Reflections on Ordination

By Hxaosanto

Yesterday, I requested and received ordination as a minister of the Universal Life Church. I had thought about this for some time before asking, and yesterday (August 23, 2005) - for many reasons, to be explained below - was the right time.

A little background about me may be in order. I am a 33 year old man currently living in Austin, Texas, US. I am single (divorced) and have 2 children who live with their mother. My religious history spans the range from atheist to agnostic to almost-ordained clergy in a major denomination. I have researched much about religion, spirituality, and the occult, and have a very large amount of knowledge about Christian history, ecclesiology, etc. even though I no longer self-identify as a Christian. My current beliefs are very close to Universal Life, with infusions of Taoism, Buddhism, magick, the occult, and quantum physics.

I have multiple reasons for my request for ordination. First, in a way, I feel "called" although I don't believe in a "caller" other than myself. This isn't any sort of ego trip, nor is it a wish to be in control of others. But, for some reason, I've always felt that I would work well in a community with those of like minds, and that in that circumstance, I would be willing and able to take on extra responsibilities related to the community, if needed.

Second, I agree with the tenets of the Universal Life Church. Everyone is different from everyone else, so why shouldn't everyone have their own outlooks and religions? And, if that were the case, shouldn't those outlooks and religions be respected as one would respect the holder of those viewpoints? Respect one another, and respect one another's beliefs, and peace shall ensue. This is one small way in which I can make a public statement and profession of belief in this ideal.

Third, the infrastructure of the Universal Life Church and its ministers is impressive. The ULC bookstore ( http://www.ulc.net ) has much to offer. The forums are active, and filled with knowledgeable people who are serious about their ministry. The ULC makes basic ministerial tools available for purchase (books, clothing, identification, etc.). Frankly, anyone who says that the ULC isn't serious hasn't done their research. Whether one is ordained to perform a wedding for friends, or whether one is ordained to embark upon a life-long ministry to thousands, the ULC provides a base level of support, if not more.

Fourth, the legal systems of the United States are both very open and quite particular about recognition of ministers/priests/etc. The ULC has a long enough history that one can be fairly assured of recognition, at least in almost all of the United States. ULC ministers have performed weddings, baptisms, funerals, and many other ceremonies and rituals - legally, and legally recognized - for almost 50 years. That doesn't hold a candle to older faiths (Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity...all are over 2000 years old), but it's nothing to sneeze at, either. Many people think that others request ordination for a "tax dodge"; that does not apply to me. Having a few extra dollars go to the government doesn't bother me.

Fifth, I have become more serious recently about my beliefs and their practice. This increase in seriousness may result in the construction of a temple or retreat center. I wanted to be able to provide legally-recognized services to those who request them at such a location.

There are those who consider ordination by the ULC to be "null and void", "worthless", "illegal", or even "blasphemous". To the first two, I say, "According to whose standards? To me, it's real. For those to whom I minister, it's real. To the government (aka 'society'), it's real. So, are we only talking about your standards?" To the third, I would reply, "With a little research, you will find that it is perfectly legal, and that I am a recognized and licensed minister in almost all 50 states. The ULC has a legal basis for its valid position." And to the last, I would ask, "If blasphemy is an affront to a deity, which deity or deities am I offending? And, since I am personally an atheist, I do not consider anything I do to be 'blasphemy' unless it damages me in some unwanted way."

Rev. Kirby J. Hensley, the founder of the ULC, said, "If you are a Bible Student you will understand what I am about to say. We have had three world orders: first from Adam to the Flood was about 2,000 years, then there started a second new order and it lasted about 2,000 years. Next came Jesus and he started yet another world order and it lasted about 2,000 years until now 1994. Which brings us to the fourth order . . . The Universal Order. No order has worked until now. All three world orders before had never worked. Why? Because they looked outside of themselves for direction on which way to go, what to do, why, etc . . . they were looking for some supernatural power. The new Universal Order teaches men & women to look within themselves. Because within men & women lies the answer." I don't agree with his "young-Earth-ism", but I agree with his idea: stop looking outwards. Look inwards for your salvation. Buddhism has taught this for over 2500 years as well. Hence, "blasphemy" is insulting yourself, "worship" is a celebration of you, and your "power" to perform ceremonies and rituals comes from within you.

Even though some have requested ordination for the "wrong reasons", or even gone so far as to request ordinations for their pets, it doesn't invalidate the "call", the "power", or the "intent" of those ordinations seriously received. I, for one, thought about this for months before doing it. Even though it only took a minute or two to request it, I consider my ordination honorable and valid. And that's what matters to me.

Rev. Hxaosanto
14 Fast 1 / 24 August 2005
hxaosanto@yahoo.com

(P.S. HXA! Before I added the footer code and this postscript to the bottom of the page - aka "the first draft of this page" - its length was 6,666 bytes.)

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