Why do Protestant lay people hate clergy?

[michaelwlf3]

I am coming up on my first year as an ordained minister in a continuing Anglican church, and I have noticed that participating on political forums (even when the topic is religious) I find that my opinions and postings more often than not generate more hatred than anything else. Among the things I often hear are that the laity are the real priests and that I am a Pharisee, that my vocation disqualifies me from offering an opinion on anything Christian because I am too narrow minded, and (my personal favorite) because I look too Catholic I must be a child molester.

Are these people really Christians?

[metmom]

I don’t think God calls any of us to earn a paycheck peddling Him.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

He is not being paid to *peddle* God. He's being paid to care for the flock full time.

If a man is hired to do that job, he needs to be paid well enough for it.

The job description needs to be well delineated and he needs to be held accountable for what he does and not be taken advantage of by the congregation and I have seen that happen as well.

[HangnJudge]

There is no “point”, it is posted for informational purposes.
If one is taking umbrage, they should look to themselves.

[Mrs. Don-o]

"It is a comparison to something of a lesser status. No one is of lesser status than clergy in the eyes of God."

OK, thanks, I get that (I think.)

But it also seems to me that it's a way of distinguishing one category of roles of service, from another.

It's as if I were to say,"Don't call that MD a doctor, we're all doctors, we all have primary responsibility for our own health and wellness."

Or "The words 'Mother' and 'Father' are offensive because the imply the other people in the family are of lesser status."

To be offended by "lay person" implies ---- if I am understanding you correctly--- a resentment of any distinct role or status. And yet St Paul says distinctions in the community of believers are instituted by God:

1 Cor 28-31
And God has appointed in the church
first apostles, second prophets, third teachers;
then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance,
forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.

Are all apostles? Are all prophets?
Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?
Do all possess gifts of healing
Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

But strive for the greater gifts.

And I will show you a still more excellent way.

And then he talks about the excellent way of love. All these people of different roles, different status, they don't worry about status or resent status: they love one another!

[darkangel82]

I don’t usually post on religion topics but I wouldn’t worry too much about what ignorant people say online.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I am astounded at this!! Please reconsider what you have said!!

I intended no invective AT ALL. Really, I didn't. I just asked a question. We have what we call "lay ministries" in my church. It's no insult at all to be called a "lay minister."

Many other churches --- Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Orthodox,Eangelical, Non-Denom (LINK) use the term "lay minister" as well.

No offense was intended, and no offense should be taken.

[Mrs. Don-o]

As for the other things you said about “spit” and so forth, I can’t even imagine a civil way to answer that. Why did you react that way against one who has done you no harm?

[vladimir998]

“There is no “point”, it is posted for informational purposes.”

So you have no ‘point’ but you have a ‘purpose’? Are you sure you know what those words mean?

[right way right]

I will lurk in and see if there is any good fruit being produced.
Then, when I see that there is not... I leave.
That would be the measure our Lord would use.

[GeronL]

It’s presuming guilt

we are infidels I guess.

[ealgeone]

“With Faith urging us we are forced to believe and to hold the one, holy, Catholic Church and that, apostolic, and we firmly believe and simply confess this Church outside of which there is no salvation nor remission of sin… Furthermore, we declare, say, define, and proclaim to every human creature that they by absolute necessity for salvation are entirely subject to the Roman Pontiff.”2 Pope Clement V, Council of Vienne, Decree # 30, 1311?1312, ex cathedra:

Hate to correct the pope, but outside of faith in Christ, and only Christ, there is no salvation nor remission of sin.

Furthermore, I am not subject to the pope. I am subject to Christ and Christ only.

And people wonder why we have issues with catholics.

[HangnJudge]

But...

Pope Alexander VI in (1492-1503)
The reports of this Pope include
Murder, Orgies, Incest, and Adultery

Pope Julius II (1503-13)
of which it has been said that
there was “not a trace of Christian piety in him”

Pope Leo X (1513-1521)
“The Pontiff has been accused of atheism,
for he denied God and called Christ,
in front of cardinals Pietro Bembo, Jovius and Iacopo Sadoleto and other intimates,
‘a fable’ ... it must be corrected”.
(Annales Ecclesiastici, op. cit., tomes viii and xi

Pope Adrian VI (1522-23)
was quoted to say

“We, prelates and clergy,
have gone astray from the right path,
and for a long time there is none that has done good,
no, no one”

(Secrets of the Christian Fathers, Bishop J. W. Sergerus, 1685, 1897 reprint, p. 227).

He lasted one year

It was in this context the Protestant Reformation occurred
Not that it has been without error,
it has been

Not that the fragmentation of the Body of Christ
has not been harmful,
it has been

But the context in which it occurred was
also profoundly flawed, and the Papacy Corrupt
Reformation was required

Protestantism also requires Reformation
The Truth of this is Bluntly Obvious
Doctrinal Drift
Teaching of Sinful behavior as Good
Willful denial of the Word of God

I have seen the full range of Sinful Behavior
Willful Breaches of all Commandments
In Professing Christians, Pastors, and Priests

The Body of Christ must
STOP This PROCESS of RECRIMINATION and BLAME
Our Witness is Profoundly Damaged
the Light before the World is severely Dimmed
and the World falls Deeper into Sin and Corruption

And Satan laughs.

[DungeonMaster]

Oh look someone else beating me over the head with the word hate.

[libstripper]

Sadly I have to agree with your remark about far too many Catholic priests. However, the two popes who immediately preceded the present dubious character gave me some hope about the Church. I guess all that leaves me to continue worshiping Morpheus, the god of sleep, on Sunday mornings. I dropped out of the Sierra Club about 25 years ago when I discovered it had turned into a communist organization, and I definitely intend to stay our of mainline Protestant churches for the same reason.

[HangnJudge]

I am horrified and dismayed at the umbrage and disdain that is cast on others in these threads. If we are the light of the world, there is a Hugh bushel basket over its witness.

[Tax-chick]

So, half a day later ... are you happy you posted this question, or sorry?

[Salvation]

I wasn’t posting about the Sierra Club — it’s a common mistake.

Bu the Serra Club founded to promote, affirm and encourage vocations.

Here’s their website......hope that mistake doesn’t happen again.

http://serraus.org/

[CynicalBear]

Protestants hate clergy? When did that start?

[vladimir998]

“I am horrified and dismayed at the umbrage and disdain that is cast on others in these threads.”

Your horrified and dismayed over that but don’t mind doing it to popes from the past?

“If we are the light of the world, there is a Hugh bushel basket over its witness.”

You, at the very least, are holding it there.

[vladimir998]

“Protestants hate clergy? When did that start?”

1517.

[Henry Hnyellar]

You’re looking for an answer here? Really?

Consider praying for these people instead of complaining about them online.