Tony Benn: the politics of power

The recent death of left-wing politician Tony Benn has prompted a flurry of analysis about socialism in the UK. I heard Tony Benn lecture at Bristol Baptist College when I was a student over 30 years ago. He was MP for Bristol South at the time, and, although he did not profess a Christian faith himself, had a long free church heritage in his family. He was charismatic as a personality, and always stimulating and intriguing to listen to. His five questions to ask people in power are now famous:

1. What power do you have?
2. Where did you get it from?
3. Who do you use it to benefit?
4. Who are you accountable to?
5. How can we get rid of you?

These democratically turbocharged challenges cut to the heart of how powerful political elites almost inevitably form themselves into self-serving cabals that are more interested in hanging onto power than serving the good of the country that elected them and gave them the power. How different the leadership the Lord Jesus both showed and called for in those who follow him:

John 17:1,2 "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, asYou have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him"

1. What power do you have? He has all authority.
2. Where did you get it from? From the Father
3. Who do you use it to benefit? Those whom God has given to him - if you are a Christian, that means you!
4. To whom are you accountable? The Father
5. How can we get rid of you? You can't. Sinful men tried to get rid of him - but in doing so only fulfilled the plan that the Father had from the beginning. And now, praise God, no-one can get rid of him - because he rules the universe with equity and justice forever.