Providence

In a post called Providence and Politics Diana Butler Bass discusses "finger-of-god politics," in which a leader of some sort claims divine favor (and therefore authority) attached to their leadership. Here is what she says about the dangers of this approach:

But finger-of-God explanations are dangerous in relation to politics. If God is the power behind a candidate, then, if that candidate wins, he or she is both beyond reproach and immune to criticism—because, of course, that person is seen as divinely appointed or anointed. The politician's actions are synonymous with God's will. This opens the door for political silliness (God desires tax cuts) or hubris (God favors our political party)—as well as making God responsible for a host of reprehensible or potentially evil acts in the forms of injustice, oppression, or war.

She goes on, however, to point out that providence is not rendered null and void by this misuse of it. There is, in fact, another story to be told about providence.

In this story, God does not control human actions as a divine puppet master. Rather, as human beings encounter the story, we change and our actions begin to conform to God's narrative of shalom. In this way, God's intentions unfold as we practice faith in humble gratitude that God has invited us into the story. Providence is not divine Mapquest or supernatural tom-tom. Rather, providence is a pilgrimage of God's people in time as they seek to live in mercy, kindness, and grace—and that is where God's will is made known. Not God's finger, providence is the breath of God, the spirit enlivening human beings to do justice.

God's providence as an unfolding narrative, as life-giving breath is not nearly as useful a tool for gaining or keeping power as the finger-of-god perspective; but is a far more humble, beautiful, and human one.