Why Respect Authority?

[Elderman]

Respect for authority does not always come easily to us. Do you sometimes find it difficult to respect those who have a measure of authority over you? If so, you are not alone in this struggle. We live at a time when respect for authority seems to be at an all-time low. Yet, the Bible says that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us.
(1 PETER 2:17)

[snags]

Respect is earned not given, regardless of rank or authority...

[Booldawg]

I guess most people who dont have respect for authority arent likely to follow guidance from a passage in the Bible.

[snags]

The following expands on my earlier comment:

''Everyone deserves some level of basic respect, just for being a fellow human being. This kind of respect means that I won't step on your toes, I'll smile and nod when you talk, I'll hold the door for you. This kind of respect isn't worth much.

The important kind of respect is the one where I will listen carefully to things you say and give your words a lot of consideration and weight. When we disagree, I will sometimes give you the benefit of a doubt (where applicable) and believe your opinion over my own. I will consider you to be a good person. I will want to emulate you. I will make every effort to treat you especially well. Your opinion of me will matter to me. The dictionary uses the words "deference" and "esteem" and that's accurate.

This is the kind of respect that's worth a lot. This is the kind of respect I hope to earn from people (though I don't know how much I succeed), and the people I respect in this way are the ones I seek out in life, the people I want to be around.''

[RATTER15]

Respect is nothing to do with the Bible and I totally disagree that respect has to be earned.

I respect everybody automatically, however that respect can be lost!

[RATTER15]

The Bible is deserving of very little respect!!

It is full of death, torture and slavery, dress it up how you like, but it says we should worship that God.

Not for me thanks, I have my morals without needing a silly ancient book to tell me right from wrong when it preaches such atrocities!!

[jake-the-peg]

I'm sure it does.

The mantra of pope's through the ages

Jesus placed authority in his disciples and they in their sucessors through the papal line.

So Elderman are you willing to take your own medecine and embrace the holy
Catholic Church?

Don't tell me - let me guess - That's totally different right?

[snags]

doc... of course. The above quoted text is a little sycophantic but I agree with the overall sentiment...

[missnemesis]

Elderman you had me right up until this point >>> Yet, the Bible says that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us.
(1 PETER 2:17)

Respect should be given and received freely, irrespective of religion.

[LazyGun]

@Elderman - ahh, shades of spreading.
A stern little lecture, accompanied by a nonsense verse from a book of fables.

We should not be offering respect because the bible tells us to. Nor do I think that anyone is deserving of automatic, unqualified respect. Respect should be earned by action and leadership, certainly not because some book says so.

[RATTER15]

Doc, Perleease!!! less of the kisses, you are making me blush!

[dzug2]

<<Yet, the Bible says that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us.>>

But 'respect' and 'unquestioningly obey' are not the same thing

And what is the correct degree of 'respect' if I am a child and that person is a paedophile?

Soundbites from the bible really don't help - you can find justification there for virtually anything

[RATTER15]

Doc, I do the same lol.

[yogi-bear]

I try and give respect to all folk I come across in everyday life....and expect the same in return........if i dont get any back, i usually give them the "yogi glare".......normally does the trick :0)

[Bobbisox]

Morning gentlemen :-)
Respect is something I was brought up on, if someone shows me respect than I will reciprocate