how can constituents question their leader?

Question

Given a religious leader's mandate to lead based on divine teachings, how can constituents question their leader


I have been wondering this for a few hours now.

Answer 1

For Protestants, this is not a problem. They simply let the preacher go whenever they feel he is not teaching according to the Bible. Or they go to a different church. Or they start one of their own that agrees with their personal bible interpretation.

Even Protestant churches with elders have the same problems because what if all the elders start teaching false things? It all comes down to the right to privately interpret the bible, which of course every Protestant believes he is capable of, whether he is a layman, pastor or elder.

For Catholics (like myself) it depends on what you mean by "question the leader." Catholic religious leaders are supposed to teach what the Church teaches and all Catholics believe what the Church teaches, so in that sense we don't "question the leader" because our true leader is Christ!

But in matters of judgment, of course we can question our priests and bishops (and the pope). They are fallible sinners just like everyone else and they make mistakes and errors in judgment. At that times, we may not agree with them and we may charitably bring this before them, but we must ALWAYS pray for them - just as they pray for us.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 2

There is no way to generalize on this answer. It depends on the type of church and more importantly on the church governing structure and its pastoral staff.

In many fundamentalist churches, the pastors are elected, and as such, the pastor can be voted out based upon the church constitution. Some churches have an overseeing body such as a denomination, which can step in if necessary.

So, in most churches, you can question the pastors. If you are unsure of the doctrine, you can ask for more elaboration. I've found that if I ask in a respectful way that doesn't appear that I'm challenging their authority (just that I'm trying to learn), they almost always welcome further discussion.

However, if I'm criticizing, typically, most pastors will feel like you are challenging their authority. At that point, it becomes difficult.

Answer 3

Christians can...actually the elders are the ones who question the leader....elders are just men (usually middle aged and up) who have studied the word and have followed Christs teachings and proclaimed their faith..they become elders because of their wisdom and leadership...if someone has a complaint about the pastor, they talk to the elders..they elders then pray, look at the evidence, and check the Bible.

Answer 4

Take a look at Canon Law 212 of the Catholic Church:

Canon 212.3 states: "According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, [the faithful] have the right and even the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of the faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons."

According to Canon 212.3 even the lowliest Catholic peasant has the right and the duty to respectfully make his opinion known to the Pope, who is the last absolute monarch remaining on the planet, answerable only to God ... as well as the right to discuss church matters with other Catholics.

Answer 5

its mans self conscience that gives him the God given ability to reason and question....
and its that same capacity that lets Him Know
his CREATOR

and whose voice he hears and the stranger they will not follow

Answer 6

So what about Jim Jones?????

Answer 7

Does Hitler or Stalin (or even W) mean anything to you?