Question

A clergyman is an official leader within an organized religion. Why does Dickinson call God “a noted Clergyman” in "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church"?

Answer 1

A clergyman is "a male priest, minister, or religious leader, especially a Christian one."

She is trying to create a mild fun by saying that God is "a noted clergyman."

Step-by-step explanation:

Emily Dickinson in her poem "Som Keep The Sabbath Going to Church" exerts the point that some people still keep going to Church on Sabbath day(a Holy day of worshiping God according to Christian belief). But she stays at home and write, which is her religion, her way of worshiping.

In third stanza, Dickinson calls God a clergyman,

"God preaches, a noted Clergyman-

And the sermon is never long,

So instead of getting to Heaven, at least-

I'm going, all along."

As she does not go to church on Sabbath, she is saying that God preaches to her. Making a point that God is present everywhere. So, if she does not go to church God visits her home and gives short sermon just like a clergyman gives in the church.

Answer 2

If a clergyman is an official leader within an organized religion, Dickinson calls god "a noted clergyman" in some keep the sabbath going to church due to the fact that she is poking gentle fun by suggesting that God is the supreme clergy.

In her poem, Dickinson is comparing her views on worship to those of most people. She is poking gentle fun at people that attend church regularly, and argues that she spends time at home, and in the places she enjoys instead. She believes this is where God, "a noted clergyman" is found, as God is everywhere.