Brian’s Reflection: Thursday, May 17, 2007


It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom
of the Primitive Church, to have public Prayer in the Church, or to
minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.

- Article XXIV of the Articles of Religion, revised by
Archbishop of Canterbury Matthew Parker, who died
on this day, 1575


Being a priest who often refers to God as “She” (balance, you know), I have always delighted in Article I which states, “There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts, or passions …”. No human being God – and certainly not male any more than female – but actually neither! This is, I think, important to remember. Lest we make God in our own image.

As did, in my opinion, Jerry Falwell. I never heard a word come from that man’s mouth that in any way resembled either my experience of God nor anything remotely resembling the Gospel. I certainly wish him Rest in Peace. But I feel the world will be better off without his voice, and hopefully without the ignorance, bigotry and division he engendered.

Speaking of “a language not understanded of the people”, the modern day version of this is literalism. Literalism may as well be ancient Sumerian in terms of revealing anything intelligent about the Mystery of God. Literalism in terms of understanding faith and Scripture is about as useful as a bandaid on third degree burns. Literalism sounds “understanded”, but barely scratches the surface of meaning or truth. The soul will soon die of starvation.

The tongue that is “understanded” is Reason. Let’s have a little more.

Brian+