic education
Here in Misiones, Argentina. Very Bad outcome in a Christian initiative in politics. Complete desvirtuaron and discredit
I don't know of an individual who gained power within a corrupt system that wasn't changed by that system.
There’s an unexpected elision of the general position of the Early Church prior to the later years of the Fourth Century and the (contentious) business of St Ambrose and Theodosius…
I’m hoping for a part two…? 👀