Back to Index

Back to The Good Fight

Question: Why do preachers in the church of Christ refuse to be
called "Reverend?"

1. Jesus forbade exalting teachers by such titles as "Rabbi,"
"Father" and "master" (Matt. 23:8-10). 

2. Such titles as Reverend, Pope, Father are without Bible
authority.  Those who are in positions of teaching others the Bible
should themselves respect its authority.

3. We do not read of Doctor Paul, or Father Peter, or Rabbi Jude,
or Reverend John. These men referred to themselves as preachers (1
Tim.2:7); EVANGELISTS (2 tIM.4:5) MINISTERS (1 tIM.4:6) and
servants (Phil1:1). These terms designate the work they did, and
their relationship to God and to one another. They were not
religious titles.

4. No servant of Christ would ever consent to such pompous titles
as Worshipful Master, The Most Reverend, Holy Father. Neither will
he give such titles to anyone else. Job said, in Job 32:21, "Let me
not, I pray you, respect any man's person; Neither will I give
flattering titles unto any man."

(Source consulted: J.Thomas, Ask.p.76-77.)



Back to Index

Back to The Good Fight