human hierarchy within organised religion?

Question

Do you think most, if not all organised religions, have different levels or hierarchies of people. Examples include the Pope within christianity, rabbis within Judaism.

Would religion, be better off if all members were equal and had no specific roles?

I woudnt say that christians kissing the hand of the pope, shows a good example of equality within Christian members

Also, personal wealth given to religious posiitions, aswell as property i.e. Vatican City.

Answer 1

It is natural for people to want leaders. And in matters of doctrine, it's VERY important for there to be an authority so that we might have the final word on important matters.

Even Christ came to Earth and assumed a position of authority. He often said things like "you have heard it said....but I SAY TO YOU.....etc." And after He died, Christ left a Church in place with a visible hierarchy with Apostles being His direct successors (St. Peter being the first among equals).

If you study the Bible you will clearly see a hierarchy not only in the Old Testament but in the New as well.

But just because there is a hierarchy does not mean there is no equality! Scripture says that in Christ there is "neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free" meaning that all can embrace the gift of salvation.

A hierarchy has to do with roles and authority and serves a very practical purpose.

It has nothing to do with equality. The Pope and I are both sinners, and equal in Christ, but we have different missions in the Church.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 2

Well those religions DO teach all human beings are equal (at least I think Judaism does) but their heirachies are based on knoweldge which is fair enough. Why should the ignorant of the religion be treated as equal to the learned when it comes to questions about religion

As the Quran says "Are those equal those who know and those who dont know?"

Where they err is in making the learned a priestly class - In Islam, their is egalitarianism, for example anyone can lead the prayer any can stand in the front row and pray- so a King will pray next to, or even behind a pauper

Answer 3

According to scripture we are to have a hierarchy until all come into the perfection of Christ. That is we are to have apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Please read on in Ephesians chapter 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Of course, the leaders of the Church must not think themselves as Lords over the sheep, but as those who would make others as capable as they are or better. This is all done in love.

Answer 4

I do not think so.

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.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3.htm#iii

With love in Christ.

Answer 5

I don't know of such a religion that has no hierarchy, except for personal religion. I think it's a necessity for any organization, somebody has gotta take a leadership role. I'm not oppose to an idea of hierarchy within an organization. Without it an organization will not strive.

Answer 6

What's wrong with kissing the hand of the Pope?

Are you not aware that this is simply a gesture of respect for his office?

Every culture has gestures like this meant to show respect to a leader. Everything from bowing and curtsying and nodding and touching one's head to the floor.

Are you aware that in the Catholic Church the greatest title of the Pope is "the servant of the servants of God."?

He is first and foremost a servant, and a sinner like all the rest of us. But He is given special authority.

Please understand and be open-minded before judging!

Answer 7

Some religions have hierarchies, which allows ambition to flourish and corruption to follow, when a higher rank is obtained. Other religions have members in the position of a priest or priestess, but they are chosen for their knowledge and suitability for the position. However, these are not true 'ranks', because people cannot work their way up to these positions.

Yes, I think that organized religions function better when there is no hierarchy.

Answer 8

Pagans do have Priestesses and Priests when at the first level of study, HPP or HPS (High Priestesses) and HP (High Priests) who serve as teachers. But there is no All-Powerful Pope, etc who gets hir (his or her) ring kissed and dictates to all Pagans what they can and cannot do, what they can and cannot learn by hiding books, etc. In fact, we encourage learning and spiritual growth. Why don't they understand that the Pope is just a man -- just like all the other religious leaders? (Except for the religions who have women leaders: but they, too are simply women.)

Answer 9

No.

That leads to fragmentation and eventually cults.

Organization is required for humans to accomplish anything.

Religion without human structure leads to the Jones Temple in Guyana.

Answer 10

There will always be teachers, and leaders, but Scripture says we are all brothers. That seems to condemn the hierarchical religions.