My spiritual journey has almost come full circle since childhood. I started out in the Catholic church, traveled through various Protestant denominations, and have landed at Orthodoxy.
As I reflect back on this journey and what I've seen and learned, something strikes me.
In my current church, when you walk in the door, there is an icon (painted picture of) Saint Maximus the Confessor. If you don't know his story, he was an early church father who had his tongue cut out for refusing to speak heresy. Wow. Talk about persecution. And THAT was done by his spiritual brothers, if I recall.
So what?
Well, my husband and I were discussing how in our Protestant experience, we didn't have a whole lot of spiritual heroes. We certainly weren't encountered with pictures, metaphorical or otherwise, of the various Christian martyrs (except the few listed in the New Testament). We talked about how people need heroes in government, relationships, and spirituality. We noted that Protestantism lends itself to pastor worship for this reason.
Think about it. There's a well-dressed guy on stage who appears to have it together. His wife and kids look pretty good on Sunday morning. He tells you that the Bible says he's in authority over you. Your comrades in arms agree with him. GOD is telling you that he's spiritually more "mature" than you and that you should pray for him and revere him, right? You go to him for advice, for spiritual counsel. And what qualities him to be this spiritual demigod? His post-graduate studies (if he even has that) and his title: "Pastor." People will vest this type of power in a man they don't even know simply because of that title.
Now compare this same man to St. Maximus (or pick another martyr). Which of the two looks more like a spiritual hero now? One is in rags from his vow of poverty, the other is driving a new Suburban. One cannot speak because his tongue has been cut out, the other is a pretty slick presenter. One devoted his life to being available to his flock at all times, the other has a goon squad that keeps undesirables away. One went on "vacation" to a monastery to devote his days to prayer, the other leaves his family to go hunting with local Christian "celebrities." Which man is worthy of spiritual recognition? The one with the self-proclaimed "Pastor" title? I don't think so.
And here's the thing....the modern pastor is simply living out what his Christian culture has told him is OK. He doesn't find anything particularly weird or wrong about his course of action or life. He is living how his flock expects him and even encourages him to live.
In my opinion, it's because we have all lost our way. The modern church has created demigods and is injured by them. We ought to emulate those who have sacrificed everything for our spiritual freedom. Many Christians are quick to celebrate Memorial Day for those who died in service to their country. Perhaps we could take a lesson from the ancient church and choose to begin celebrating Saint days again? Perhaps this would help us get straight in our minds what exactly is spiritual "maturity" and what is not?
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