Priests impress and awe common people by conducting rituals in ancient tongues, but there is a danger that the rituals may replace true religious devotion. [1] Honor rulers and teachers, but call no man Father in spiritual sense, humbly serving all for the glory of God. [2]
Men struggled to comprehend women, viewing them with a mix of mistrust, fascination, and contempt, leading to a widespread belief in the baseness of women ultimately influencing the tradition of a celibate priesthood. [3]
The formation of celibate priesthoods in many religions was influenced by the continence cult, which historically spawned from a ritual among soldiers and viewed marriage as a lesser evil than fornication. [4] As religion evolved, priests specialized in various talents until they claimed to hold the keys of heaven. [5] The deleterious agency of religion is exemplified by priests. [6] Living faith and ecclesiasticism are forever incompatible, hindering the advancement of the true gospel as taught by Jesus of Nazareth. [7] Institutional religion diminishes the potential for good in ministers, turning them into mere administrators. [8]
Priests intervene between the religionist and object of worship, evolving from the concept of exceptional individuals communicating with unresponsive spirits in the advancing concepts of primitive man. [9] Micah condemned priests for teaching for pay, envisioning a future where everyone worships God freely. [10] Priests, although a millstone about the neck of the races, are invaluable leaders in guiding towards higher realities. [11]
The Salem missionaries, forbidden to function as priests, could have established a great religious structure among the Greeks if not for their oath of ordination. [12]
As religion evolved, priests became specialized according to predilections, ranging from singers to orators, ultimately claiming to “hold the keys of heaven.”. [13] Ancient capitalists, priests amassed wealth by exploiting the fear of the dead and offering protection for fees. [14] The priests, kings, and prophets were worshiped as individuals believed to be inspired by the deities. [15]
Women entitled to perform religious service stood before God on an equality with man, following the teachings of Jesus culminating in Pentecost and the obliteration of religious discrimination. [16]
See also: UB 90:5.4-8.