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The concept of Higher power in Christianity

Higher power in various religious contexts signifies a divine or superior authority that exercises profound influence over human affairs and the universe. In Christianity, it denotes God's ultimate authority over all beings, guiding events with a purpose and administering justice through appointed magistrates. Gnosticism presents higher powers as spiritual entities imparting sacred knowledge, while Protestantism highlights God as the ultimate source of goodness. Catholic and Early Christian views see higher power as both a governing force in moral considerations and a transcendent authority influencing fate and existence.

Synonyms: Supreme authority, Greater force, Divine force, Ultimate power, Transcendent power, Supreme being, Deity, God, Almighty, Creator, Greater authority, Superior force, Divine influence, Divinity, Lord

In Spanish: Poder superior; In Finnish: Suurempi teho; In Dutch: Hogere macht; In German: Höhere Leistung; In Malay: Kuasa yang lebih tinggi; In Swedish: Högre kraft; In French: Puissance supérieure; In Swedish: Högre makt

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Higher power'

Christianity Books

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Those with authority, such as a judge, to whom one should be subject, and therefore, appealing to a higher power, such as Caesar, is lawful, especially if one is unjustly oppressed.[1] (2) This term is used to indicate a command or authority that supersedes the commands of a superior, potentially excusing a subject from obedience.[2] (3) The faculties of the soul that have authority or control over lower faculties, suggesting a hierarchy in perceptual and cognitive abilities.[3] (4) A spiritual or divine authority that transcends human governance and laws, often influencing moral and ethical considerations.[4] (5) The superior faculties of the soul that should govern and perfect the body in the state of innocence.[5]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) The concept of a divine or superior authority that governs the universe and its order.[6] (2) Supreme beings or forces that are believed to have control over human fate and the universe.[7] (3) Refers to God or a divine force capable of providing salvation and mercy to believers.[8] (4) Entities that are described as men, with Christ being their light.[9] (5) An entity greater than human comprehension that commands natural phenomena and governs the universe.[10]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This suggests a divine force guiding events, indicating that the servant's death was part of a larger plan, implying divine purpose.[11] (2) Elevated virtues and principles in Christian life that guide behavior and character towards goodness.[12] (3) The abilities possessed by humans that can guide them in decision-making, contrasting with the instinctual behavior of animals.[13]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) Refers to civil magistrates who hold superior rank and authority, ordained by God for administering justice.[14]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Refers to God as the ultimate authority over all rulers, indicating that human governance exists under His supreme oversight.[15] (2) Entities or forces that exceed human abilities and decisions, with God being the ultimate higher power from which nothing evil can originate.[16] (3) The ultimate force that governs and sustains existence, often equated with divine nature.[17]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Higher power'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) Menander claimed to be the Saviour sent down by the higher Powers of the spiritual world, to teach men the sacred knowledge whereby they could free themselves from the dominion of the lower Angels.[18] (2) Indicates a greater spiritual authority or a level of understanding which the Demiurge did not achieve, suggesting limitations in knowledge and capability.[19]

Plural form: Higher Powers.