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Introduction
Politics and power are useful in daily lives. However, power is whereby one can influence individuals without coercing them to do something notable. Politics involve all the activities related to governance in a particular area or a country. Often, religion does not mix with politics because religious leaders tend to uphold their values. Based on the parable of Good Samaritan, one would see the manifestation of authority on how the Samaritan, seen as a man of lower social class, saved a man who was dying while the priest and Levite did not find an urge to help. Power strongly relates to religion while politics involve earthly leadership.
According to Bergoglio, one should be concerned only with God-given powers. However, many people mistake power with coercion of people. Pope does not entertain participation of religious leaders such as priests and fathers in political activities. However, other scholars argue that democracy should take shape in any country hence religious leaders would contribute to such developments. Bergoglio acknowledges humility in exercising power because one may not be sure when he or she will be coming down. According to the Pope, Religious leaders have the mandate to preach values rather than exercising political acts that may not be of use to them and their followers. They should uphold the dignity of Godly powers other than human ones (Bergoglio & Skorka, 2013, p. 139).
Furthermore, based on the story of Good Samaritan, the priest did not help the man who had been beaten up by robbers. The priest was a man of higher authority, but surprisingly, he did not help the wounded man. Also, the Levite who passed without helping was the one likely to have offered his helping hand. The Good Samaritan exercised authority that has set an example for people who read the story. However, he was ‘unlikely helper’ based on his lower social class as compared to the Levite and the priest. Examples of people seen as unlikely helpers in the community include people with disabilities. Individuals should take up responsibility and help the unfortunate ones in the society. The three had been walking in separate instances when they saw a man in the ditch. Only one went to help that person to safety while others walked away. The Good Samaritan’s story is impressive and urges human beings to exercise their authority in making the society a better place. One may be seen as a feeble creature who may not help those in need, but after giving his best, he would outshine those perceived to be rich (Piliavin & Piliavin, 1973, p.120).
Moreover, the fact that many people show-off their powers expresses high levels of pride that goes against God’s teachings. The fact that the story of the man in the ditch was set in the dark; without the knowledge of the participants shows the right manner of exercising powers. I find it quite compelling to exercise power or authority in secret other than showing off. One who does it in secret without caring about public opinion shows that his or hers urge to help emanates from the heart. In today’s world, people dismiss others because of their situation and class. For instance, someone with a disability may be rejected because of his or her situation but at the end makes a good leader based on particular values.
In conclusion, the Pope differentiates between power and politics. He cites power to originate from God while politics is related to earthly values. However, religious personnel may contribute to the leadership of a country without being partisan. Religion should not mix with politics, except in particular circumstances. The Good Samaritan shows that a person perceived to be of lower tier can exercise power by helping others. Humility should also be on the forefront when exercising powers and authority.
References
Bergoglio, J. M., & Skorka, A. (2013). On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family, and the Church in the Twenty-first Century (pp. 139-140). Image.
Piliavin, J. A., & Piliavin, I. M. (1973). The good Samaritan: Why does he help. (pp. 120-122) Unpublished manuscript, University of Wisconsin.
