A Lament for Modern Priesthoods

It seems common among alternative spiritual paths these days for individuals to claim the title of priest or priestess almost automatically. According to some Pagan religions, all members of the religion are automatically "clergy in their own right." This is a double sided coin. On one hand, there are very few opportunities for people following uncommon or non-organized religions to truly be trained or receive a title. People who truly feel the calling to serve their religion as a priest or priestess have little choice but to proclaim themselves one and settle for a title from the Universal Life Church. On the other hand, this also means that there's no real way to prevent those who simply want the power or the glory, or perhaps are simply inexperienced, from claiming the title for themselves. Obviously, this has caused a degradation in the understanding of what it means to be a priest or priestess (or other such title), and has even resulted in some questioning whether the idea of a clergy is valid or is simply a means of domination. This is unfortunate and even saddening, for in ancient times the priest/ess, or other spiritual guide, was a role both valued and vital.

Not everyone is meant to be clergy. It is an innate quality that one either has or does not have. If a person doesn't have it, it doesn't mean that they're lesser, or aren't devoted to their religion. It merely means that they're meant to follow something other than the path of the priest. To declare all members of a given religion to be priests and priestesses might seem liberating; but in fact, it merely makes the title mean far less than what it truly is. Some would object to this statement, saying that the idea of the title having value makes the layperson of a spiritual path less important. This is not the case.

Few would disagree that not everyone has the calling to be a healer, nor true desire to. Similarly, most would admit that not everyone has the nature of a warrior, or a poet. The same holds true for the nature of a priest or priestess. It's not about a title that you claim to impress people. Those who call themselves a priest or priestess for this reason don't understand what it's really about. Similarly, we shouldn't view the idea that some are priests and some are not as meaning that some people are less spiritual or inferior in some fashion. Being a priest or a priestess is simply, but deeply, a calling. It doesn't mean that those who are not of a priestly nature are less spiritual or less important, anymore than those who are not of a warrior nature or a healing nature are lesser than those who are. They are no better or worse; simply different. Perhaps if this attitude were encouraged in the Pagan community, while also acknowledging that not all are cut out to be clergy, there would be a more healthy approach in general to what being a priest or priestess is.

Today, no one can truly judge for you whether you have the priestly calling or not. It is something only you can tell within yourself. However, to do true justice to your deity and yourself, I would urge anyone to be careful in proclaiming themselves a priest or priestess. It is not a path for all, and you serve your god and/or spiritual path best when you are honest with yourself. Ask yourself: if your religion had much more rigorous requirements for being called a priest or priestess, would you undergo those tests? If your deity asked something of their clergy which was uncomfortable or of great hardship, would you be willing to endure it for their sake?

Similarly, those considering becoming a priest or priestess should consider the fact that the idea of a priest/ess is not about being a dominating enforcer of dogma; this is merely a way the role has been corrupted. Before these roles are thrown out, we should consider the fact that any role that a person may serve has at some point been used for corrupt reasons by unscrupulous individuals. Ridding ourselves of these potentially fulfilling and meaningful roles due to fear of possible corruption would be rather like cutting off our hands to prevent them from using weapons. Rather than doing that, we should educate and encourage within the community a more positive view of clergy; both on the part of the layperson and the part of the priest/ess themselves. Rather than being dominators or dogma police, a spiritual path's clergy should serve as gentle spiritual guides for their path and those that seek it, and as companions and providers for their deities.

Being a priest is not about ease or status, it is about spirituality and devotion. This word means something deeper than freedom to a practitioner, or a catchy title. I would encourage anyone considering taking on a title such as this to contemplate their reasons for wanting it, and do an honest evaluation of themselves and their ability to serve as a spiritual guide and advisor for their fellow spiritual seekers.