if god can communicate directly to everyone, then why the need of priests/pastors to tell you what god thinks?

Answer 1

Excellent question. Like your thinking. It is kinda like lawyers and their mumbo jumbo ( that's right, some religions put it in other languages ). Their has to be a middleman to explain it over and over and to collect the fees and see that they are properly invested and that he is properly taken care of. Could it be that there is a " Religious Industrial Complex " that has grown all powerful over the centuries?? Oh-oh, you and I are surely going to hell. I hear they have the best BBQ.

Answer 2

There have been some instances where God dealt directly with persons, in the sense of persons talking and hearing the voice of God. But he for the main part has instructed qualified men to direct his congregation. These in turn do not reason and help with their own ideas about matters, but always should direct persons to the bible, the only true source of God`s knowledge. Even Jesus showed this to be appropriate as he direct ed servants of God while he was on earth.

Answer 3

i don't know how priests work exactly, they seem at a fair distance to people in all honesty. In my prayer life I hear from God about things in relation to my own life but a pastor watches over my church and less runs it and is responsible for looking after those people and their practical needs while also teaching the word of God. A pastor does many practical aspects of 'leading a flock' he is not responsible for my personal relationship with god, he is responsible for the church.

Answer 4

Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

The Lord revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets. But what is a prophet? A person who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God. The average believer (even a pastor or priest) is not called to do this.

God does communicate to people by the power of the Holy Ghost. However, what he communicates to us is only valid for ourselves and our own lives...or how we can help someone in our circle of influence. God will not reveal to us revelation for the entire Christian world or Church. That is done through His chosen servants, the prophets and apostles. For the Lord God will do nothing except He first reveals it to His prophets.

Answer 5

As stated in the revelation of John, Jesus is making us to be a nation of priests:

Rev 1:5-6 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Thus in fact we DO need priests to tell us about the will of the Lord, however this is not necessarily that guy in the front at Sunday morning. As we are the Body of Christ we need to point each-other at the wrongs we do. But all in the love that Christ Jesus has for his church and the unity we have received through the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:3).

Now concerning the traditional meaning of the word priest/pastor. God appoints some people to "herd his sheep" , this is very true concerning pastors. Just as Israel had had several Judges and Kings, and just as Timothy and many others were appointed by God to resolve problems between the people of God, in the very same way we need priests and pastors today to make decisions and resolve in conflicts.

Now concerning teaching God's will. When I read God's Word I am convinced this is NOT the role of a priest:
1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
So a priest or pastor is allowed to teach when we come together (at Sunday morning, but also every other moment) JUST AS MUCH as you and I are allowed to.

I hope this answer is clear at the role of the priest/pastor/church leader as I believe and as I believe wants us to see it. Feel free to comment or mail me.

NB: As a compendium to Arthur_lds' description about the prophets. It is, in my opinion, quite important that this is a pre-Jesus-at-the-cross (e.g. Old Testament) quotation. As in the book of Acts is stated 2:17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
So just as everybody has a doctrine/psalm/etc. when we come together, everybody is, in Jesus, called as a prophet.

Answer 6

Religion is a cultural respose to an innate spirituality in hmanity. Religion tries to capture the experience of the human community. Spirituality is a little more personal. Religious institutions are in a sense a necessary evil - somewhat like politics. As much as we dread politics - with all its weaknesses - politics ironically keeps our society in some kind of order. The same with religious organisations and the ministers that work in them - you get good ones and you get bad ones but it is all necessary towards maintaining some sort of deposit of ideas. As individuals we tap into these ideas and form our own conscience in the process. No man is an island someone said, so we depend on the experience of the whole. In more ways than anyone may admit we are connected to the web of human society. Try to look for the right relationship and be moderate and careful what and how to accept things - never be too fundumentalist and conversely never be totally disinterested in God and things associated with religion. Aim for the middle of the road. God, Spirituality and religion are relevant to us but until we find the right balance it could be a bit too confusing. God does exist and talks to each one of us. Listen carefully to your conscience because it is there where God meets us as we reflect on what we hear, see and experience.

Answer 7

Priests/pastors are not there to tell us what God thinks. They are there to help you in your own personal walk with the Lord. Sometimes they give advice, moral encouragement, and even correction, but when it comes to what God thinks, and what He is telling you, that is between you and your God alone. Any good pastor or priest will tell you that. He or she is there to help you communicate with God more effectively. Look upon them as servants of their congregations in their service to God. Most pastors and priests are educated and learned men, but this is not the main reason they are called to a ministry vocation. Ideally they should be men and women of prayer and spirituality themselves, who position themselves to help others in their lives of prayer and spirituality.

Answer 8

What churches have you been visiting?
In most (if not all) of the Churches I have attended, the pastor/priest is simply a figure-head who delivers simple reminders every Sunday. I have never met a clergyman who claimed to impart the mind of God to his underlings.

Otherwise, only charismatics maintain that God communicates directly to human beings on a regular basis.

Answer 9

Pastors and the like do not tell you what God's thoughts are. They are simply there to teach you. To give you their opinions, which usually have been studied more consistently and carefully than the opinions you or I could give about the Bible.

God communicates directly to everyone, but sometimes his message doesn't come through very clearly. Especially with all the rebelling in todays society. So God uses the pastor or higher church person, to help relay his message.

Answer 10

God can communicate with everybody, if you're willing to listen. I go to church and listen to my pastor give a sermon and it's just another way to keep in touch with God.