Spiritual Director

I recently learned that the Most Revd Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior primate of the worldwide Anglican communion, has been employing a Roman Catholic priest, Father Nicolas Buttet, as his ‘Spiritual Director’. The former claims that the latter has been one of the 'formative influences' of his life. For any who think a supposedly evangelical leader of a Protestant church seeking direction from a Catholic priest to be somewhat problematic, there are precedents. Below is a recently discovered letter written by the Hebrew prophet Elijah himself, which archaeologists claim could date to the mid-ninth century BC:

Mount Carmel,

To my fellow Israelites:

For several years now, I have come to accept that the prophets of Baal are not rivals or enemies, but fellow travellers on life’s great religious journey. Historical misunderstandings and religious conflict have muddied the waters and created a climate of mistrust and apprehension between them on the one side and ourselves, believers in YHWH, on the other. It is important that we can learn from each other and better understand each other’s perspectives. For this reason, I have asked Queen Jezebel to kindly provide me with a prophet of Baal to be my Spiritual Director, a kind of mentor, a father in the faith. The Queen was only too pleased to assist, and suggested that His Eminence Father Baalzub, high priest of Baal at Samaria, fulfil this office, which he was delighted to accept. He and I shall meet for prayer and devotions, and I shall give a regular account to him of my own spiritual journey and progress. He is a wise and venerable man, and a true inspiration to the whole of Samaria. It is my hope that his deep spirituality and devotion to Baal will inspire me and (and you!) in our own pilgrim paths. Is it not wonderful that Baalzub and I are able to overcome the cultural barriers that existed between us, and enter now into a wonderful partnership of fellowship, encouragement and mentoring?

Please do not be concerned or troubled by this wonderful new accommodation and alliance. Our two traditions can only become richer and more vibrant as a result. ‘God’ can be understood and approached from many directions. There is only one God, though we must not be so presumptuous as to think that our name for him, and our understanding of him, is the only correct one. Hopefully, Baal worship and faith in YHWH will be able to coexist peacefully and even share joint worship services as we better seek to know and comprehend the divine.

Yours sincerely

Elijah Tishbite