One has had unwavering faith for his entire life, the other had period of severe turmoil and a crisis of faith before returning to his beliefs. Which would be the better priest in your mind? Whose word are most valid?
2006-07-20 03:24:15 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
kc. If you have to ask, you're quite possibly missing the point of the Q
2006-07-20 03:33:35 · update #1
what makes a great priest?
I don't think it's who has seen more highs and lows or who knew enough to stay away from them...
A priest is supposed to share God's word and His love and encourage believers into living a life that glorifies God.
these are the markings of a great priest...
a priest who just talks about his life can't be talking about Jesus' life...
both of their words are weighed equally, because they're supposed to be giving God's word...
God shows His power in that He alone could bring such two men from different backgrounds into a common place of servitude, they both end up in a life marked by grace.
Now, on a personal level, I'd more likely be friends with the guy that had the ups and downs...
they tend to be less... stick up the butt.
2006-07-20 18:21:35 · answer #1 · answered by snowcoveredtree 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why does this really matter? The turmoil doesn't necessarily make the one better, and the relative ease of belief doesn't necessarily make the other worse. What matters is whether their faith is strong now and whether they are being faithful to their calling.
With all due respect, I don't think I'm missing the point. I understand what some of the others have said, about how the period of turmoil can make it easier for him to relate to others who, themselves, are going through turmoil. I agree with that. But the truth is the truth, and if a priest is being faithful to his calling, then his words are valid regardless of his past.
P.S. Well said, Candice.
2006-07-20 10:31:31 · answer #2 · answered by kcchaplain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the second one. I believe we have to experience some things in life, some degree of hurt conflict etc.to better minister to others, all of us not just priests.
When I became a christian at age 29 I had this conflict, I wanted to get involved in church and help others but felt so bad about my past and failures....till one day a scripture was opened to me and the Holy Spirit made it real in my heart "Whosoever has been forgiven the most loves the most" Wow! I thought by the world standards that doesn't make sense, but God is so gooood! That's what I needed first; to know in spite of my past I had the ability to genuinely love God and others with all my heart, and that God loved me the same as anybody else! Then I learned specially through Paul's epistles that the mistakes, trials and sufferings we experience will help us be more compassionate, merciful, and effective ministers of the gospel (all of us are called to be a witness).
2006-07-20 11:02:49 · answer #3 · answered by Maria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming the first one didn't spend his life hidden in a cave, then I'd say the first one. You do not have to suffer yourself to identify with the suffering of others, and if you can make sense of the world/universe without having to experience everything then you could just well have a higher level of understanding than everyone else.
The second one is making his reason to have the faith a more personal one, which is really the opposite of having a belief in a universal being who is connected to all of us.
2006-07-20 11:07:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the one who had severe turmoil and a crisis of faith before returning to his beliefs because he will be able to be more understanding. God has tested him through turmoil and crisis and he was able to overcome them and turn to God.
2006-07-20 10:30:30 · answer #5 · answered by Gina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say the first priest would make the best priest. He is too stupid and inexperienced in life to think that there is no god! He can deliver his sermon with no conscious.
Priest 2 has his doubts! His name must be Thomas.
2006-07-20 18:23:41 · answer #6 · answered by Bent 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have to think about that one (when I'm drug free of melatonine :-)).
OK I don't know. It would just depend what kind of priest to me.
I would choose the one who is wondering whether or not what he believes in is really The Truth as he sees it. Logic/reason versus heart/feelings.....struggle.
I would not trust an indocrinated one who just blindly believes because he has been told so.......especially roman catholics ones who tell couples how to manage their lives...
But me....wandering again away from the path....some buddhist monks.........
Depends what kind of religion/faith you are talking about....
So to go back to one of my ealier Q : I am open-minded but quite indecisive in this case..
Am sure you have something in mind.....but don't know..give up.
2006-07-20 15:14:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to go with the second priest. I think you need to live a little before helping others, so you would know what they are going through.
2006-07-20 10:57:56 · answer #8 · answered by gsi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. Searching for your own truth, within and externally is the only valid option for any individual. None of us should rely upon what we are told to be the truth by any other, priest, parent, teacher, expert, scholar, guru or whomever. Rely on what you yourself have researched and meditated upon. Rely of the word of God within you.
2006-07-20 12:05:43 · answer #9 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one who has to keep questioning his faith. The other one isn't open to new ideas and is kinda brainwashed. The one who questions,in my opinion, is proving that even though he believes,he's also willing accept new ideas,and that he's open enough to accept not everything is as black and white as the first one does.
2006-07-20 11:13:01 · answer #10 · answered by cc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋