Hmmm. Interesting question, Michael. I have to say that while Church and State may derive their authority from from a supposed supernatural entity, the "entity" derives its authority from the society that worships that entity.

To my mind, God doesn't really deal with authority - that's a human concept. God simply is. I see God as the Essence of All, as Love, as That Which Is Beyond. I see that God as worthy of pondering and of awe, which is my form of prayer. It works for me, and I'm not particularly concerned whether it works for anyone else.

Morality is societal conduct and values that make sense for the health of society. And since there is an element of transcendence in whatever it is that makes society good and healthy and constructive, there is God-stuff in morality.

But Authority? That's a human thing. Humans ascribe it to God because it reinforces their own human authority. But I don't really think God cares about authority.

-Joe-