why is the clergy given so much power, and why are they able to judge and condemn ppl?

Answer 1

They are the representatives of God Almighty on this earth, hence all their power.

Answer 2

Clergy, church, Divinity...

there are so many that give these such power! I find it absolutely amazing that we live in 2006 and we try to take the strides made in what MAN has done and always throw it to the side for the sake of God. The amazing things that we have accomplished and created are cast aside for the writings from 2000 years ago. i know a lot of people are bible centered and that's fine, but shouldn't the Bible be a guideline and not concrete fact? I mean what concrete evidence does any reiligion have? NONE. Everything that is promised to you for your unwavering devotion is always something that you can have until you are dead! I'm not saying that Church is bad, I'm not saying God is bad, but try to look at some Empirical evidence once in a while. I know its not your fault, most devote christians were introduced to your faith before you even formed your own thoughts.

Most Biblical scholars will tell you that over HALF of the bible is fictious! Most of the modern versions of the bible were based on the decisions of MEN at the counsel of Nicea! There are copies of the bible and other religious writings that are NOT made available to us at the Vatican. Gee, isn't that we the Catholic clergy has its "headquarters". Hmmm....

Answer 3

I don't think it's a matter of the clergy being "given" any power--it's more that they "take" it. The clergy are self-appointed experts in religious doctrines, etc.

All religion is a political system of control that is used for controlling people. The clergy are the "leaders" of this politucal system and so by their position assume the power to judge and codemn based on what the political system is trying to control. The ideas of heaven and hell, for example, are part of a system of rewards (heaven) and punishments (hell) developed as a way of controlling the people. The clergy are like judges in a system of law--by training and work, they attain their expertise and their power.

On the other hand, people do "give" the clergy power, just as they "give" judges power, based on their belief in a system of religion or a system of law. If people didn't believe in the sysem of law, judges would have no power. If people don't believe in a sysem of religion, clergy would have no power.

Answer 4

In Islam clergy are not given that much power. In a Muslim prayer the leader of the congregation is the first one to go down and put his forehead on the ground in accepting the SUBLIME POWER OF THE HOLY OF HOLIES!!

In Islam we bow to those who are knowledgeable. Ironically if everyone is ignorant the knowledgeable among them my not need to have too much knowledge to be the leader. Which is the case in some quarters. But, ultimately the truth is HUMILITY shall rule in due time and the more knowledgeable would hopefully become more humble as they gain and learn, they realize what they did not know.

Clergy who are not humble should not have any power in any case. Those who are arrogant are the siblings of Satan. No less. I hope this makes sense.

Answer 5

It's the flock that give the clergy so much power.

People are scared into subservience to the church by threats of hellfire if they defy them.

The moment people stop believing that the clergy has the power to control and condem, then.. they lose their power.

And it was not long ago that the Roman Catholic Church was the most richest and most powerful force on the planet. You can do pretty much anything you want when billions believe in you and millions are willing to fund you.

Answer 6

Some of that power is given to them by the people that follow them. They are not allowed to condemn anyone because they are also a sinner. They will also be judged along with everyone else before God when Jesus returns.

Answer 7

We the people invest the clergy with power because we are spiritually lazy. We would rather have someone do the work of getting in touch with our God, rather than us work the issues.

We allow them to judge because we make idols of our own clergy. We put them up on a pedestal, because we tend to be like cows, sheep, who want to be led around, fed, and eat till it's time to climb that ramp into the truck that takes us to the slaughterhouse.

Answer 8

They only have power if you let them have power. No one but God can truly judge and/or condem people. Just remember, the clergy is made up of human beings, of whom all are sinners. Why on earth would they be given the power to judge and condem others when you read the Bible you know that's God's job.

It sounds like you're being guilted. Stick to the Bible - and remember, they are sinners too!

Answer 9

A Christian leader's role is to be a living example of how we ought to live. Their job description is to equip us to live godly lives so others will be attracted to Jesus Christ.

Clergy should have the ability to discern right from wrong (as we all should). But they should not judge in the sense of eternally condemning someone because none of us are to judge in that manner.

In other words, criminals ought to face punishment for their crimes, but God alone is in the position of judging a person's ultimate destination after death. The Bible says that we are appointed to die once and after this comes judgement.

Answer 10

If "clergy" are judging, and condemning..they are not supposed to be. The only one who can condemn or judge is Jesus/God...read Romans. And Jesus came not to condmn but to save. Clergy is here to guide/teach/and spread the word(make disciples of all nations).

Answer 11

The clergy are given so much power because people chose to give it to them. It most certainly was not what GOD wanted. As he said,"thou ahall have no other gods before me." and Jesus said,"call no one father execpt him who created you." A lot of doctrine came about because that was what was popular at the time. And back then it was not the "in" thing to have women teach in the church, although there are many important church leaders in the bible who are women. And aside from that....Jesus said,"Judge not, Lest ye be judged."