From my personal files entitled: Some of the reasons why my family and I stopped attending church but continued being Christians.

One of these days, I need to sit down and tell you why I no longer attend church. This is something I have been wanting to talk about in its entirety for a long time, but it would pretty lengthy for this blog. I promise, I will give you the whole scoop in the future.

Here is another piece from Darryl M. Erkel entitled “Church Leaders & The Use of Honorific Titles”. I have provided an excerpt of this article below, but when you get the chance read the entire piece.

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Jesus is not denying functional differences and roles within the church; nor is He suggesting that it is wrong to term one’s biological parent “father.” Rather, He is prohibiting the use of self-exalting and honorific titles of distinction among those who have chosen to follow Christ. While conferring honorific titles upon prominent religious authorities may be the way of the world, it is not the path that Christ has called us to pursue.

Yet, in spite of the clarity of Jesus’ command, Christians have historically ignored His words. We continue, for example, to address our church shepherds as “Reverend,” “Doctor,” or “Minister” and, unfortunately, far too many of them are glad to receive such flattery and even love to have it so!

…Christian magazines are filled with advertisements for books or products recommended by “Doctor” so-and-so; and churches continue to promote their ministries led by “Reverend” so-and-so. The Christian world, it seems, is consumed with exalted and honorific titles for those in positions of leadership or influence. Some pastors, in fact, are rather offended when their congregational members address them by their first name or simply as “brother.” It is thought by many to be disrespectful or unbecoming to address a Christian theologian in any other way than “Doctor” or “Professor.” (more…)

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Some of the greatest “Pastors” that I have ever known never went to some theological seminary (not knocking them…completely), never had a formal church building, wrote books, went on conference tours, etc. –none of the typical stuff that you would expect. Instead, the men and women that I am thinking of taught me with their day to day life how to LIVE as a Christian. Through the example of their lives I was able to see how real marriages work, how men are to treat their wives and vice-versa. These dear friends of mine were just your every typical people who just took the time to show me how to be a Christian and not just talk like one. You can’t get that from a Sunday morning sermon!

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If you are new to this site, welcome. If you have not noticed by now I tend to talk about issues that go beyond the typical Democratic versus Republican nonsense. To me, this makes things here a lot more interesting to read. Thank you very much for taking time out your day to stop by this site.

Duane Brayboy

www.blackinformant.com