Power VS Authority

In Alan Herch's book "the forgotten ways" he makes a interesting distinction between power and authority. The example he used was this.

"George Bush has power; Mother Teresa had authority!"

I like this for a few reasons. 1. the difference between their positions & 2. their genders.

I looked at both power and authority from the stance of "Why do I obey this form?".

A. For power I obey because of fear, fear of consequences, or potential gains/incentives I might recieve.

B. For authority I obey because of love or respect. It is more relational.

Where power is bestowed by the position (President), I see authority gained by the character and relationship of the person. (Perhaps from caring or time spent--trust)

I think that the genders are good because men tend to be more factual while women tend to be more relational. (not always the case in all situations at all times.)

Many problems occur when we try to use power for a job that requires authority.
To be balanced we need to understand both. They both have their place.

Alan Hirsch points out that Gandhi`"altered his world, not through political maneuvering or institutional power, but rather through the sheer inspirational power of an integrated life based on religious, moral and social virtues." and that Jesus changed the world through" the power of his teachings and the sheer quality of his life.