Freedom, Authority, and Responsibility

Since it's the 4th of July weekend, I've been thinking a lot about Freedom; the worldly kind and the spiritual kind. This weekend, it's especially appropriate to recognize, appreciate, and thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States and for the people responsible for ensuring our political and societal freedoms. 

Freedom is however one of those ideologies that has been twisted into something it is not in the modern world. Freedom does not mean doing anything we want, whenever we want, however we want, anytime we want, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else and as long as it's not against the law. Another way we skew the meaning is when we take belief systems out of proportion. Look at the definition of this cool word I found recently. You may know all about EGALITARIAN, but although I understand its meaning, I'd never really paid attention to to the word. Here's the definition:

e·gal·i·tar·i·an

iˌgaləˈterēən/

adjective

1.

of, relating to, or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.

Of course I believe that all people are equal. The Church teaches this too. But, this modern principle is especially embraced in the United States because our freedom was won through a revolt against oppressive authority from England. Authority today is often viewed as suspect and opposed to the freedom of the individual. This makes the authority of the Catholic Church, the Holy See and the Magisterium, seem suspect. Legitimate authority, however, is always necessary in politics, society, and in religious faith. We can never take egalitarianism to the point that we allow individuals to do what is wrong under the veil of Relativism; do whatever makes you happy. Sometimes what you think will make you happy is not good for you or even dangerous to you. 

Spiritual freedom is another thing entirely. It is so counter-intuitive to us that in order to find freedom we must surrender. Our personal freedom does not include deciding for ourselves what is right and what is wrong for us. Right and Wrong have already been identified. We exercise our free will by simply choosing what's Right or choosing what's Wrong. 

The gift of freedom does not come without responsibility and the opposite is true. Responsibility affords a proportional amount of freedom. Finally, as Uncle Ben reminds Peter Parker/Spiderman (and all of us), "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required," which, of course, is in Luke 12:48 "And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required."