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.