Calling Christian brethren "brother"

[Mikey]

I've noticed whilst on this forum that a few members call others brother, in the sense of being Christian brethren. It seems to be common around American members.


Do you use the term? Do you like the term?

I for one do not use the term. And though do not make a fuss if people use it, I do not particularly like people referring to me or others as "brother".

 

[JonC]

I do use the term. This was common when I was growing up. The reason I like it is that it emphasizes that we are brothers in Christ. On these forums I hope it will sometimes serve as a reminder.

 

[Scarlett O.]

I, too, would be kind of put out if someone called me "brother".

 

[Salty]

Could be a regional thing - Down South - seems like everyone uses it
Up here in the North - not so much.

In addition - just because someone calls you brother - does not mean "brother in Christ"
Military Vets often call each other brother as well as many other fraternal groups.

In addition - if in a church everyone uses the term brother - that individual may not be born-again.

One other thing - I have four bio brothers - an never once have I address my older sibling as Brother Gary.

 

[JonC]

Could be a regional thing - Down South - seems like everyone uses it
Up here in the North - not so much.

In addition - just because someone calls you brother - does not mean "brother in Christ"
Military Vets often call each other brother as well as many other fraternal groups.

In addition - if in a church everyone uses the term brother - that individual may not be born-again.

One other thing - I have four bio brothers - an never once have I address my older sibling as Brother Gary.

I think you are right about it being regional.

I wouldn't refer to a fellow vet as "brother" (or my biological brother).

But in the churches I am accustomed to we call each other "brother" and "sister" because of our relationship in Christ. We also call our pastor "brother" (instead of "pastor", "reverend", or if it applies "doctor"..... and definitely not "overseer" ) to show this relationship.

An example of this as cultural may be seen in music. There is a Gather (a Southern gospel group) song I remember from my youth:

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

 

[Salty]

... I wouldn't refer to a fellow vet as "brother" (or my biological brother).

Many do use that term with me.

But in the churches I am accustomed to we call each other "brother" and "sister" because of our relationship in Christ. We also call our pastor "brother" (instead of "pastor", "reverend", or if it applies "doctor"..... and definitely not "overseer" ) to show this relationship.

I am not saying it is wrong - but it is not for me.

So I have these questions -

1) A: If I were to come to your church - and did not use the term "brother" or "sister"
How would I be received? B: Would church members try to correct me? C: If I continued to
not use those terms - How upset would your church members get?

2) if there is a medical doctor in your church - do you refer to him as Doctor or Brother?

I may have additional questions - but we might do that later.

 

[Salty]

Jon, I found this on a military FB page:

"If I call you brother or sister
You have earned my respect"

( I tried to post the meme,but was unsuccessful)

 

[JonC]

Many do use that term with me.



I am not saying it is wrong - but it is not for me.

So I have these questions -

1) A: If I were to come to your church - and did not use the term "brother" or "sister"
How would I be received? B: Would church members try to correct me? C: If I continued to
not use those terms - How upset would your church members get?

2) if there is a medical doctor in your church - do you refer to him as Doctor or Brother?

I may have additional questions - but we might do that later.

If you didn't use "brother" I doubt anyone would notice.

We have several medical doctors. We would call them "brother", except the one who is a woman, we'd use "sister". We wouldn't typically use titles because that would be odd for family.

Most of the time, however, we just refer to each other by our first names. In passing we may say "good morning brother".

 

[Salty]

If I come to your church, dont be surprised if your call your pastor "Rev"

 

[JonC]

If I come to your church, dont be surprised if your call your pastor "Rev"

I won't. And I won't participate in the stoning....but I may hold their sport coats

 

[Salty]

I won't. And I won't participate in the stoning....but I may hold their sport coats

Sports coats? How can you be a good Christian is you dont wear a 3 piece suit!!!!

 

[Salty]

Now that we had a little fun
I do want to ask a serious question.

(this is a discussion on another thread - but does apply here.

How would your church members respond if I were to abide by 1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

Salty

Dont worry - I would never actually do this!

 

[Dave G]

I've noticed whilst on this forum that a few members call others brother, in the sense of being Christian brethren. It seems to be common around American members.


Do you use the term? Do you like the term?

Firstly,
Yes, I'm an American...

Secondly,
No, I don't like "Brother" as a title and I don't use it as one, now that I'm ( long ) out of my teens.
However, I don't mind it if someone says to me, " Dave, my dear brother, you are a hard-headed, opinionated man in the flesh".
Which I am.

I agree with some that, to me, it is a regional thing here in America; and I associate it mostly with Baptists from down south, even though my original Baptist church in the Mid-West tended to use the term as well.

As for military addresses, I never addressed one of my fellow sailors as "brother"...
"Shipmate", on occasion, but I also shied away from that.
Last names were generally used by all, first names if a person was well-known or a personal friend.

Using a person's first name or their nickname ( once we get to know one another ) has been my primary way of addressing them for most of my life.
I don't stand on ceremony at all...and I definitely would not call any man, "Reverend".

"Pastor"?
Out of respect for the office he holds.
But if someone ever called me, "Pastor", I would probably find a quiet room and cry.

"Elder"?
Not so much.

"Doctor"?
If he was a medical doctor, OK...I'd even call him, "Doc", if he was treating me.
If a theological "doctor", probably not.

"Brother"?
No, but as an endearment or in a sentence, yes.
"Sister"?
No, but as an endearment or in a sentence, yes.

"Sister Joanne"?
No.
"Joanne, my sister, how are you today?"
Yes.



May God's grace and wisdom be shown in abundance to you, sir.

 

[JonC]

I'm going to start using "dude"....dude.

 

[Dave G]

I'm going to start using "dude"....dude.

That's an '80's thing.

 

[JonC]

That's an '80's thing.

I am an 80's thing.

Had a perm and an earring.