Speaking for God
The LORD’s first priests enjoyed a priveledged lifestyle as his ordained messengers. They dressed in magnificent priestly garments that included embroidered robes, shirts, turbans and sashes of colored wool and fine linen. They ornamented themselves with gold, diamonds and other precious stones and perfumed themselves with their own private cologne made from the finest spices. Everything in Israel that was unconditionally dedicated to the LORD belonged to the priests. They took the choicest cuts of meat from the offerings and the greater portions of flour and oil, baked breads and wine. They issued fines and collected tithes, taxes, fees and “protection” money from their people to ensure the LORD watched over them. When a field was released in the Jubilee, it became the property of the priests. They accumulated booty including young virgins from vanquished enemies. It was very good to be a priest.
The priests wrote in their holy books that the LORD was Jealous. But it wasn’t the LORD who was jealous of other gods but the priests, who’s lifestyles were threatened by the competition. And it wasn’t the LORD that was all powerful but his spokesmen. Thomas Paine said organized religion was “set up to terrify and enslave” and to “monopolize power and profit” and this is exactly what we see in the bible. Less interested in advancing the human condition than maintaining their power, they ruled with an iron fist. In fact, violence was the priest’s solution to most every problem. Those failing to obey their decisions, walking too close to Yahweh’s Tent, performing priestly functions or touching sacred objects were all killed. Prophets speaking false messages (anything that undermined the priests’ authority) were seized and their own parents were commanded to stab them to death. Priests wrote laws permitting a man to sell his daughter into slavery, stone his son and chop off his wife’s hand. They burned their own daughters for promiscuity and brides unable to prove their virginity were ordered to be stoned to death by all the men of the city. The entire community was commanded to partake in the killing of any man’s brother, child, wife or friend who suggested worshipping other gods. Anyone thinking or acting outside the priest’s narrow boundaries was cast out or killed. The priests made intolerance a holy duty and sanctified violence in the home, community and on the battlefield as well.
Thankfully, the power of religious leaders has been restrained by secular laws. And though most surely mean well, those that speak authoritatively about unknowable things—about the Islamic Paradise and awaiting virgins, the Christian Hell and flesh eating worms or the Scientologist’s Xenu and his alien interventions—mislead people and for that reason are a menace to clear and rational thought.
Lv 21:9, 7:31-34, 27:21, Nu 31:32-46, 3:10, Zec 13:2-3, Ex 30:12,15-16, 21:7, Dt 25:11-12, 22:20-21, 13:6-10 21:18-21, 17:12,
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4 comments:
Wow, So true isn't it John. It all goes back to man and his strive for power. It seems that priests were "Drunk with power". Using the bible to make their lives better. Not caring of others.
It's scary when religion clouds judgement of right and wrong. I am so glad we have laws to keep some people today from doing harm to others because of the bible.
You made a good point on several different religious beliefs. I hope as a society one day we will be evolved enough to see through all of this.
To me religion speaks of love softly, Fear and hatred so loudly.
I think often of John Lennon's song "Imagine", If only we could see a world that beautiful. Even if I don't, I do hope someday all mankind will.
Exactly, Brian. Priests understood the power to be gained over others by claiming to speak for invisible powers. Of course this was the case not only for the Israelite priests but the priesthood of every god ever conceived.
I think there are some priests and pastors who really try to help others. My dad was one of those. He was not a hell-fire & brimstone preacher; he was more of a conversationalist. He did not try to intimidate in his preaching; he really tried to help people "walk with the lord".
HOWEVER. In spite of this, I was still very, very damaged. This damage can occur even with the best of intentions from the priest or minister.
I further believe that these "spiritual leaders" are victims too. They are victims of their own dogma. I think of the current firestorm over Ted Haggard, the televangelist who was caught with a male prostitute in 2005. His entire empire crumbled. And this is all because he could not acknowledge that he is gay (and still cannot). He admits to fighting attraction to men, but he's not "gay"! And he's trying hard to cure himself of this, with much prayer and nashing of teeth.
His 5 children are suffering terribly because of this. And his wife looks like the definition of tragedy - just look at her eyes. And all because the evangelical belief does not allow people like him to acknowledge who they really are. It is so cruel; so many people have been victimized by this belief. Had he had support from the community, he could have settled down with a male companion; there would have been no screwed up children and no devastated wife. Ted Haggard himself would have been free from the constant self-flagelation of his belief system and would no longer have to hate himself. It's so profoundly sad to me.
Janet, Yes, of course I would think many if not most religious leaders are sincere and are trying to do right. In their case it is the quest for power to do good for their God that draws them to positions of religious leadership.
Your insight is always on target. I love what you said about "spiritual leaders" being victims of their own dogma. Yes! I feel for them. The Haggard story is such a shame, such needless suffering!
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