From time to time you might hear the phrase "priesthood of all believers". Let me do the best I can with what that phrase means.
Priesthood of All Believers = The phrase has been attributed to Martin Luther and the time of the Reformation (15th-16th Cen). According to Luther, the clergy of the Church had begun to think of themselves more highly than they ought. For that reason, Luther argued for less division between the clergy and laity. Luther believed 1) all believers (clergy and laity alike) have access to God through prayer. In other words, there is no reason to seek an "educated" clergyman to pray for you. You can pray yourself; and 2) all believers (clergy and laity alike) are to be priests to those around them. Luther pointed out that priests were to be servants. To follow his thoughts, priesthood of all beleivers meant every Church member has the obligation to look to meet the needs of others. This is service at it's most basic level.
Being a priest carries with it great privileges and awesome responsibilities. May we not take these things lightly. Any thing you want to add here?
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6 comments:
Yes. An important truth. On Scot's blog (Jesus Creed) a thread ends up touching on that. How individualism is all but enshrined in so many churches in their outlook and practice of just getting it all from one pastor. Fortunately there's many exceptions to that, and I think believers are awakening, beginning with pastors, to wanting to get all of God's people in "play".
Good thoughts, and good from Luther. But did have problems really being worked out in practice, it seems.
It is easier said than done Ted. PTL I serve a church where many understand the concept.
I have read Luther using this term. I did not know it was credited to him though.
As I finished reading the last paragraph I'm reminded of Spiderman and the quote from Uncle Henry to our young Peter Parker. "With great power comes great responsibility."
Many times we see those who are super as those with the only ones who have these great powers. These may be superheroes, super Christians, Pastors, and the list goes on.
However as pointed out it is the Priesthood of ALL belivers. Those who are a beliver come to have this great power this great responsibility; and this is simply to be a disciple of Christ.
We may do this from the pulpit on Sunday morning or while driving a taxi in New York City. God has called all of us to minister to everyone.
Just because God has called someone to serve him full-time in the church does not give him/her a better "super power." We all have the same power that God gives us. The same power of prayer, of love, of compassion. Granted we have one that we will excel in over another but that's the beauty of the well oiled machine that is the body of Christ. It takes all kinds to make it run the race.
Welcome back Mike! For Luther, the priesthood of all believers is just one of the philosophies that led into the Reformation. As you know, there were other things. However, this was a BIG motivation.
D,
You said it well - priesthood of ALL believers. That's exacly what Luther argued for. And that's what I believe Scripture to teach. Thanks for the thoughts!
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