There is a big difference between exercising authority and being authoritarian. Authoritarianism is the exercise of unlawful authority or unlawful use of lawful authority. The article unpacks ten characteristics of an authoritarian.

The purpose of this article on authority is threefold. In the first place it discusses the nature and excellence of authority in general, and the authority that historic Christianity has ascribed to the Creator in particular. Secondly, it points to some of the ways the Western world has turned from God's authority. Finally, it discusses how Christianity might be able to re-establish authority in the world today.