Calvin Synod Herald, 1986 (86. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1986 / 4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD — 8 — REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA BRIEF MEDITATON Scripture reading: Malachi 2:1—9. Text: "For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of /ioi/i”(Malachi 2:7). It is impossible to be impartial and unbiased, we are influenced by our experiences and feelings, yet we should try to do our best when we have to speak about ourselves. In our sermon series on professions and occupations this last one will deal with the ordained clergy. As much as possible we shall ignore our prejudices and concentrate on what the Bible says. The Biblical and traditional background of priesthood The first priest mentioned in the Bible is Melchizedek, Genesis 14:18, who blessed Abraham and Christ is called a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, Hebrews 5:6 & 10. The name Melchizedek means; king of righteousness. Unfortunately we do not know much about him. After the Jews were led out of Egypt Aaron and his sons were selected by God to serve as priests, Exodus 28:1. They were expected to conduct themselves accordingly, Leviticus 21:1 —24. For the duties and dues of the priests see Numbers chapter 18. The priest were required to be pure and holy, Leviticus 21:7, but alas, as usual with time things turn around and they lost the high standards of their calling: “...priests profane what is sacred...” Zephaniah 3:4. See also Ezekiel 22:26, Hosea 4:9, Malachi 1:6—14. Although Christ often disagreed with the chief priests, scribes, and elders, for instance Luke 20:1—8, yet we know that He respected the clergy because He gave this order to the leper He had healed: “... go show yourself to the priest,” Matthew 8:4, also Luke 17:14. The most important teaching of the New Testament about the priests is that no “professional clergy” is needed to have a mediator between God and man because Christ is fulfilling this role, 1 John 2:1, and every faithful can be his or her own “priest” what the Protestants call; the priesthood of all believers: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, ...” 1 Peter 2:9. See also Revelation 1:6 and 20:6. Theological and practical basis of the ordained clergy The New Testament does not mention seminaries, doctor degree in sacred theology, ordination of the clergy (as the Bible does not mention many other things) yet this does not mean that “preachers” shall not be educated on academic level and commissioned to proclaim the gospel: “And His gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,” Ephes. 4:11. Also; Acts of Ap. 6:2—4; 1 Corinth. 12:28; Titus 1:5. Then why are priests and ministers trained for years and then ordained? /. To preach the gospel. "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. " Romans 19:17. Read also: Romans 10:14, 2 Timothy 4:2. 2. To administer the sacraments. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,..." Matthew 28:19. J. To further reconciliation. "A II this isfrom God,, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation" 2Corinthians 5:18—19. 4. To propagate goodwill, charity, and love. Christ closed the story of the good Samaritan with these words: "Go and do likewise" Luke 10:29—37. What is the clergy most often criticized for? 1. People don't like him. (Woe to you, when all men speak well of you,... Luke 6:26.) 2. The congregation does not grow. Most of the mainline denominations lose members. 3. He does not listen to the good advice. Which of the factions offers the good advice? 4. He does not preach the Bible. There is no perfect sermon. Even Christ ’s words were challenged, John 10:19—20, and the testimonies of the Apostles were not welcomed by everybody Acts of Apostles 5:12—18. To clarify this complex situation somewhat let us use the hospital for illustration. The hospital administrator is expected to satisfy the doctors, nurses, patients, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Likewise the clergy should pay attention to God, bishop (or whatever his title is), the elders, and the congregation. (I know, there is also choir, ladies aid, youth fellowship, Sunday school, etc.) In the field of medicine the most important issue is supposed to be the health of the patients, yet this vital service cannot be rendered without the hospital being paid for it. The doctors cannot save every life, how often do we hear; the operation was successful but the patient died. How fast can someone change his or her mind about doctors, nurses, hospital when he or she is rushed to the emergency room in an ambulance! As you do not want to get well for the sake of your doctor likewise you should not repent your sin and turn to God for the benefit of your pastor. What kind of clergyman do you want as your pastor? One who is a participant in a popularity contest? One who is a good business manager? One who performs miracles; solves all the problems, helps everybody, always gives and never asks? Or one who does his best to love and serve? pev Alexander Jalso The Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton Chancellor Dr. McCord Wins Templeton Prize Dr. James I. McCord, Chancellor of The Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton, New Jersey, is the winner of the 1986 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. He was named for this award, one of the richest prizes in the world ($250.000), for his “pioneering work in theological education.” Dr. McCord is the 14th winner of this prize: previous recipients have included Mother Teresa, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn and Billy Graham. Dr. McCord both a brilliant Reformed theologian and a dedicated ecumenist, was for 24 years president of the Presbyterian Princeton Theological Seminary and for one cycle, ending 1982, president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (Preshyterian and Congregational). He is greatly respected and loved by the Hungarian Reformed community here in America as well as in Hungary. He is Doctor Honoris Causa of the Theological Academy of Debrecen, Hungary. All his career Dr. McCord served his ideals of clarity of theological consciousness and of quality of theological education. These he endeavors to fully implement through the operations of The Center of Theological Inquiry, a research institution founded by him. The beautiful and functional building housing the Center was opened and dedicated in 1984 at Henry Robinson Luce Hall in Princeton. The Center “is an educational institution without students. It teaches through the publication of books and articles, lectures and symposiums... Promising and prominent scholars are invited to become fulltime resident members for periods ranging from one semester to three years. Members are awarded grants” so that “they can undertake their research without financial sacrifice or hardship to either themselves or their families.” The center encourages conversations between theologians and scientists; some of the present resident scholars are already exploring the relationship between religion and science. The Center’s No. 1. Report, by Roland M. Frye, deals with The Religious Case Against Creation- Science. The Center is a tremendously bold venture not only financially — the campaign goal for awards, housing, personnel, operating costs reaches $18 million — but first of all in its endeavor to establish a dynamic harmony between Christian theology and natural science. It ushers in a welcome new era to the field of scholarly research. Dr. Andrew Harsanyi Let us choose so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. —Mark Twain
