A Stand on Druids as Priests
Beirdd

Tue Sep 19 21:40:33 2000
I have a lot yet to learn about the legacy and traditions of the Druids. From what I have seen in the literature and the law it seems that they did fill many roles and did so as a priestly class. The was a hierarchy of authority which was called upon at least in times of severe crisis. They had a concrete program of formation. Their presence was required to fulfill various ritual and political needs. Where there are stories of "solitary" Druids, these are stories of extremes, wherein an individual seems to be living an eremetical life similar to those of monks of contemporary or subsequent religious traditions. As in those other traditions, I would think that these are stories precisely because they are the exception, not the rule. If this is so, most Druids would be slugging along in whatever ministerial role that was to be expected of them.*p*I personally disagree with the notion that "religion," as a structure of belief that joins a group in common faith and practice, is inherently flawed. I consider that that notion shows disregard for the human spirit and is among the most cynical of ideas. I personally reject the current trend in considering that only "personal spirituality" is valid and noble. Spirituality and religion are spouses, in my opinion, and in their most imbalanced and flawed forms naturally and gradually gravitate towards balance.*p*I believe that the Druids were the ministers of faith to and with the Celtic people. That makes them priests. Why should things be different today just because there are those who "think" otherwise? I prefer to lean towards the side with 5000 years of tradition, broken or otherwise, behind it, rather than the side backed by 30 years of popularism. *p*But that's just what I believe :-)*p*--Beirdd