Power

Power is the energy or ability to cause a desired effect. As far as human development is concerned this may be regarded as an expression of the desire to understand, control or transform nature, whether this refers to inner understanding, control and transformation, or to external natural and social environments. When power is seen as deriving from God, irresponsible exercise of power results in slavery to that which was intended to be commanded. Nor is it possible simply to abdicate power, this also being irresponsible and slothful. Power bring obligation. Since it is through power that everyday life and society are organized and goods are distributed, not sharing in this power means failure to join in the life of the community.

In the Christian tradition there has been a development from the tendency to accept earthly powers almost uncritically to the present attitude which is more that it is a duty to use any power one has to alter political institutions for moral purposes. This is inherent in the concept of a responsible society, when power is controlled and exercised by legitimate authority.