The
Use of Titles
This may be a rather controversial page since it
condemns most denominations in one fell swoop. Not concerning faith or spirituality, but religious
practices in general. Here's what I'm driving at: both Orthodox and Catholic Churches refer to
priests as Father. But in the Bible Jesus strictly prohibits the use of titles
in Matthew 23—especially
"father," but not just
“Father.” Indeed, it seems to be an indictment against all titles, including
rabbi, instructor, father, etc., and
The word “reverend” means “Worthy of reverence.” There’s no one in the world that is worthy of reverence…although many (Donald Trump, for example) may believe they are.
When we examine this closely, it easy to
see that any title creates divisions—not just in religious circles, but also in
the non-religious arena, such as the work place. Titles create hierarchies which
create divisions. For example, the simple title, “Warehouse Manager” says, “He
(she) is the boss.” If you work in the warehouse then they are over you, thus creating division—they
are over you.
Whereas a term such as “Person Responsible,” says that he/she is the one who gets in trouble if all doesn’t
run smoothly.
And yet it’s the same thing.
When we get into matters of faith,
terms such as Father or Reverend imply holiness—an elevated status that would be totally absent if they
actually think they deserve those titles. In matters of faith or religion the plain truth is
that no one walks any closer to God
than you do, though they may have a better connection because they’ve prayed
more and been at it longer, but God is in you just as much as in them. (See
footnote[1])
[1]
1. Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2. "The scribes
and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; 3. therefore, do whatever they
teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not
practice what they teach. 4. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,
and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are
unwilling to lift a finger to move them. 5. They do all their deeds to
be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their
fringes long. 6. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and
the best seats in the synagogues, 7. and to be greeted with respect in
the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. 8. But you are not
to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
9. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father--the
one in heaven. 10. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have
one instructor, the Messiah. {Or [the Christ]} 11. The greatest among
you will be your servant. 12. All who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and all who humble themselves will be exalted.