This card reminds me of religion,rules,the right and the wrong thing to do and the keys of paradise. The Hierophant is supposed to be very wise and to teach people what's good and what's not! He's giving lessons and people are listening to him...In front of the believer are standing the keys of paradise which can be reached if they do what the Hierophant is advising.
I still feel there's a sense of hypocrisy. Does the Hierophant behave the way he advises the others? Does he really care? He's standing between the two Pillars...(perhaps the same ones as the High Priestess?),which means the dark and the light ones?Or they're both grey and there's nothing behind them because he isn't hiding anything...?
Quite confusing I guess!

One of the several representations we can take in life, the Hierophant, in our lives story, can be one that represents our inner soul, our psychologist posture in deal with the situations, in thinking and interpreting things. This person counts with so many aspects when has to take an action involving people. Sometimes, if I’m reading for someone, I can say – if this card is taken – that this person is a open and comprehensive one. I also can read that this person has to change the way s/he deal with things if the next card is a one which reinforce the contrary personal attitude demonstrated by this card.

Hugs,
Renata

seems more like someone with a bomb tied to them, holding their hands up defeat, waiting for the final blow

This card reminds me of a great prophet just entering into his own journey

He is fair and knows all but looks like he is beckoning you.  He wants you to came and learn.  He is willing to teach you all he knows.  He wants you to believe in yourself.