What does the Bible say about religious titles?

What does Jesus say about the use of religious titles? Does the Bible say we shouldn't use them at all?
While visiting the temple in Jerusalem a few days before his crucifixion, Jesus took the opportunity to educate the multitudes. After warning the crowd (and his disciples) of the hypocrisy of Jewish leaders, he further warns them about the religious titles that such leaders vainly enjoy.

Christ's teaching regarding religious titles is clear and accurate. He says: "... they (Jewish leaders) love first place for dinner ... And greetings in the markets, and to be called by men," Rabbi, Rabbi ". But you must not be called Rabbi, because one is your Master ... Also, do not call anyone on earth your Father; for one is your Father, who is in heaven. Nor can it be called Master; for one is your Master, the Christ (Matthew 23: 6 - 10, HBFV in all).

The Greek word Rhabbi in Matthew 23 is translated as "Rabbi" in verse 7. Its literal meaning is "my master" (Strong's) or "my great" (Thayer's Greek Definitions). Clearly, the use of this religious label is one of the many forbidden titles in the scriptures.

The Greek Pater is where the English word "father" is obtained. Some denominations, like Catholics, allow the use of this title for its priests. Its use as a recognition of religious position, training or authority of a man is forbidden in the Bible. This includes the blasphemous designation of the head of the Catholic Church as "the holiest father". It is perfectly acceptable, however, to refer to one's male parent as a "father".

The word from which we obtain the English "master" in verses 8 and 10 of Matthew 23 derives from the Greek kathegetes (Strong's # G2519). Its use as a title refers to someone who is a teacher or guide with the implication of owning a powerful religious position or office. Jesus, as God of the Old Testament, claims the exclusive use of the "master" for himself!

Other unacceptable religious titles, based on the spiritual intent of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23, are "Pope", "Vicar of Christ" and others mainly used by Catholics. These designations are used to indicate a person who they believe is the highest level spiritual authority on earth (Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913). The word "vicar" indicates a person who acts in place of another or as their substitute

As a "holy father," the title of "Pope" is not only wrong but also blasphemous. This is because these denominations convey the belief that a person has been given divine authority and power over Christians. This is against what the Bible teaches, which states that no man should rule over another's faith (see 1 Peter 5: 2 - 3).

Christ never gave any human being the absolute power to dictate doctrine for all other believers and rule over their faith. Even the apostle Peter, whom Catholics consider the first pope, never claimed such authority for himself. Instead, he referred to himself as "an elderly companion" (1Pe 5: 1), one of the many mature Christian believers who served in the church.

God does not want those who believe in him to use titles that falsely seek to convey to someone a "rank" or spiritual authority greater than others. The apostle Paul taught that he too did not claim authority over anyone's faith, but rather considered himself someone who helped increase a person's joy in God (2 Corinthians 1:24).

How do Christians relate to each other? Two acceptable New Testament references to other believers, including those more mature in the faith, are "brother" (Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 16:12, Ephesians 6:21, etc.) and "sister" (Romans 16: 1 , 1Corinthians 7:15, James 2:15, etc.).

Some have wondered whether the abbreviation "Mr.", which originated in the mid-1500s as an abbreviated form of the word "master", is acceptable to use. In modern times, this term is not used as a religious title but is instead generally used as a general courtesy reference to an adult male. It is generally acceptable to use.