Religious Titles

LBR · 08-04-2005, 08:35 PM

Not meaning to stir the pot here, but this is something that has bothered me for a long time, and I really don't understand why folks allow it. I'm not trying to pick on anyone either, but one of out members has an abbreviation of a title as his user name.

I'll get to the point. What do you think about men (or women)being referred to as "Father", "Pastor", "Reverend", etc.? One verse that always comes to my mind is Psalms 111:9. In referance to God, it says "holy and reverend is his name." I believe there are verses that warn against calling another "Father" in a religious sense, and "Holy" also.

What are your thoughts on this?

Chad

MOTOWNHONKEY · 08-04-2005, 08:59 PM

Havn't seen a member named Father or Holy, only Rev and I like him a bunch. I'm a carpenter he's a Reveren. As for the Catholics that call one Father and Holy Father I think the condition of their church says it all.

The Rev · 08-04-2005, 09:02 PM

Chad, if your speaking about me, it's because I am an ordained minister. The Rev. comes from what most people call me that know me. It's a title like a Doctor has the right to be called what he is. I have a lot of minister friends that have attained their PHD, I use Dr. before saying their names. If I were pastoring a church I would be called Pastor Jankowski. I will be satisfied, with Bro. Bob, if it bothers you.... I just figure Bible college, orindation, and working in the ministry gives me that right.

etothepii · 08-04-2005, 09:05 PM

I think Chad's question is this: If only God is worthy of reverence, then should a man be called reverend?

I've not thought of this question before, and I'm not taking any sides -- just clarifying the question (I think).

The Rev · 08-04-2005, 09:08 PM

Jesus was alsopart man, do you have a problem being called a man? I think you are seriously choking on the seed!

The Rev · 08-04-2005, 09:21 PM

Okay let me see if I can put this in laymans terms.... Reverend refers to my case as one in the clergy... Or Minister of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's just a title... like bookeeper, or welder... just a title...

mr-pirk · 08-04-2005, 09:26 PM

The Rev I think you are a fine fellow doing God's work, as such you should be afforded a certain degree of respect.

If you want to use the nick "The Rev" go ahead, I can look past it.

I agree with LBR's concerns, when I think about Jessie Jackson using that Hallowed titleI just want to [:'(]

I personaly will never use the title of Reverend... I am just an ole sinner saved by grace who isn't worthy of any special titles except "Saved".

Thanks
Mr-Pirk

Moose75 · 08-04-2005, 09:30 PM

Folks that call themselves these names either 1.) they do not really understand the Bible or 2.) they are liers teaching a false, man made doctrine. The New Testament teaches that men who meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are to be appointed by the church members to be elders. Other names for this function in the New Testament are bishops, pastors, shepherds, and overseers (Titus 1:5,7; Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2). The New Testament teaches that when a church has qualified men, two or more are to be appointed to serve. Churches in the New Testament always had a plurality of elders over a single congregation (Acts 20:17; Philippians 1:1; Titus 1:5). These men are to function as the overseeing authorities in the local church. They shepherd and watch over the members under their charge (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The name "œpastor" did not refer to a preacher in the New Testament, but to an elder.

Snooky · 08-04-2005, 09:33 PM

If we believe that Psalms 111:9 has any influence on who or where we can use the term "reverend", we also have to be consistant and allow Psalms 150 to be used in directing our worship in the church. Are you saying that Rev can't use the term without breaking Gods word? Wouldn't that make him a sinner by doing so and therefore likely be lost?

LBR · 08-04-2005, 11:48 PM

What I think, or say, is irrelevant. Davidused "reverend" in reference toGod. Maybe not a proper name, such as "Jehovah", but can a man share a title with God? The main definition of the word is "worthy of reverence, revered". I respect anyone that takes on this task, but I don't consider them a higher grade of human being for it. No human is worthy of my reverance--that is saved for God. The literal definintion of the original word, "yare", means to be feared, reverenced. That's quite a bit different than the title "Doctor". Personally, I don't refer to anyone as Doctor in a religious sense either. Christ is the onlyGreat Physician.

Quote:

I think Chad's question is this: If only God is worthy of reverence, then should a man be called reverend?

Eto, that is exactly what I mean, and I don't feel that it's just my opinion.There are warnings (in the New Testament) about using titles in a religious sense. I don'tthink"Reverend" is just a worldy title--that would be cheapening a word used in referance to God. Would you refer to a fellow Christian as "Mighty", "Fearful", "Magnificent",or "Holy"? Would you address another person as "Father" in a religious way? It is only used that way in reference to God in the Bible, as is the term "reverend". What is the difference? Well, one difference is we are specifically told not to use that term in Matt. 23:9. Even Christ would not accept the title "Good", saying that the title is God's only! Matt. 19:17

What are your feelings about other titles, and why? What is the difference? Does anyone feel that a man should be revered because they are aminister? Does a preacher deserve special recognition from others? I feel that it's contrary to being humble.

So far there has been no scriptural referances to allow for it. I'm curious to know where the practice of referring to a preacher as "reverend" originated, and what the justification is for it. In my opinion, no human can or will ever "earn" the right to share a title with God, and the only time it's used in my Bible is in that very way. As far as I know none of the apostles or Christians in the New Testament carried titles to set them apart.

Quote:

If we believe that Psalms 111:9 has any influence on who or where we can use the term "reverend", we also have to be consistant and allow Psalms 150 to be used in directing our worship in the church.

Not in my opinion and understanding of the Bible. These things were recorded as an example. I'm not an Israelite; I'm not going to build a temple or sacrifice a ram, but I believe these things happened and were commanded by God at one time. Referance to God being called reverend has nothing to do with worship practices.

Quote:

Are you saying that Rev can't use the term without breaking Gods word? Wouldn't that make him a sinner by doing so and therefore likely be lost?

My personal feelings or thoughtson the subjectare irrelevant. Let the Bible speak for you on the subject. That'sthe final authority, and all that matters.

Chad