Priests who serve their god’s will through worldly deeds are known as lay priests. Unlike their magical counterparts, lay priests do not labour day and night studying esoteric scriptures to achieve communion with the divine. Instead, lay priests deliver sermons to common folk, for ultimately the faith of the masses is what elevates gods above daemons and spirits. Lay priests are not just preachers, however; they are also tradesmen, scholars and administrators. A god’s sphere of influence is manifested by the lay priest’s expertise in his field, and the divine ideal is exemplified by his public conduct.[1a]