Why is it that the leaders of your church are called Popes, Bishops, ext? Why don't they use Apostles, Prophets, ext? I'm just curious to know. I'm trying to learn more about other religions, and who better to ask then the people themselves, right? I'll probably ask a few more questions about your church before I move on to another one, so just answer me honestly, and be nice!!!
2007-06-28 03:44:12 · 8 answers · asked by odd duck 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The hierarchy of ordained ministers in the Catholic Church mirrors how Jesus and the Apostles set up the original Christian Church.
There are three levels of Holy Orders, Deacon, Priest, and Bishop.
Bishops are the Apostles of today. Each one leads a diocese. Special types of bishop are archbishop, cardinal, and pope (who leads the whole Church).
Priests are co-workers of the bishops and can lead a parish. A special title for a priest is monsignor. Priests are called presbyters in the Bible.
Deacons assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.
Any Christian can be a prophet.
With love in Christ.
2007-06-28 17:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It involves the translation from Greek to Latin to English, etc. Without going into too much detail, the letters to the churches in the New Testament were written in Greek. The Greek was translated into Latin and other languages. Bishop is an English word that has been translated from the Greek word that was used for the person in change of one or more churches in a city.
In the New Testament there are references to churches that met in homes and churches that were associated with a city. Pastor, Elder, Deacon or Presbyter are English words that come from some of the positions alluded to in the New Testament. A Bishop is a person who might oversee several house churches.
According to Catholic tradition Bishops are carrying on the teaching ministry of the original Apostles. Bishops appoint priests to parishes.
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome. He is carrying on the Aposleship of Peter, who is believed to have held the original Bishopric of Rome. I've been told the title Pope is the Latin/Italian equivalent of the English "Papa".
2007-06-28 11:06:52 · answer #2 · answered by lastdazeman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well prophets is not really a hierarchical title, is the term of a messenger bringing news of future events, so that title would not fit the Church leaders. Bishops are considered successors to the Apostles, but certainly are not the same as the original 12.
Bishop in Greek means overseer, which is how Bishops serve the Church by overseeing parishes in their diocese. Pope means Father, as in he is the Father of the Church at this moment.
2007-06-28 10:50:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A pope is the chief bishop of the Church. We use the title of bishops also. As for the other titles, don't we have the right to call them what we like to call them? There are no more apostles and prophets nowadays. They are now called ministers, pastors, deacons, etc. Same as in other churches.
May the Lord's peace be with you!
2007-06-28 10:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question and while I do not know the tradition behind the titles, I will say that Prophet means that God has spoken to them.
We view the Pope as a leader, but we do not worship him or consider him as an equal to God. Bishop and Priest are titles given to other levels of leaders.
You might get a better answer at":
www.Catholic.com or
www.Catholic.org
Good Luck!
2007-06-28 11:08:18 · answer #5 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pope = Ecclesiastical Latin papa from Greek papas, a variant of pappas (father)
Bishop = Anglo-Saxon Biscop, Busceop, German Bischof; from the Greek episkopos, an overseer, through Latin episcopus
2007-06-28 10:57:01 · answer #6 · answered by Clare † 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to know answers about a certain religion, then ask a local priest!! They are the best ones to correctly answer your questions. I, myself am Catholic and proud to be a disciple of Christ!! By the way the word catholic means "universal", and as catholics we are all disciples of Christ!!
2007-06-28 10:50:22 · answer #7 · answered by RubyUnicorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well because they aren't prophets...duh. They aren't apostles. They are church leaders. Every church has "titles". Elder, pastor, viccar, etc.
2007-06-28 10:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋