Voices of faith: Is a spiritual teacher essential for salvation?
WE'RE ALL MINISTERS
The Rev. Holly McKissick, pastor of St. Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, Kan.: If we had time for coffee, we'd have to first define salvation. Is it freedom from the world: reaching a state of enlightenment, living in blissful union with God? Or is it transformation of this world: creating a world with no hungry children, no war?
Once we've settled that (it might take two cups of coffee), then the answer to your question at least in my tradition is straightforward: No, a spiritual teacher is not necessary for salvation.
My tradition, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), grew out of the Presbyterian Church 200 years ago. Today, along with Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans and the other mainline churches, we speak of "the priesthood of all believers." That means everyone is a "minister." A person does not need a pastor or spiritual guide to reach God. The journey is something we share with all of our faith and doubts.
On the other hand, while a "spiritual guide" is not necessary, I'd be hard-pressed to grow without a challenging, supportive community. And certain individuals have been invaluable "guides" for me, from my parents to my youth sponsors to my teachings pastors in seminary. Other people help guide us, too: therapists, spiritual directors, study groups, dear friends. While these people may not be necessary for my "salvation," they shape my understanding of it and model the transformation I seek.
FIND YOURSELF A TEACHER
Rabbi H. Scott White of Congregation Ohev Sholom in Prairie Village, Kan.: Before I address the question of the necessity of a spiritual guide, here's a primer on the Jewish view of salvation. Judaism does not profess the notion of "personal salvation"; it has no official doctrine regarding heaven and hell not only about getting to or going to, but even whether they exist at all. Salvation is a word you're not likely to hear in a Jewish prayer service, and not just because it's mostly Hebrew.
The closest analogous term in Jewish teachings is kapparah, atonement, or "at-one-ment" oneness with God. The Holy Day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, stems from a Jew's quest for oneness with God. At the end of life, the teaching of meetah m'khapperret death atones for sin alludes to the idea that one's very life, at its end, is given to God as a means of atoning for sin.
Yet - and this is crucial one needn't (and shouldn't) wait for that moment to be at one with God. Oneness can be accomplished even early in life, albeit with much concentrated effort.
Getting there, and staying there, does indeed require a spiritual guide, as is covered in the eternally popular ancient collection of teachings, Ethics of the Fathers, where it is taught: "K'neh l'kha Rav" acquire for yourself a master teacher (rabbi).
VOICES OF FAITH
Send your questions for one of our panels of religion columnists to Helen Gray at The Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108. Send e-mail to hgray@kcstar.com.
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