Soft Power

The Centurion said through his friends to Jesus “I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word and let my servant be healed” (Lk. 7:7).

            When I was a boy, my parents exercised their authority over me in an interesting way. If they wanted me to do something they rarely used harsh words or threats of punishment. Instead, my parents would explain to me why I should comply with their request. They would model the behaviour they expected me to follow. On a few occasions, they resorted to positive incentives to gain my cooperation. At the time, this was an unusual way for parents to exercise their power but it almost never failed. After I grew up, I followed their example and found it effective in dealing with people. This form of “soft power” is sometimes seen as a weakness but its strength may lie in the subtle way it achieves its objectives.

            In this text from Luke, the interaction between Jesus and the Centurion demonstrates how Christ can use “soft power” to bring individuals into a relationship with him.

            Within the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament authority was equated with the ability to get things done. While all power came from God, it was given to individuals, some of whom used it in a harsh manner. When Satan received authority over everything but the person of Job, terrible suffering was inflicted on the prophet to get him to curse God. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened severe punishments on the Jewish exiles to get them to worship his gods. Through warfare King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonians and became the new rulers of the Jewish people. Yet, in each case these uses of harsh “hard power” produced a result different from the one expected. In spite of the hardships inflicted by Satan on Job, the prophet never cursed God. Righteousness prevailed over evil. The Babylonian Exile tested the fidelity of the Jewish people but a remanent preserved their covenant with God. Although a pagan, the powerful Cyrus became the instrument by which the Jews returned to Isarel and rebuilt their Temple. Clearly, these stories indicated the limitations of “hard power”.

            Luke’s account of Christ’s encounter with the Centurion revealed the usefulness of “soft power”. As commander of the local Roman garrison, the Centurion could have used his authority to force the local Jewish community to obey his commands. As a military officer, he was used to having his orders carried out. But instead, he chose to foster good will with them by constructing their synagogue. When his servant became ill, he had probably heard stories about Jesus healing the sick and hoped for some intervention by him. The Centurion could have commanded Christ to appear before him but this use of “hard power” was unlikely to produce the desired result. It was his faith, that Jesus could help him, and humility, declaring his unworthiness to present his request in person, which revealed he recognized Christ’s superior authority. Jesus responded to the Centurion’s approach by first offering to visit the sick servant and then healing him without doing so. Christ understood his power to draw individuals, like this pagan soldier, into a deeper relationship with him was often best achieved not through dramatic but subtle actions.

            Within our modern world, “hard power” has become the more common way to get things done. The strong intimidate the weak with harsh rhetoric and threats of negative consequences if they do not comply. The powerless are dehumanized and considered expendable. Yet, as history demonstrates, the balance of power shifts over time. The weak gain strength while the powerful lose their ability to dominate. In the short term, “hard power” can be effective. But the sense of resentment and injustice it creates can lead to problems. Most human institutions learn, often the hard way, that “soft power’ can be the best course of action in the long run.

            The Church has also had to learn this lesson. In the past, Catholics have used their power to burn heretics at the stake, force conversions and persecute people of other faiths. These events are now looked upon as mistakes which require penance and reconciliation with those who were harmed. As our society becomes more secular, the Church should adopt a “soft power” approach. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote, “it must propose and not impose its beliefs on our world”. While this does not mean it should compromise the faith, it must use reasoned arguments to present its doctrines and be prepared to listen to opposing perspectives about them. Respect must be shown to those with whom we converse even when it is not reciprocated. Harsh rhetoric and threats of punishment have no place in this process.

            As my parents taught me, authority when used in a temperate and subtle way will usually achieve positive results. During his earthly mission, Jesus took this approach on many occasions including his interaction with the centurion. Catholics would be wise to follow his example.

May 29, 2019