The tendency to conform to those in authority is known as obedience. When it comes to faith, who is in authority? Christ, God, and the Spirit of God, of course are the ultimate authoritiy(ies). Who then is Christ, God, and the Spirit of God.
If you put God first (in lieu of let's say, yourself) what exactly are you putting there?
The authority of God comes from scripture, preachers, the community of believers, family, small group leaders, Sunday school teachers and other voices we allow in our lives.
When torn between trying to reduce God's voice of authority down to something more understandable and practicable vs. trying to hear, acknowledge and explore a wider array of God's authority (explore mystery):
I'm finding exploring rather than dismissing (listening to and trying to understand scripture, preachers, community of believers... differently) helps me connect to God.
The "problem" with the tower of Babel isn't what I thought in Sunday school- that the people were trying to be too much like God.
It is rather, for me, that the people weren't trying to be like God enough.
Research indicates, God likes diversity.
