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Greg Smith

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Pastor, Bishop, or King? (#0628)

2012/02/03 By Greg

Eddie Long has served as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church near Atlanta, GA since 1987.  A few months ago he took a leave of absence after his wife filed for divorce and former members (all male) of his congregation accused him of sexual abuse.   Bishop Long, as he is called now by his parishioners, is now back to shepherding his flock.  Last Sunday he returned to the spotlight again when a guest speaker, Ralph Messer, proclaimed Eddie Long a “king” in an elaborate, eclectic and enigmatic ceremony.

I am posting the video below, which has been viewed well over 125,000 times since it was posted three days ago.  It is, without a doubt, the strangest video I have viewed in a long time.

So What?

Wil Gafney’s article “Eddie Long is Not a King” is the most helpful explanation I have read.  She provides 27 different problems with this 15 minute “event,” including:

  • The claim that “only one of great authority” is given a “finger” to touch the scroll is patently false.
  • The claim that 90 percent of the Jews in the world have “never seen, approached or touched” Torah scrolls is utterly without foundation.
  • The claim that the kings of Israel were crowned with Torah scrolls wrapping them has no foundation in the biblical text.
  • The elevation of Long lifted in the chair by four men seems to have been borrowed from Jewish wedding festivities and has nothing to do with coronation; there is no evidence of this practice among Israelite or Judean monarchs.
  • The Aaronic blessing (Num 6:24-26) is a blessing for the people and not a putative leader.

What is your initial reaction to this one of a kind ceremony?  If you had been present in the service of worship when this occurred, how would you have reacted?

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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