Sunday Is For Saints – Canonization
One of the intriguing aspects of the emerging church movement has been the increasing interest in the ancient traditions of Christianity, specifically with Roman Catholic and Orthodox theology, liturgry, etc. Of course, this increased interest is not exclusive to the emerging church, as many Protestant/Evangelicals are showing this trend. In fact, I recently heard of a lolcal Mennonite community using liturgy in their services. However, it is a common feature of the emerging missional spectrum. I find myself drawn to it as well.
Of particular interest to me has been the lives of the canonized saints. Their example and wisdom draw me in with wonder, confusion and even frsutration. In truth, I had little interest in hagiography (the study of saints; from the Latin “that which is written about the saints”) until my Orthodox friend began to send me writings from many of these saints. I had some understanding from my Roman catholic grandmother, but it has only been in recent years that I have become more intentional in my exploration.
This isn’t surprising, given my Evangelical upbringing. Few Protestants have any understanding of canonized saints (or glorified, in Orthodox terms). Of course this stems in large part from the conviction in the sainthood of all believers. They rightly show concern for the idea of places any Christian on a level or rank above others. Given that the veneration of dead is rejected, the connection between canonization and prayer is lost to Protestants as well.
As I consider all this, I am genuinely torn. While I believe in the sainthood of every believer I also see lives that distiguish themselves. Though I fear we will create a tiered system of “holiness”, I also recognize instances throughout Scripture where individuals are uniquely touched by God. It is no easy issue. At the very least, we need to be exploring these questions.
What about you? What do you think? What are the strengths and dangerous of formal canonization/glorification of saints?
We’ve had quite a bit to do with the Egyptian Coptic Church who have their UK base across a park, 5 mins from our church. They have built a new cathedral there. They keep relics of saints all over the place! They have some of the relics of St George (patron saint of England) at the new Cathedral. Where they really are? The relics are important from the Coptics.
My background is like yours Jamie. I think similar things to you about this issue. It’s a little bit like Mary. We wouldn’t pray to her, but is she really just like any other woman or does she merit special attention. We have no problem looking at biblical characters to see what we can learn from their lives. Should we be limited to people that happened in that period of history? Was God more at work in those peoples lives? No, and if that were the case we would only get frustrated looking at them as role models.
We gain most, not when we look to ‘famous’ Christians but to Christians who Jesus has made himself famous in – throughout history and today. Surely, we should aspire to this personally, and look to learn from the life choices that other ‘saints’ have made.
Why do I only read my own comments after posting them? .. I will learn one day. ‘Where they really are?’ – what does that mean? I don’t know. It is meant to be – “Are they really real?”
Modern day candidate for sainthood “Bono d’u2″ who sang “the saints are coming” with Green Day.
Jon,
Good thoughts. Thanks for weighing in.
Peace,
Jamie
On one level I think the ‘canonized’ saints can help provide us with significant role models, especially in their human-ness, their faults. But I confess I find the process of determining sainthood to be rather bizarre. More importantly I fear that canonizing saints disempowers them, pathologizes them in a sense – makes them set apart, different than us. . .
I don’t have a Catholic background, so I really don’t understand the purpose of canonization. I’ve always found it interesting that it happens after the person’s death. I agree that the saints can be wonderful role models, but I don’t think formal canonization is necessary in order to make them role models. Canonization also sends the message to me that these saints were able to do things that the average believer has absolutely no hope of ever achieving. That’s just my 2 cents.
Bill,
I had the same reaction. As Dorothy Day used to say: “Don’t call me a saint. I don’t want to be dismissed that easily”. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
Mary,
It started, largely, to honour the first Christian martyrs. However, as the church became increasingly centralized and authoritarian, the process became problematic. The challenge is this: how do we not throw the baby out with the bath water?
Peace,
Jamie
I thnk we can gain a lot from learning about their lives, their sacrifices, and their examples of following Jesus, just as we in the evangelical faith would read about great missionaries and pastors of the faith. But I must admit I struggle mightily with the notions of special status.
Bryan,
I agree. It is also curious that there is little to correspond with the idea in Judaism (with the possible exception of the Tzadikkim, though that is a stretch). However, I am still somewhat hesitant to look past several millennium of tradition. I will need to give this one more thought.
Peace,
Jamie
I was Catholic most of my life, and grew up with many books and stories about the saints. I think the intricacies of the canonization process may be somewhat difficult for me to accept (certain number of miracles in response to prayers, etc.) but I do believe that God has, as you said, touched the lives of certain individuals throughout church history in a special way. A good example in recent times is Mother Teresa.
Kievas,
I agree, but it also present some problems. Using Mother Teresa is a good example. She was an incredible person of God from whom we all could learn so much. However, she was also human and flawed. Sadly, when people speak of sainting her, I hear two common themes: those for it, refusing to acknowledge her failings; and those against it, who reject her goodness is reaction to what they see as an over-stated honour. Could we not honour her in her broken humanity without surrounding her with this title?
In many ways, canonization feeds into the model of hierarchy that sustains power systems- systems that I believe are not healthy. So I am still torn. I do not want to over-react in either direction.
Peace,
Jamie
Firstly, I am quite assured to find people commenting the concepts which first came to me regarding this subject. Attempting to have humility in this, again like many others who have commented have to accept my history being rooted in reformed evangelicalism. While being aware of this I also think that it is important for heroes of the faith to be held up as accesible, while accepting God’s particular annointing on people, I think the danger is to over emphasize and create a Christian class system (like that which has already been stated) as Christians, those the excel should be examples and witnesses to a character that is attainable, other wise we allow this class system however subtly to enter our thought process and therefore release ourselves from the claim of Christ on each Christian. That all being said, Ive always very much liked my home, cornwalls patron saint, St Piran!
Liam,
Thanks for weighing in. It seems we all share a similar stance on this one. Glad you stopped by.
Peace,
Jamie
I wonder whether we don’t have our own cannonising process in the evangelical tradition, the great men of God, their awesome sermons, theological insights, missionary endevours etc
Paul,
I think you are absolutely right. And it comes with the same set of strengths and weaknesses. The difference (on of many, at any rate) is that our list is shorter and FAR more recent.
Peace,
Jamie