What is YOUR bible?

 Bible comes from the Latin biblia which means a collection of books. At the end of some books, you may notice a bibliography, which is a list of referenced books or sources.

If you are Mormon, your bible or primary text is likely the Book of Mormon.¹

For Muslims, it is likely the Koran.¹

For Hindus, it is likely the Bhagavad Gita.¹

If a Christian is asked what the Jewish bible is they may respond, “the Old Testament,” however from a Jewish perspective, they have ONE primary testament and they don’t call it old. If you are Christian, you may say that your bible is the “Old Testament” and “New Testament.”

When I give a lecture to people of unknown spiritual backgrounds, I will absolutely NOT use the term “bible” because that term may connote a different set of books, depending on their background.

To casually use the term “bible” with the public is, in my opinion, arrogant, or at best cavalier—it is presuming that the listener’s bible is the same as my bible, which may not always be the case.

Therefore, as I learned in seminary, I avoid the term “bible,” and when referring to my bible, I say Hebrew Scriptures (aka Old Testament) and Christian Scriptures (aka New Testament). Using these terms, I will always be accurate, and minimize alienating those whose bible is not the same as mine. And, I may even gain their favor by this demonstration of respecting their traditions, beliefs, and religious texts. Keep in mind that respect for one another’s traditions is an excellent foundation for resolving differences amongst people of differing views.

I encourage using terms like Hebrew Bible, Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Bible, and Christian Scriptures.

Even when addressing a group of Christians, I may begin by asking, “What is YOUR bible?” Makes for a good icebreaker, and they get an education in sensitivity, acceptance, and inclusion when speaking to non-Christians.

Recently I read an article, “Texas Approves Bible-Based Lessons in Elementary Schools.” To me, it brings up the question, “What is bible based—would it not depend on what your bible is?” In this post, I am not addressing the legality or appropriateness of such laws—perhaps another day—I’m merely addressing our terminology. I do find it surprising that in a country and world comprised of multiple religions, the term “bible” is used so thoughtlessly.

What are YOUR thoughts about using the term “bible"?

Next post: Why do we attribute the Ten Commandments to Christianity when they are actually rooted in Judaism?

— Paul

Is an Ex-priest still a Priest?

 Hello Readers!

When ordained to the priesthood, one is ordained for life. The sacrament of holy orders imbues an indelible mark, just like baptism. You cannot be unbaptized. You cannot be unordained.

"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4).

The official title of a priest in the Church is "Reverend." Reverend Paul Paiva. The familial title is "Father." Father Paul. When I perform a wedding or baptism, I used to sign the documentation as "Reverend Paul Paiva," never with the familiar title of "Father."

A priest may voluntarily request to be laicized or receive a dispensation from the Pope to be relieved of his sacramental duties, such as if he wants to get married.¹ But nevertheless he is still validly ordained and retains ALL his sacred abilities to perform sacraments validly, although not necessarily licitly.²

Although I chose to leave ordained ministry in the Church to pursue romance, marriage, and family, I am still a priest, to my own children and family and to all people.

Although I'm no longer involved in official ministry in the Church, if there is an accident on the highway and a victim requests to speak with a priest, I am still allowed and encouraged to come forward and minister to that person.

According to Canon Law, any priest can administer the Last Rites, which include the sacraments of confession, viaticum (holy communion), and anointing (sacrament of the sick) when the victim is in danger of death. These acts would be valid and licit² in the eyes of the church, with full approval.

No longer a member of the organizational Catholic Church and no longer involved in sacramental ministry in that church, I am still an active priest who respects Jesus' mandate at ordination to minister to God's people and be the servant of all.

I see my work now of writing my memoir and blog posts as part of my priestly mandate. In fact, every Christian has a priestly mandate, from either the ordained or royal priesthood (see 1 Peter 2:9—more on this in a later post), to contribute to the Kingdom in their respective priestly capacity.

I invite you to ENGAGE with me—send me your comments—let me know what you enjoy and what you may dislike. And please send any questions or suggested topics that I can address! This will help me to write meaningful posts.

— Paul

Writer of upcoming memoir,

Always a Priest: A coming-of-age story of sexual urgings and a love of the divine

¹ Technically if he marries, the marriage is not recognized by the Catholic Church.

² Licit and liceity, in Catholic parlance and in Canon Law, refer to that which is permissible, or that which is not illicit.

What I plan to post about

 Hello Readers!

If you are just joining me here, I’m an ordained Catholic priest who opted to leave the Church a few years ago to pursue love, romance, marriage, and family.  I have a lot of stories to tell.

Posts here will be in one or more of these areas: Faith, Intimacy, Communication, or Memoir.  I'll address questions that are often not explained in the typical routine of going to Mass.  

Some examples:

FAITH

• During Mass, why are bells rung at the elevation of the host and chalice?
• Why do we stand for receiving holy communion nowadays—instead of kneeling—and why do some churches still practice kneeling?  Is it better to stand or kneel for Holy Communion?
• Are there alternatives to abstinence and Natural Family Planning that a married couple may have, as they plan the number and spacing of their children, and still be fully compliant with Catholic doctrine?

INTIMACY

• Are women really supposed to be submissive to husbands?
• Is there a theology for orgasmic pleasure?
• "My pastor told me that if my husband is viewing porn, it means that I'm not availing myself enough to him for intercourse." My thoughts and critique on this.
• What is "pre-ceremonial sex," how is it different from "pre-marital sex," and can it be acceptable?

COMMUNICATION 

The heart of the Christian journey is, “What do you want me to do, Lord?” and “What are my spiritual gifts?”  The Enneagram is an amazing tool that can catapult your journey with Jesus by helping you to deeply know yourself and others. 

• Peter, the first Pope, was likely an Enneagram type SIX.
• Saint Francis of Assisi was likely Enneagram type SEVEN.
• Tips for being in relationship with a type ONE (and TWO and THREE and all the types).

MEMOIR

• Excerpts from some chapters.
• Insights into what Celibacy really means for those in priestly or religious life.

I plan to post at least once per week.  I invite you to ENGAGE with me, by sending me your comments—let me know what you enjoy and what you may dislike. And please send any questions or suggested topics that I can address! This will help me to write meaningful posts.

— Paul

Welcome!

Hello Readers,

I’m an ordained Catholic priest who opted to leave the Church a few years ago to pursue love, romance, marriage, and family.  I have a lot of stories to tell.

Since I’m no longer Catholic in the institutional sense, that is, I don’t attend Catholic Mass, I write FREELY of my experiences in my early twenties when I was full of hormones and ready to start dating, only to discover God calling me to leave my career in engineering and go into ministry!  I write about my wrestling with celibacy in a raw exposé, revealing to readers the various steps in my journey from layperson to ordained priest.  From childhood to college, application to attend seminary, my years in seminary, and years of parish work as a priest, I catalog the scandals, questionable morality, temptations, and seductions that were a part of my life.  And finally, the decision to leave ministry after falling in love a few times.

Besides tidbits on my upcoming MEMOIR, I will be writing stories that reveal insights I gleaned from my ministry in the areas of FAITH, INTIMACY, and COMMUNICATION.  My hope is that you will find these refreshingly different and relevant.  More about this in the next post.

I am intending this content for Catholics, former Catholics, and anyone who may be fascinated—or concerned—with the inner workings and mystique of Catholicism.  If you are scarred or traumatized by an experience involving your Catholic faith, this may be cathartic for you.  If you love your faith and want to experience and understand it more deeply, you too may be fascinated.

Initially, I plan to post once per week.  I invite you to ENGAGE with me, by sending me your comments—let me know what you enjoy and what you may dislike.  And please send any questions or suggested topics that I can address!  This will help me to write meaningful posts.

 

– Paul

 Writer of upcoming memoir,

Always a Priest:  A coming-of-age story of sexual urgings and a love of the divine

Celibacy Means to Love All People

God is love, and you who abide in love abide in God, and God in you.  

1 John 4:16

Years ago when I was a priest in church ministry, I was a committed celibate.  I was taught that celibacy goes far beyond not marrying.  Rather, it is a call to love everyone.  In marriage, your love for your spouse and children is your top priority; after them, you are called to love all others.  Celibate love is a call to love all people, with equal priority.         

To love deeply is to share intimacy.  That is our Christian calling.   Celibates, those who are dating, resting singles, and married persons - we are all called to intimacy with our fellow humans.  We may (and will) fall short of this mandate, but this is our goal.

Our journey with the Lord is a call to deeper intimacy, whether you are married or celibate.  As such, we abide in God, and God in us.  And that is loving deeply.