Posted on 04/22/2012 9:30:33 AM PDT by marshmallow
I stood by the mailbox holding a package that weighed about as much as an apple. Inside, I knew, there was a bikini. I was almost afraid to open it. How could something so small hold such a big risk?
As an Episcopal priest, I am usually more interested in what is going on inside a person than in what shows on the outside. Most days, if I have official duties, I put on my black clergy shirt, my white collar and a suit that looks decent and head out looking like a priest.
Now here I stood with my package, wondering how “priestly” I would look in its contents. The fabric was fire-engine red; a sprinkling of rhinestones along the edge caught the light.
I needed the bikini for the physique competition at the Wisconsin State Fair. I started training the year before. I loved how strong it made me feel. Now I was about to compete in front of hundreds of people.
The competition would be on a Sunday morning, a day I had requested off for “a personal enrichment experience.” I would not know many people in the crowd. No one from church would be there. Men and women would perform poses of “front double biceps,” “side triceps” and “back lat spread,” while at the other end of the exhibit hall, judges would award ribbons for apple pie and pickled beets. This was a wholesome environment; still, I knew I couldn’t share widely what I was doing.
Decades ago my church decided that the ordination of women was a just and morally responsible thing. Some people left over the decision. Some people still tell me they struggle with the idea. Now many women serve as priests, and many parishioners applaud this fact.
But somehow, despite our belief.........
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
“The package weighed about as much as an apple.” Interesting choice of comparison, Eve.
I don’t think “priests” have any business in such competitions.
Is nothing sacred anymore? You are supposed to be preaching about the spirit and here you are totally submersed in the flesh? You are at a crossroads here, “reverend” and need to make up your mind. Your body is a temple and it doesn’t need to be displayed at the state fair.
Thankfully the she priest does not appear wearing the bikini.
Wow. Who cares?
The priesthood is no place for narcissists, but that’s who it seems to attract.
I agree 100% with yldstrk and E. Pluribus Unum. I expect certain standards from a priest!
And the Gramscian “long march through the institutions” continues unabated.
Quite often actually. It usually was reserved for youth ministers but lately I've seen more showmanship from the head pastor or priest. There was a big thing in the 90s where these 'strong men' carnival show types would go around to churches. Look up Steve Carrier sometime. He is just doing motivational speaking stuff now, but he used to be on the church circuit.
I Corinthians 14:34
Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
“I wonder why the New York Times didn’t publish a picture of the reverend wearing a bikini?”
Just one of the small mercies that come to us in life I guess.
Disagree..and that’s exactly the point. If she felt it was fine to appear that way in the cocmpetition, then why not have a pic of her posing? After all, that’s supposedly what it is all about, right?..
LOL!
Oh, sure, throw scripture in her face... :>)
she “needed” the bikini for a contest?
She needs to take a modesty lesson...maybe a burkini is too modest, but maybe a modest one piece suit would do.
And why do I suspect she spends a lot more time exercizing than praying?
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