Newsletter:
Vol. 5. Iss. 3
10 August 2004
Michael Prior's Legacy, cont'd.
The Rev. Peter J. Miano
Michael Prior’s experience in the Holy Land and intellectual honesty
led him to examine the use of the Bible in Western colonialism in general
and in Palestine in particular. His research led him to the disturbing conclusion
that the Bible has been the number one source of appeal to validate the colonialist
enterprise. Without moral consideration in biblical scholarship, the Bible
is put to use to cause great damage and human hurt in the world. This is why
it matters. This is why Michael cared so much that he was willing to risk
the opprobrium of those who are invested in the biblical status quo and in
the Zionist enterprise. This is how he is popularly remembered, but without
his dedication to intellectual honesty and the courage to tell the uncomfortable
and embarrassing truth, he would not have ended his pilgrimage as the moral
champion so many admired.
Michael Prior was an early, eager, and enthusiastic participant in the adventure
of The Society for Biblical Studies, because he identified with S.B.S.’
mission. He recognized in what he called “our modest objectives”
the heart of his own scholarly and spiritual interests. For Michael, the goals
of reforming biblical scholarship, redeeming pilgrimage, and renewing the
mission of the church typified the reform he called for in his own research.
He knew that only scholarship with moral engagement and relevance is spiritually
redemptive. He knew that such an agenda was sorely needed.
Identification with and participation in S.B.S.’ objectives, however,
did not prevent Michael from engaging the mission with typical humor. Many
of his comments are unprintable, such as his answer to my question, “What
happens if I invest all my energy and time for ten years and then it fails?”
He dispensed judgments caringly. Years after he had agreed to join our Board
of Directors as a charter member, he admitted that at first he was amused
by the enterprise and only later realized that I was serious about it. Then
he was even more amused. His pastoral concern for my personal endeavors led
him to provide timely wisdom. When I was in the final excruciating moments
of completing my book, he comforted me with the observation, “Writing
is crucifixion.” When it appeared in print, he added, “Publishing
is exaltation.” Still, he occasionally reminded me with playfulness
that his books sold better. Also exemplary was his regard for those who held
opposing viewpoints. About the late William Albright, whose shadow looms over
the field of 20th Century biblical archaeology and whose writings in retrospect
are obviously racist, he said, “He’s a gobshite.” I am sure,
now that Michael is translated to glory, Albright is getting an earful.
While for us friends he leaves behind, his death represents a light gone out,
for Michael, it is a new dawn. He did not fear death, because he embraced
life, as so many tributes to him testify. Many are inspired by Michael to
take up the mantle, but we will do it without the immediate help of our stalwart
mentor and the task will be little less fun. Nonetheless it is not a task
that can be avoided.
