I met a guy today who was quiet materialistic, he had a merc, had some serious gold rings going on, and was mentioning how his kids went to private school. We happened to discuss the exchange rate between usa and uk, he stated he was glad the pound was doing better coz the americans needed a bit of bad luck in their lives coz they're "**** sure of themselves". Then he was ranting abou thte fact he got stopped and fined in his car for doing 80 in a 60.
Ok, so whats my question, this guy turned out to be a priest! I was stunned! I thought christians were supposed to be nice! But a priest, who was so materialistic, slightly racist who doesn't abide by the law . . . isn't he meant to set an example?
2006-08-04 05:11:36 · 36 answers · asked by foxy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Chris C, I'm not a liar, I know where his church is, and few people I spoke to knew exactly who he is, and yes he was a genuine preist with a big gold cross round his big ole fat neck!
2006-08-04 05:24:27 · update #1
Trustautoshop - Everything I own I have worked long hard hours for, if I was judging the guy I wouldn't have asked the question I would have stated that I thought he shouldn't have had that stuff. With all due respect I think you are judging me.
2006-08-04 05:28:58 · update #2
Having the calling to become a priest does mean that you're life is perfect, nor does it mean that you are required to give up material possessions in life. It merely means that you believe that God has asked you to be conduit to the people and try to have people see light of the ways in which to achieve a place in heaven.
No human is perfect. Period.
The fact that he possessed so many material ornaments does not speak to his religious beliefs, nor does having a liking for the UK over the US. Frankly that is worldly, and these have nothing to do with each other. Granted, he should be living a life as close to God as he can, and not concentrating to a matter of material possessions, but there are often reasonable explanations for that as well.
Having a Mercedes doesn't mean that he's ungodly, just that he probably has either money, and/or good money management skills. Do you know what his wife does for a living? Does he have a vocation outside of the priesthood? Is he a Catholic priest, or Episcopalian?
Many people get caught up in their everyday lives and often find themselves trying to compete with the Joneses, it doesn't make them a bad person.
For example, I'm a successful business owner, I drive a nice vehicle, and have two more at home. I have a wife and three children, and am an ordained reverend. Because of my success in life am I destined to go to hell? I don't believe so, because I do what good I can in the world, try to teach my family and congregants to do the same, and spend much time in my reflections on life, the world today, and God and his realm. In my past I have done things imperfectly, and even questionably to my faith, but I ask for forgiveness, and continue to follow my faith.
Perhaps it was an example that he was setting as what not to do in following his chosen faith. And perhaps he was not completely honest.
But, you also have to consider this, if he's a Brit with a Mercedes, that like a Minnesotan with Ford. Location and other values of the region have to be taken into account along with what his beliefs are.
2006-08-04 05:36:39 · answer #1 · answered by Michael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He should be but not all people who claim to be Christians are.
When I was young I acolyted for a priest who told us "Let's get this done quick, I have somewhere to go." before communion. He also drove a big red sports car. Even at thirteen I sadly thought "This man isn't a Christan."
There are a lot of hypocrites out there. Just learn the lesson. Don't be a hypocrite. Let G-d shine through you!
2006-08-04 05:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether this guy is a priest or not he is a poor excuse for a human being.
Life isnt about materialistic things, or which school 'cuthbert and jemima' go to.
Being a christian isnt about that either, its about love and acceptance of everyone.
If he is a priest he's setting a really bad example to those followers of his faith, and his family.
Dont let it confuse you, just stay away from him so you dont get dragged down to his level.
2006-08-04 05:30:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all priests are good priests. Some bad apples slip though seminary, but thier far and few between.
That story's not quite as bad as another priest at a chuch I used to go to. That priest embezeled money from the collection plates (I hear he's working at Micky D's now).
2006-08-04 05:20:36 · answer #4 · answered by just another consciousness 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Christian is suppose to set an example, but we are only human and therefore make mistakes. That is why we must pray for forgiveness everyday. I don't know about this guy, he seems to be full of pride and self-righteousness. But that is something he will have to deal with when God starts his judging. According to God, the teachers will suffer more than the ones being taught. After all Jesus tried to teach us to be humble.
2006-08-04 05:27:25 · answer #5 · answered by pooh bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he is into a cult!!
One more thing, Priests are also sinners. It just depends on the level of Holiness. Some shows, some doesn't. You just happen to see one who shows very much which is a sad thing!
But don't let that fool you about Christianity. He is only one bad examples among all...
2006-08-04 05:17:55 · answer #6 · answered by YourDreamDoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was he really a priest? Maybe he was just lying...
If he is a priest, he's doing a LOT of things wrong. You're right, Christians are supposed to try to be nice, even go so far as to try to love their enemies. Of course, no one's perfect, not even Christians, and everyone has their mistakes and weaknesses that they need to work on. But they should be making an effort to try to act better...
Try not to think of him as an example of what Christians should act, please, lol.
2006-08-04 05:18:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's a fact of life...many are wolves in sheep's clothing......there are a lot of priest who don't live what his religion taught him. ..many have illigitimate child, illigitimate sexual relationships...he ought to be reported and if found guilty, he can be removed from priesthood. ..what a sacriledge to the holy communion? .not all priest are like him. The children? if he had them before being ordained, it's just fine. The merc, well, he could be from a wealthy family. The speed limit/? evr'ryone gets his psycho days somehow, but if that's his character? report him.
2006-08-04 05:24:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"woe to him on account of whom God is blasphemed"
This is written about those who by their unbelief, and sin, cause
others to say bad things about God and His people.
This is nothing new; so called “priests” and “ministers” have been
hypocritically “believing” and “serving” for centuries; even from before
the revelation of Christ (His coming and incarnation to save us some 2000 years ago).
If you read your Bible, you will see that people like the man you met were not scarce
even in the time period Christ’s first coming (the second time He comes will be to judge the world).
I don’t want to bash any “denomination”, though some are absolute breeding grounds
for hypocrisy.
The word Hypocrite comes from the Greek language (hupokrates); it means a “ stage actor”
The Lord Jesus has a lot to say about men like the one you met today (who just happened to be the religious leaders at that time as well).
As well as the rest of the Holy Scriptures (which speak very much of people who play the part but are not truly believing
servants of The Lord)
I’m not telling you that all religious leaders are hypocrites; but unfortunately many are.
You have to worry about your own standing with God-and that depends on whether or not you have fully surrendered to His Son Jesus Christ The Living Lord and Savior.
He took ALL of the anger and judgment of God against OUR sins-the sins of the whole world. So that anyone who looks to Him and believes in Him truly, obeying Him and loving Him above all; can be accounted clean of their sins because He Is Holy and was without sin (no not even once did He sin, or commit any unrighteousness, that’s why God accepted Him giving Himself for us)
Sin separates us from God and causes spiritual death.
But Jesus’ Voice gives faith and life, and shows us The Way to God.
The Way to God is through His Only Begotten Son (the Only Son who proceeds from God-His “One-ness Son”)
Sin causes spiritual death because where there is no communion with God there is no life.
God cannot have communion with sin, and wrongdoing…..God is Holy and Loving.
He has offered up His Son to be slain, and feel the pain of all the punishment from God for sin-He died a true death. He IS RISEN from the dead……He rose on the third day truly, and truly ascended to His rightful place He had before the worlds began. He Is The Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The End. He Is The Lamb of God who was slain; and you can trust in Him completely to save you. He is The Only One you can trust to save you. (this is what God’s Word, The Bible says)
Matt. 22:15-and on
Matt 23 (the whole chapter He speaks to the hypocritical religious leaders)
and Mark 7:6
These are just a very very few of the places in God’s Holy and perfect Word where He speaks about what you saw today.
2006-08-04 06:46:30 · answer #9 · answered by Tom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
FOXY, you're a liar. Nice story.
A REAL Priest....a validly ordained Roman Catholic Priest doesn't own any property.
Maybe a Priest from the Church of Satan.
2006-08-04 05:19:10 · answer #10 · answered by Augustine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋