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In [[politics]], '''authority''' ([[Latin language|Latin]] ''[[auctoritas]]'', used in [[Roman law]] as opposed to ''[[potestas]]'' and ''[[imperium]]'') is often used interchangeably with the term "[[Power (sociology)|power]]". However, their meanings differ. "Power" refers to the ability to achieve certain ends, 'authority' refers to the legitimacy, justification and right to exercise that power. For example whilst a Crowd/mob has the power to punish a criminal, such as through lynching, only the courts have the authority to order capital punishment.
In [[politics]], '''authority''' ([[Latin language|Latin]] ''[[auctoritas]]'', used in [[Roman law]] as opposed to ''[[potestas]]'' and ''[[imperium]]'') is often used interchangeably with the term "[[Power (sociology)|power]]". However, their meanings differ. "Power" refers to the ability to achieve certain ends, 'authority' refers to the legitimacy, justification and right to exercise that power. For example whilst a Crowd/mob has the power to punish a criminal, such as through lynching, only the courts have the authority to order capital punishment.
==Religious perceptions of authority==
==Religious perceptions of authority==
Most [[religions]] around the world, whether it is [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]], or [[Christianity]] has always considered God as the supreme authority. All the religious scriptures have considered God to have authority and wisdom, which is far superior than what any human being possesses. The source or reason behind this authority usually involves tremendous power and compassion along with primacy in the physical and spiritual realms. That which is divine is usually thought of as the creator and therefore superior than ordinary creatures.
Most [[religions]] around the world, whether it is [[Hinduism]], [[Islam]], or [[Christianity]] has always considered God as the supreme authority. All the religious scriptures have considered God to have authority and wisdom, which is far superior than what any human being possesses. The source or reason behind this authority usually involves tremendous power and compassion along with primacy in the physical and spiritual realms. That which is divine is usually thought of as the creator and therefore superior than ordinary creatures.
