Sacerdotalism

Sacerdotalism. It’s a big word. A theological word. A word denoting a certain false teaching. Some within Lutheranism are familiar with this word. Others are not. So, to begin the conversation, first let me list two consistent definitions from reputable publications.

The online Lutheran Cyclopedia defines sacerdotalism as follows: “View according to which the laity can establish relation with God only through priests.” (source)

The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sacerdotalism as follows: “Religious belief emphasizing the powers of priests as essential mediators between God and humankind.” (source)

Confessional Lutherans believe, teach, and confess what God’s Word says about mediation. “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus is that one mediator. The pastor is not that mediator. Nor is the pastor the Good Shepherd, the Savior, or the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. And yet, by means of the Office that Christ established and into which the Church places them, pastors are called to distribute Christ’s gracious gifts in Word and Sacrament. All those who are rightly called into this Office are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

But there are some Lutherans who define sacerdotalism differently. One such alternate definition that recently came across my desk is the following: “Sacredotalism is a pastor taking upon himself the right to do things that have little if anything to do with Word and Sacrament ministry.”

I find such a definition troublesome for a few reasons. First, unlike the Lutheran Cyclopedia and Merriam-Webster citations above, I cannot find such a definition in any reputable source (I am happy to be corrected if there is one). Second, where does Holy Scripture or the Lutheran Confessions forbid a pastor from doing things outside of “Word and Sacrament ministry” (either voluntarily or when he is asked)? After all, most pastors do things that have “little if anything to do with Word and Sacrament ministry.” Many pastors do such things regularly. Below are twelve examples of things that many pastors in smaller congregations may do to one extent or another (many more could be listed):

• pick up office supplies for use at church
• place orders with suppliers via phone or internet
• prepare and print the worship bulletins
• assist with changing the paraments, banners, etc.
• set up tables and chairs for various classes and functions
• help clean and vacuum
• help decorate the sanctuary for various liturgical seasons
• help mow lawn in the summer
• help shovel snow in the winter
• help with various projects to better the church property
• write letters to village or business personnel on matters that affect the congregation
• track membership records, statistical data, etc.

None of these is essential to “Word and Sacrament ministry.” Does that mean that the pastor who does one or more of these is guilty of sacerdotalism? I don’t believe so. Why not? Because these things have nothing to do with the “view according to which the laity can establish relation with God only through priests” (see Lutheran Cyclopedia citation above). They are adiaphora—things neither commanded nor forbidden by God’s Word.

As Lutherans, we need to agree on a common definition and stick with it. I believe this would help clear up a lot of the misunderstandings and false accusations out there. Perhaps it would even lead to greater faithfulness in our Witness, Mercy, and Life Together!