In a modern multiconfessional society, each of the more or less numerous religious groups is divided into a flock, that is, parishioners of a particular church, and those who lead the process of departures (priests). Despite the diversity of church life, ministers of a religious cult, as they are called in official documents, have some similarities. They should be good psychologists, enjoy credibility, have good command of oral speech, have a high level of intelligence and know spiritual literature that sanctifies the worldview concept of the faith they represent.
Priests, as the
ministers of the religious cult of the Orthodox Church are called, are under constant and close supervision of the public. The most popular religious community in our country is the subject of “soul-hunting” on the part of overseas sects in need of replenishment of the flock, and therefore any flaws in the behavior of Orthodox priests become a topic for “revealing materials” that fill the media with lightning speed. And although most of the ministers of the Russian Orthodox Church lead a worthy lifestyle, the image of a “priest in a Mercedes” is steadily inculcating in public consciousness, mired in luxury and violating all of God's commandments.
There are also Catholic ministers of religious worship. What are they called? Priests. They carry out the spiritual design of the flock of the papal Roman church. Their activities by the media are rarely consecrated undeservedly. For the most part, Catholic priests are worthy people, it just so happened that the influence of the Vatican in Russia is small. In addition, in recent years, the Roman Church has set a goal to increase its popularity in the West, it has made significant worldview concessions and pursues a policy of ecumenism, which in turn does not add adherents to it among our fellow citizens, most of whom gravitate towards traditional moral values.
Protestant worshipers are usually called pastors. These include Lutheran priests uniting believing ethnic Germans and representatives of faiths of American origin (Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Mormons, etc.). Representatives of overseas sects are actively engaged in attracting new adherents. To this end, colorful booklets are printed, and supporters of Protestant denominations start theosophical conversations with passers-by in the streets, and sometimes go to apartments, distributing religious literature. Lutheran pastors behave with restraint.
A large percentage of Russians profess Islam. Muslim ministers of the religious cult, as they are called
- mullahs, conduct religious worship in mosques. Their role in shaping public morality and morality is great, and for the most part they cope with it with dignity. The exception is
extremist organizations calling for aggressive struggle. They are condemned by representatives of Islam who preach civil peace and religious tolerance.
The Jewish ministers of the religious cult have a considerable influence on the minds. As they are called, everyone knows that
they are rabbis. In addition to
worship , their duties include social functions. So, in case of disputes, the Rebbe may act as an arbitrator.
All priests, regardless of confession, have one thing in common. They simply must be interesting people, otherwise they will not get the attention of the parishioners.