Post # 26
In Deuteronomy chapter 28 Moses wrote about God’s blessings for obedience (v.1-14) and curses for disobedience (v.15-68). – HERE .
These promises were applicable uniquely to Ancient Israel from Joshua to the exile. Since then these principles may apply on an individual basis and for nations as well, due to their cause and effect nature.
This comprises part of the evidence that people use to criticize God for being autocratic and ogre-like.
French and Raven’s Five Bases Of Power – Here
1. Coercive Power – This forces one to do something they don’t want to do, often on threat of punishment, such as demotion or firing. The goal is to get compliance.
2. Reward Power – This is based on the idea that people are more prone to do things and do them well when they are getting something out of it.
3. Legitimate Power – is typically based on obedience to the position or title rather than the particular person as a leader. Usually used in combination with other power methods.
4. Referent Power – The power comes from one person having an overall likability leading people to identify with them. Celebrities often have this power in society. On the flip side they can lose it quickly.
5. Expert Power – Relies on the ability to adninister information, knowledge or expertise. This power makes the leader able to combine the power of reward in the correct fashion and inspire trust and respect for what they stand for. When your expertise is valued so are your ideas and leadership.
The Question to ponder is which methods of leadership does God exercize?
I think God, being God, can use any method that he wants to, but he has used all of the above at various times. He doesn’t use Coercive Power today, but in the Old Testament he set up capital punishment for breaking the 10 commandments. An example of Reward Power would be the promise of blessings for obedience.
I believe God uses all five methods at various times and probably a lot of other ones too.
I thought I would take the liberty of pasting in John Valade’s comment into the body of this essay because it is so insightful and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss it – hidden away at the bottom of the page.
John Valade says:
“Jesus himself seems to have made use mostly of the latter two types of power in his ministry on earth. Just before his death, his “referent power” turned against him by making him a threat to the establishment. Since he used no “coercive power” and was seen to have no “legitimate power” by those who had authority.
There are two types of power that naturally did not occur to French and Raven. The first is Holy Spirit power, through which Jesus and his disciples performed signs and wonders. The second is “resurrection power,” which ultimately establishes Jesus’ legitimacy and authority – for those with eyes to see and ears to hear”.
You might like to search ’Reward and Punishment in Society’ Here .
Tags: Reward and Punishment
July 25, 2009 at 10:20 am |
Jesus himself seems to have made use mostly of the latter two types of power in his ministry on earth. Just before his death, his “referent power” turned against him by making him a threat to the establishment. Since he used no “coercive power” and was seen to have no “legitimate power” by those who had authority.
There are two types of power that naturally did not occur to French and Raven. The first is Holy Spirit power, through which Jesus and his disciples performed signs and wonders. The second is “resurrection power,” which ultimately establishes Jesus’ legitimacy and authority – for those with eyes to see and ears to hear.
Thanks, Merv, for another excellent post!
July 25, 2009 at 9:37 pm |
Thanks John for your comment that added so much info about the way that Jesus exerted leadership. Holy Spirit Power and Resurrection Power – I didn’t think of either. I hope others read your comments too. Thanks much.
July 25, 2009 at 9:30 pm |
Ditto