Throughout the history of mankind there was a thought of something supernatural.It gradually transformed and organized in a system, which was later named the religion.Already in ancient history there are many different types of religious beliefs - from tribal worship of natural phenomena and to large, well-organized and ordered beliefs with their canons and dogmas, with the whole pantheon of gods and other attributes.And, accordingly, have always been the ones who provide the work of the structure.The tribe could perform this function tribal priest, and religions of the world is the whole caste with its internal hierarchy.In different religions, minister of worship is called in different ways: the priest, imam, priest, etc.In the monotheistic beliefs of the caste of priests called the clergy.
in different religions duty employees also vary, but the common feature is almost always some mediation between the supernatural power and the people.The rest of the need to disassemble and to distinguish the work of each of the ministers in religious systems.
For example, according to the Bible, the priest - a religious minister, who sacrifices to deities.The priests existed in almost all ancient religions.They performed various rituals and performed the service.Thus, the priestly caste was already ancient Egypt.In India, the priests formed one of the four Hindu castes - Brahmins.Among the tribes and nations of Britain, Gaul, and many other Western regions of priests called the Druids.In Greece and Rome in the period of democracy minister of religious worship was a state official.It is usually elected by the citizens in the nation-wide meetings.
In Christianity, the minister of worship - a priest.The different views on the theology of the functions performed by this man, strongly disagree.
Protestantism is believed that the priest or pastor is primarily performs administrative functions and teaching, mentoring, but can not perform all the ministries that can perform Catholic religious ministers.The answer lies in the different interpretations of theology.Protestants believe that the death of Christ was the only sacrifice necessary for salvation, and the priest is any Christian.
In Catholicism it is believed that Christ established a permanent sacrifice and the priesthood, and that is why a Catholic religious minister has the right to make the sacrifice, to bless the people to let their sins, to carry the word of God in the world.However, this does not end with his work, it also has some other functions and responsibilities.
Servants of the Orthodox Church and the earlier churches, such as the Coptic and Armenian, have functions similar to those of Catholic priests.
Islamic mullahs and Jewish rabbis are considered experts in religious law.In the first place they lead educational activities.
