Preacher
Preacher is a colloquial term for a
clergyman, in particular a local
priest,
pastor or
Minister; one who
preaches. Some believe a preacher is distinct from a
theologian by focusing on the communication of the doctrine rather than the development of the doctrine. Others see preaching and theology as being intertwined. Preaching is not limited to religious views, but it extends to moral and social world-views as well. Preachers are common throughout most cultures. They can take the form of a Christian "
Reverend" on a Sunday morning, or an Islamic
Imam or
Da'ee on a Friday afternoon. The point of preaching is to inform or convince the hearer of a certain world-view or belief. For this reason, many nonreligious persons shun preachers and accuse them of
forcing beliefs on people. Preaching also serves as reminders and encouragements to people who already subscribe to the preacher's beliefs. For many, the term
preacher is derogatory, while some consider it an honor.
The preaching of
sermons is especially prominent in
Protestantism, especially among those
denominations that feature
revivalism.
Lay preachers often figure in these traditions of worship, for example the
Methodist local preachers. Among
Roman Catholics, the
Dominican Order is officially known as the
Order of Preachers (
Ordo Praedicatorum in
Latin);
friars of this order were trained to publicly preach in
vernacular languages, and the order was created by
Saint Dominic to preach to the
Cathars of southern France in the early thirteenth century.
Preacher is also the author of the Book of
Ecclesiastes according to the King James Version. Preacher is the translation of the
Hebrew word קהלת (Qoheleth). There is much debate about the identity of the Preacher, and some suggest it is Solomon.
Preacher is also a
comic book by
Steve Dillon and
Garth Ennis.
Preacher can also be used as a nickname for someone who feels the need to share their faith and beliefs, either religious or secular.
*
List of preachers*
List of Da'ees*
Preacher's kid
