The Four Systems of Earthly Power

Let me begin with a comment on the subheading of this blog. The Silver Sentinel does not oppose those in authority - far from it! - for all authority is established by the hand of God. The subheading actually has a double meaning. On one hand, those in power should be monitored closely because of the natural human tendency to let power go to one's head, which can lead to abuses. On the other hand, they also should be watched because by watching them we can learn a lot that may be beneficial. Still, the caveat to beware applies. Whether wielded wisely or poorly, power is a grave responsibility.

Onto the matter at hand...

I propose that all exertions of earthly power ultimately fall into one of four categories. (I say earthly because the power of heaven, that is of God, is in a category unto itself, or more accurately perhaps, beyond categorization.)

The four categories are force, logic, sex and money. Naturally, these can overlap and intertwine.

Let's start with money. Like it or not, we live in a world of things. Some things we absolutely need like food, shelter and clothing. We also tend to desire things that are not necessary, but which do serve to entertain, comfort or stimulate us. Money is simply the standardized commodity by which the things we need or want are exchanged. That's not a bad thing, but it is a form of power, and therefore has the potential to do either great harm or great good.

Even more than we desire or need things, we desire and need each other. The relationships between friends, relatives, professional colleagues and neighbors are important and influential. No form of human relationship, however, is comparable in intensity to those based in sexual attraction and desire. Let's be honest. It can completely bend the mind! From the Trojan War to the Oval Office, people have done all kinds of wacky things when overcome by the fever of lust or romance. As with the money-power, the potential for both good and evil is bound up in sexuality.

Logic...words, ah, where the Silver Sentinel is most at home! The power of words is indeed a wondrous part of the human experience. Think about it! A few kind words can send your spirit soaring toward heaven. Likewise, an off-hand insult or mocking jibe can crush your heart.

At last we come to force. In days of old, the sword stood as the ultimate symbol of this form of power. Over the years, the functional supremacy of the sword has been replaced by the gun and more recently, by the nuclear warhead. Still the symbolism remains, and it is understandable that the sword (or spade in modern playing cards) is the trump. All the shiny money, burning seductiveness and brilliant argumentation in the world will avail nothing against the onslaught of raw force.

While money, sex and logic clearly can be applied in both good and bad ways, force is different. The only 'good' application of force, in this humble Sentinel's opinion, is defensive - that is to oppose another force that has been asserted almost certainly due to an inability or unwillingness on the part of the aggressor to meet its needs or desires through negotiation (money), seduction (sex) or persuasion (logic).