The liquid post-modern society seems to have ‘slipped’ towards anthropocentrism, moral relativism, the crisis of interpersonal relationships. The contestation of authority (the result of the social transformations of the 20th century) did not spare even the Church, religious and community life. Contemporary culture, which exalts individualism and narcissism, has attempted to weaken the ideal of common life and the spread of secularization has promoted values ​​that are often openly contrary to the Gospel.
Faced with misunderstanding concepts of freedom, which also partly influence that of authority in religious life, The service of authority and obedience (11 May 2008) constitutes a manual on authority and a brief treatise on obedience in current company. The term authority derives from augere ‘to grow, increase’. True authority promotes and respects otherness; it is configured as service, in the manner of Christ (the Servant).
In the Course, ample space will be given to leadership also understood as an educational process for others, highlighting the psychological and motivational processes underlying guiding others in a constructive way and being guided. Space will be given to the characteristics of the group to be led and to the delicate issue of abuses of power by the authorities. Finally, methods of strategic and effective leadership will be indicated, according to modern psychological theories, in reference to the peculiarities of consecrated and ministerial life.