Although they lived centuries apart, they themselves like their forebears and like their followers may have believed the idea that, as king and pontiff, they were chosen by God and were representing the divine on Earth, one of the priest-kings of old. Even now, any declaration by a Pope on religious, moral or Church matters is considered infallible which is quite extraordinary to many people: one of the last infallible statements made by Benedict was to do with the choice of his successor, when he decreed that any cardinal who spoke of the deliberations would be excommunicated - rather a draconian new papal policy to introduce to stand for all time just as he left office. These infallible edicts on, for example, contraception and homosexuality, have caused much pain and confusion to those who believe and follow all that is said by a Pope as being from God.
Mediaeval kings and sometimes queens similarly were viewed with great spiritual reverence, and the new analysis, revealed yesterday, of the embalmed heart of King Richard I gives a fascinating insight into the rituals used in the treatment of his body after death. It was treated as if it were the body of Christ, with rare and sacred oils, spices and plants such as frankincense, myrtle and lime used in the embalming process to give an odor of sanctity, the ones which were believed to have been used for the preparation of the body of Christ. He was buried as the Son of God.
We do not know how this King Richard felt about himself and the aura of divinity which was placed on him by tradition and the desire of a separated people, but his reputation is of a brave and devout man, perhaps even a humble man. Popes....if a man believes he is infallible, he is not humble.
No human is any more divine than any other, just as no man is better than another. Some lead by example, some have certain skills or knowledge which others may not, but all have gifts unique to themselves. The purpose of a spiritual teacher - pope, priest or guide - is to help to heal the separation of man from God and encourage spiritual independence of thought, belief and practice; the purpose of a king is to guide his people and give them peace of mind, heart and soul.
Assuming a position of exaltation, of assumed deity, is to separate from those you love and serve, and may lead to ego, if you believe the status is true and deserved. It helps, perhaps, to remember that next time, in your next life, you will be very different, without the trappings of rank and office, seen for yourself only, honestly, simply and visibly. Jesus had rank and deference and spiritual status; he was called a king and the son of God: he was venerated, and with justification, but did Jesus want it, did he care about the labels? All he wanted was to help, and to love, and to teach us to love. That is his legacy, and that is his teaching, and that is our blessing.
Claire Montanaro is a spiritual teacher, channel and blogger with special interest in esoteric philosophy and the world in transition. Loves nature and wildlife. Author of “Spiritual Wisdom”.
(Claire will be talking about the last Pope's beliefs, and our relationship with God, on BBC WM 95.6 FM on Sunday 3rd March at about 0805, and a podcast will be available also. Comments via Twitter or the blog page will be welcome!)]]>
And, until the end of the Second World War, Japanese emperors were also considered divine.
And for some the Tibetan Dalai Llama is still and has always been divine.
[ Smiles ] You have given me something to think deeply about.
Nice article!
Thank you!