Although Melchizedek is a shadowy...
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Although Melchizedek is a shadowy figure mentioned only briefly in the Bible, he is often considered a prototype of the Messiah. This was because he was both a priest and a king, perhaps king of Jerusalem. He, therefore, combined his spiritual leadership with earthly power. This combination, rightly administered, could work for good for all people. It's been tried many times, but with varying effects. The Pope, for instance, is both priest and earthly ruler, although his territory is only the few acres of Vatican City. The Queen of England rules over a larger area. While not ordained to a religious ministry, she is, nevertheless, the titular head of the Church of England. The basic reason underlying such a combination of offices must be the realization that the state has a responsibility for the spiritual welfare of its people. But you can't overlook the other side, either, because it may be equally true the church has a responsibility for the material welfare of its people.
