Theology Snack #3

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?