What are the meanings or rank of each title, and which religion does each respective title belong to?
Thanks.
2007-09-26 14:52:02 · 13 answers · asked by pancakes & hyrup 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Good question. Different things.
Reverend: This is actually an adjective and it means "he who is to be revered or given consideration." Technically, "the Reverend Jones" is incorrect; it should be "the Reverend Mr./Dr. Jones." Usually used for Protestant ministers.
Rabbi: Means "teacher" in Hebrew, reserved for Jewish teachers.
Father: Takeoff on Paul being Timothy's spiritual father in the Bible. Used for Catholic/Episcopal/Eastern Orthodox priests.
Pastor: Means "shepherd", also usually used for Protestant ministers.
In the "you didn't ask" category:
Priest: Means one who represents the people to God or a god and vice-versa. Used in many religions, among them Catholic/Episcopal/Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but it really doesn't have New Testament backing.
Bishop: Means "overseer" (from Greek episkopos), it's for the Roman Catholic/Anglican level above a priest. It's not really used elsewhere anymore, generally being replaced by "pastor" in Protestant churches.
Deacon: Meaning "servant", a person in Protestant churches who is not a pastor but is in the leadership.
Elder/Presbyter: From the Greek for "elder", generally equivalent to "paster" in Protestant churches, and Biblically the same as Bishop.
2007-09-26 14:59:51 · answer #1 · answered by Gary B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
rabbi means "teacher" in Hebrew. He is a teacher and spiritual guide to the congregation, but does not have to be present to lead a service- anyone can do that. Judaism is more of a home-based religion than Synagogue based, although services are an important part of Jewish life as we are instructed to pray with our community.
2007-09-26 22:20:19 · answer #2 · answered by nanny411 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbi is the title of a Jewish man who has gotten smicha --or a certificate in Jewish study +1 one specific area
2007-09-26 23:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are completely meaningless titles that people give themselves in order to appear more connected to the 'supernatural'.
Like when people call themselves 'Compassionate Conservatives'.
It's utterly meaningless.
Just like how I call myself Reverend Ludd.
I have a magical title! Now you have to believe every word I say!
2007-09-26 21:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by Reverend Ludd A.A.A.A.A.A. 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rabbi is a Jewish leader, but the others are names for leaders of different Christian denominations.
2007-09-26 21:54:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Called by God,,Reverend=Christian
2007-09-26 21:56:06 · answer #6 · answered by elaine 30705 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbi - Jewish
Father - Catholic
Reverend, Pastor - Baptist, Lutheran, JW etc...
2007-09-26 22:04:07 · answer #7 · answered by loralaey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They signify how people disregard Jesus' command not to be called by religious titles.
2007-09-26 22:13:43 · answer #8 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
For $10.50 + s&h, you can receive any of those titles from the Universal Life Church.
2007-09-26 21:57:06 · answer #9 · answered by Freethinker 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They signify the sin of pride.
2007-09-26 22:11:09 · answer #10 · answered by budleit2 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋