Moral Authority
July 13, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI just published his third papal encyclical called “Charity in Truth” that is dealing with economical and social matters. The timing of the publication was intended coincide with the G-8 Summit that was held last week in Italy.
The Pope in this text says: “Development is impossible without upright men and women, without financiers and politicians whose consciences are finely attuned to the common good. The global dimension of the financial crisis is an expression of the moral failure of greedy financiers and investors, of the lack of oversight by national governments and of a lack of understanding that the global economy required internationally recognized global control.” His message is clear. Business success and profits are not incompatible with social justice.
It is certainly a good idea to reconsider some of the basic principles of capitalism in times of economic crisis and global uncertainty.
The Pope, few would disagree has moral authority, not only for the world’s 1 billion Catholics but for others as well.
What constitutes moral authority? What are some of the elements necessary for someone to have such authority? Let me list a few.
1. A well-defined set of values
2. Courage to face opposition and possible negative consequences when faced with moral issues
3. Experience with a consistent positive track record.
4. Good communication skills.
5. A respectable dose of humility.
We should also aspire to have those qualities and thus have our own moral authority to be an example to others and to be able to give sound advice to our family, friends and colleagues.
Remembering what Gandhi said:
“Moral authority is never retained by any attempt to hold on to it. It comes without seeking and is retained without effort.”
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