[CynicalBear]

That refers to leadership rather then authority.

[Mrs. Don-o]

That's what I meant about the importance of first agreeing on a definition, and making distinctions between one thing and another.

http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/leadership?s=t

All of the words listed as synonyms cover approximately --- but not quite ---the same semantic field. If ou want to define authority as meaning only ultimate, supreme, executive command, of course that is God's.

Christus vincit. Christus regnat. Christus imperat.

But if you want to discuss the many occasions and gradations of administration; authority; command; control; direction; leadership; management; power; competency; directorship; domination; stewardship; superintendency; etc.---

Then we can talk. Occasions and gradations of delegated authority, leadership, oversight.