What Do You Think?

[iodilennysorn]

In the pagan communities, because we have no central "Church" body, we have no fully recognized clergy. Therefore, our Elders are largely undefined and unknown.

So I am curious how you would define a Spiritual Elder?

[troach]

Different groups have different ideas of what an elder should be.

Two of "my favourites" are:

The ones that gain the title by attending the group for several years and simply taking a test regarding “book learned knowledge”, the ability to quote their religious books. In some of those groups, people not even 18 are considered “elders”.

The other one is where the title is granted because of how much money the person gives to the organization.

Neither of which I have much respect for.

To me an elder is someone that, not only has solid knowledge, but also has the wisdom of how to correctly apply and use that knowledge. That alas only comes from experience.

While many will disagree, there is no way for a person, regardless of how many books one has read or how many degrees one has, to truly understand many things in life until we have experienced it for ourselves.

While age is not the only factor to an elder, the truly wise elders usually are older people that have many experiences (both good and bad) in their life.

I hope that helps.