If you ask your denominational neighbors why they call their preacher "Reverend," or "Most Reverend," or "Reverend Doctor," most likely, they will tell you it's just a title given out of courtesy or respect.
In stark contrast to this special honor men give to other men, is the broad use of God's name in vain, or in cursing. Some refer to Him as "the man upstairs" or "dad," showing very little or no respect for His position. Why do religious teachers and leaders garner so much respect, and God Himself so little? And, do we know how God feels about all this?
In the dictionary, the word "Reverend" is defined as:
- An epithet of respect applied to, or prefixed to, the name of a clergyman;
- Worthy to be revered, entitled to reverence.
One definition of reverence is "worship."
We quickly find that these honorary titles are linked to the concept of a clergy-laity distinction; that is, that there are two classes of people in the church. Ordinary church members are called "lay members," or laity. Teachers, preachers, and leaders, on the other hand, are called "clergy," or "clerics."
Jesus addressed this false and arbitrary division of the saints when He spoke of the Pharisees and Sadducees, as recorded in Matthew 23. He said these religious leaders wore special clothing to set them apart from others and loved to have preeminent places in various assemblies. Then he said to his disciples, "But you, do not be called Rabbi; for one is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren." (Matthew 23:8)
So, Jesus taught that His disciples are all on the same level, equal in authority because they are brethren. Christ is the only "Great Teacher" or "Rabbi" that Christians have. Literally, the word rabbi means "great," and it was applied to eminent teachers of the law.
Years later, the Apostle Paul made a similar point in his teaching to the church in Corinth. Addressing divisions created by following after their favorite preachers, Paul wrote, "Now I say this, that each of you says, I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)
He continued, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers (servants) through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. For we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field, you are God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)
We see then that both Jesus and Paul declared that ministers do not deserve honors, especially titles of preeminence. Jesus continued by saying, "do not call anyone on earth your father, for one is your Father, He who is in heaven." (Matthew 23:9)
Today, this command of Jesus is openly ignored. Catholic, Episcopal, and other denominational leaders are addressed as "Father."
The Catholic Encyclopedia says "father," as a religious title, "was in early times given to bishops as teachers possessing authority over the faithful; also, as an early Benedictine rule indicates, to priests, as sacramental confessors; and finally, to the head of a monastery, the word "abbot" being derived from abba, a word meaning "father."
"In modern times, it has become the normal mode of address of all priests... This custom originated in Ireland...it was established in England, largely due to Cardinal H. Manning's encouragement, about 1880."
The encyclopedia article goes on to say that the title is used for "religious superiors." That latter phrase emphasizes our point, showing how the use of such titles both differentiates and elevates some, while viewing others as a humbler class of disciples.
Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, men craved more and greater flattery. Unsatisfied with being called "father," they arrogated to themselves other prestigious titles.
The creation of the office of pope is one example. The word "pope" is derived from the Latin papa, in turn derived from the Greek word used by children to speak of their fathers. This term was applied to bishops as early as the third century, "suggesting spiritual paternity," according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. By the sixth century, the term began to be reserved only for the bishops of Rome. Later, it would be applied only to the "most holy father," known among Catholics as "the vicar of Christ on earth."
The Catholic Church "cardinals" are not so named because of any connection with cardinal birds, or solely because they wear red vestments. In this instance, the word "cardinal" refers to something, or someone, viewed as "principal or chief." Again, it is clear that these titles serve to separate the cardinals from ordinary church members.
Jesus and Paul were not denying that men should serve as teachers or even, in a minor sense, as fathers who bring men the truth (the seed, or God's word). Our Lord and the apostle attacked the divisiveness and arrogance of assuming or accepting titles of elevation.
"And do not be called teachers; for one is your teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:10-11)
This does not mean that all members carry out the exact some function, or that none serve as teachers, for Ephesians 4:11 says that Jesus "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers..."
It does not mean that the one who teaches another the gospel cannot feel a sense of fatherhood. Paul and Peter indicated that they felt fatherly toward Timothy and Mark (1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Peter 5:13). Younger church members are not to rebuke an older man in the church, but to "exhort him as a father."
Paul even told the Corinthians, "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in the Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." (1 Corinthians 4:15 -17) The prohibition Jesus gave in Matthew 23 saw its reason in history when Paul, Peter, and Apollos were singled out for special homage, resulting in division in the Corinthian church.
Jesus said we are all "brethren." That implies that we all have the same Father. Disciples are called Christians because they follow the only Great Master Teacher, or Rabbi--Jesus Christ.