Verses I hear myself saying at Summer school: draft writing

photo credit: by Enoc Valenzuela on Unsplash

I regularly save drafts that I never publish. I wrote the following on Wednesday 5th August 2020.

Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied,

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews chapter 7 verse 16 & 17

This is a central principle in non — conformist Christianity usually represented by many streams of Protestantism. The belief is that we are all priests after the order of Melchizedek, none occupies a greater position of power over others. Most churches have a form of ordination usually called ministers in Protestant churches. Quakers are one of the few that have no ordination. It is true that in some Quaker grouping there are pastors. It was in a Catholic setting that I recently heard of the dangers of ‘clericalism’ that is a belief that a cleric is superior to all others.

As a priest after the order of Melchizedek, you don’t need anyone between you and God. Gone is the need for a hierarchy or for a ‘special person’ to administer sacraments. COVID 19 challenged religious hierarchies including the need for another to act as God’s representative. Social distancing meant this couldn’t operate so where did that leave people with their faith? For one such as I not much change as my relationship is my relationship and nothing separates me from it whether COVID 19 or death.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew chapter 10 verse 28

This was in relation to religion becoming part of ethnic identity and nationalism. Challenging it is but should we ever fight another over land or property? I am reminded when I ponder this of The Cathars who did not seek to defend themselves against those who wiped them out.

No religion is higher than truth

I first heard this while visiting Theosophy. It remained with as a reminder that I should never allow a religious idea to stop me from pursuing truth.

Speak to my condition.

I picked this up from Quakers. It is a phrase used when something shared usually in vocal ministry strongly resonates within oneself.

Religion is our attempt to organise God.

I like to think I coined this phrase during one of the opening discussions of the Summer School. It sums up my view. That is not to say that religion cannot teach us a way to God.

Best day,

g