Exploring Canaan - Thoughts on Power

Thoughts on Culture from a Christian Perspective

Thoughts on the Pursuit of Power: Several months ago I had the opportunity to visit a local high school drama. I arrived about 10 minutes late and missed getting a program, so I was left to my own devices in determining the theme of the play.

The first half of the play seemed to be a rendition of a children's story--something that sounded reminiscent of Dr. Seuss---though I must admit it has been away since I have read those sorts of books (for my children I am now reading books like 'Chronicles of Narnia', 'The Red Badge of Courage', and the like). The basic plot of the play was the desire of the 'have-nots' to be like the 'haves', and the desire of the 'haves' to be unlike the 'have-nots'. In a thrilling and wacky rendition, the children invested in a machine that would transform them into what they most desired in a desperate attempt to be 'one above' everyone else.

It seemed the essence of this children's story was a rejection of elitism. Stop for a moment and consider the powerful forces of separation that exist in our society. What is it exactly that separates one person from another? Several factors could be considered:

Wealth
Intelligence
Race
Gender
Geography
Family Relationships

However, we must dig deeper. Elitism is anything that separates one person from another in such a way as to create a power differential. It segregates culture into gradient classes between the extremes of 'powerful' and 'powerless'. It seems the root of the matter is really power. The pursuit of elitism is nothing less (though it is more) than the pursuit of exercising power over another. In automobile terms, power is the destination whereas the above factors are simply the vehicle. Power is that cultural force which allows one to influence another, whereas elitism is the separation into classes to make this power more effective.

Humans have a marked ability to use any number of vehicles to arrive at the destination of the achievement of power over others. When one vehicle proves insufficient it is quickly abandoned for another. Yet it also seems true that certain individuals, due to natural inclinations, psychological drive, and divinely-bestowed giftedness, are irresistibly drawn to specific vehicles.

At the onset, we must quickly dispense the notion that the pursuit of power over another is a moral evil. Not that we should foolishly assume that it is morally neutral. It is indeed an absurd notion that anything in the domain of humanity can be ammoral. Perhaps removed from the grasp of humanity we could think this way. But every aspect of human behavior is applied behavior. That is, the moment it enters the realm of human flesh and blood it must be applied. Thus, one cannot achieve power over another in a morally neutral manner. One achieves such power morally, or immorally. It is only a few clouded philosophers--who convince themselves that within their contemplative ivory towers they have ascended above the plane of mortal man--who believe the nonsense of notions such as amoral (one should be reminded that however high the tower of ivory, its foundation is still on planet earth).

Symbols of elitism today would perhaps be country clubs, luxury cars, yachts, and first-class airline tickets--just to name a few. For a Christian, is such elitism wrong?

One can only answer that question if the issue of the symbol of elitism is recognized as being distinct from elitism itself. While the symbols may prove problematic for the Christian who has attained them, there is nothing inherently wrong with possessing them. But the spirit of elitism is something forbidding to Christians.

Why? Is it because we are not to hold power over another? Certainly a Christian is, by definition, a servant. We are to be lowly, humble, and sitting at the feet of others. But, one may object that God puts Christians in positions of power (pastors, ministry CEO, business owners, politicians, etc). Surely, if one embraces the notion of the sovereignty of God, one must believe God divinely ordained positions of power. Furthermore, the book of Hebrews commands local congregations to obey its leadership (i.e. those in a position of power). Based on scripture and reason, there doesn't seem to be anything inherently wrong with holding power over another.

Yet elitism is different than power. Elitism is the vehicle used by the world to attain immoral power over others. It creates a secular caste system where groups higher on the ladder stand above those below. Elitism can be expressed as an A-list politician grasping for the White House, a celebrity brat who is worshipped as the incarnation of beauty, or the literary aficionado who revels in their own knowledge and insight. It seeks to take, control, and permanetly hold. Power is simple one's ability to influence another. Elitism is a method to acquire and hold this power that exalts self at the expense of the other.

Though Christians can be holders of power, we are forbidden from the pursuit of elitism. While power can be thrust upon us by the living God, we are never to forget that we are the servant of God and others. Though power offers us elitist robes and riches, we are called to wear the humble rags of the servant. And, perhaps most importantly, we are to use our power to empower others. Elitism strips others of power (the power of self-worth, the power of decision-making, the power of a better life, etc). Christian power, by contrast, offers help to the helpless, and freely grants power to the powerless.

Christian need not feel guilt because they are in positions of influence. In fact, to deny themselves these positions would be a great denial of the authority and sovereignty of God. Christians should, however, tremble in the exercise of power. We must constantly gauge ourselves to determine if we have slipped into a pagan elitism.

In the end, it is okay to carry the scepter of a king, as long as we have the heart of a servant.