Of Pubs and Pews

 

As they sit in the silent pews, among hushed whispers and hallowed bowed heads,

As they sit around the wooden stools, among the taps and craft beers.

They sniffled and stifled,

They joked and laughed.

One talked about the follies and mishaps of others,

While the other talked about their follies and misfortunes together.

One divulged in the misery and scandals of their neighbours

While the others cussed at the misery and scandals among themselves.

While they smirked and smiled,

They cried and lament.

O what strange tidings among foe and friends,

The ones who sit in the pews and pubs,

That drank the sanctified juice, drunk with envy, grudges, and malice

That drank the wine and whisky, drunk without a care in the world, 

Spirits lifted high…

As they walked out of the pews and pubs

Rolling in their righteousness and drunkenness 

Both at the foot of the Hill, susceptible to grace alone…

Of pubs and pews, their faith hangs, not on their dance and deeds, but on the Cross, atoned.

Inspired by Augustine's City of God

Of Kings and Priests.

 

I am a huge fan of medieval/historical era movies. So, from Game of Thrones to King Author, Gladiator to Robin Hood, even The Witcher or the Last Witch Hunter and yes of course Elizabeth I and 11, Reign, that whole genre.  The latest one I recently watched was called, ‘Cursed’ on Netflix, and in these types of movies, there is a certain pattern I started noticing, the role of the priest and the kings/rulers. 

 In ‘Cursed’ for example, the role of the high priest is very influential and although portrayed negatively, it is something that is worth exploring. In GOT for example in season () The role of the High Sparrow is creepy, manipulative, and well, destructive. In King Author, The Witcher, there is always a religious figure standing alongside the ruler, and well we all know what happened to the House of Tudors and the Church (Catholic). 

 

As I continue my theological studies,  (currently reading ) on Augustine and the Donatist controversy, this same pattern is highlighted. The role of the Empire (Rome) and the Church, and how each one uses the other to fulfill and achieve their goals. In the Donatist controversy, Augustine is critiqued for using worldly means (Roman military) to achieve the unity of the church. At the same time, a separation of church and state also begins here as “the church sought to assert her independence from secular rulers.”  

And so, the debate of church and state continues: 

·      wherein the church tries to detach itself from the state and isolate itself. (Monastic, shying away from all earthly attachment, politics)

·      the church tries to overrule and reign over the state/ influence and enforce its policies. (banning of abortions, same-sex marriage, certain literature, free speech, etc.) Asserting military rule or theocratic approach in politics.

·      the church becomes one with the world. (influence of the Empire overall church matters/ there is no distinction as the church becomes fully liberal).

·      the church tries a pluralistic approach, and engages with the secular, non-hostile towards the state, at the same time asserting its dogma and theological foundations. 

A major critique here would be that as I problematize the various approaches, the quest to seek a solution may appear idealistic and a far cry from being realistic. Nevertheless, this quest continues, for the means of dialogue, balance, conversation, and debate is a never-ending journey.