The Term "Father"

[nate]

Many Christians today feel it is wrong to use the term "Father" when refering to a Pastor or Priest. They use as their "proof" text Matthew 23:9 "And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. ASV"
Many accuse the RCC and others of violating this verse. But in verse 8 of the same chapter "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. NKJV"
Most Christians violate this command when they have "Sunday School Teachers" and when one goes to Bible College to get taught by Teachers. Also interpeting this verse the way many Evangelicals do today is in violation of St. Paul 1 Corinthians 4:14 "For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel.ASV" in this passage St. Paul tells the Corinthians that he is their earthly spiritual father. When one properly looks at the context of St. Matthew's 26th Gospel we find Jesus was rebuking pharisees for playing God but not condeming the practice of calling others on earth spiritual "leaders,mentors,teachers, and fathers."
I affirm the fact Christ is the Head of the Church and we have but one Father and Teacher--God.
In Christ,
Nate

"Eccere nullus-a-um salus-utis externus Christus!"

 

[SpiritualMadMan]

Hey Nate,

If you apply the verse incorrectly then it gives a person an excuse not to honor their Mother and Father...

For the term "Father" was a sign of respect was it not?

I personally do not call a priest "Father" because, it may be taken wrongly...

Potentially making me just another subservient parishioner.

If I know them well enough to believe that they individually are my brother in the Lord I will call them "Brother"...

I will also call them "Brother" pending proofs as a sign of respect for their office...

After all, I, myself am a King and a Priest unto God.

 

[nate]

I'm not suggesting everyone has to start calling their Pastor 'Father' I was simply pointing out that this is not wrong. Thank you for your post. I find that reasonable.
In Christ,
Nate

 

[Jim1999]

It is just as wrong to call a person pastor because pastor is the office, not the person.

If one gets hung up on these trivial matters, I fear they have far too much time on their hands.

The Vicar of Christ Church, Anglican,

The Rev'd Jim

 

[BobRyan]

I find it interesting that the RCC admits that the NT Christians refused to have an office in church called "priest" as that was a throwback to Judaism in their view.

In Christ,

Bob

 

[BobRyan]

Speaking of spiritual or church leadership titles inside the context of the church --

Do you ever see Timothy address Paul as "Father"?

Do you ever see Paul address Peter as "Father"?

Is there EVER a single case in the NT where the term is used by one person to refer to anyone but themselves??

No??

Hmmm.

 

[Jim1999]

I don't know about you, but I live in the 21st century. Customs and practices change. I have never shaken the dust from my sandals, or conducted Sunday services on a rooftop.

And thank God, bob, that we have moved ahead. It is not that long ago we considered Seventh Day Adventists a cult to be avoided along with JW's etc.

We, well most of us, have moved along with the trivial things and got on with true ministry.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Bro. Curtis]

I try not to ruffle too many feathers, BUT!!!!!

I consider the preacher just another brother in Christ. Why call him "father" ? Seems to elevate him. I'm comfortable calling him "preacher". If I have to call him by name, I would say, "'scuse me, Brother Jim,....."

 

[Dustin]

I thought SDA's believed Christ was the arch angel Michael? That's a pretty big difference.

 

[nate]

Originally posted by BobRyan:
Do you ever see Timothy address Paul as "Father"?

Do you ever see Paul address Peter as "Father"?

Is there EVER a single case in the NT where the term is used by one person to refer to anyone but themselves??

I gave a verse already noting where Paul considered himself to be the spiritual Father of the Corinthians. Most definetly the Church's leadership from very early was that of: Bishops, Priest, and Deacons.
In Christ,
Nate

"Eccere nullus-a-um salus-utis externus Christus!"

 

[Jim1999]

I really don't care what the people call me, so long as they are comfortable with it. My name is Jim, and that is preferable.

In baptist circles, I was called pastor, Rev and even Jim...In my Anglican circles I have been called vicar, Rev'd, Father and even Jim. I am still the same person and I just don't get all up tight about what I am called.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[BobRyan]

Originally posted by BobRyan:
[qb] Do you ever see Timothy address Paul as "Father"?

Do you ever see Paul address Peter as "Father"?

Is there EVER a single case in the NT where the term is used by one person to refer to anyone but themselves??

Originally posted by nate:
I gave a verse already noting where Paul considered himself to be the spiritual father of the Corinthians.

Indeed - Paul "considered HIMSELF to serve in same way as a spiritual father" - but you never see ANYONE in the NT use that title for Paul!!

As I stated - the only references for spiritual father in the NT are a person referring to THEMSELVES or in the highest sense - referring to God!! Never do you see person A calling person B -- "Father".

Just like you never see anyone in the NT call Mary "the Mother of God" and you never see anyone claim she was "sinless" or "born without sin" or "assumed into heaven" etc.

Most definetly the Church's leadership from very early was that of: Bishops, Priest, and Deacons

EVen the RCC's own historians admit that the NT saints refused the title "priest" for any of their leaders.

In Christ,

Bob

 

[Matt Black]

Originally posted by Bro. Curtis:
I try not to ruffle too many feathers, BUT!!!!!

I consider the preacher just another brother in Christ. Why call him "father" ? Seems to elevate him. I'm comfortable calling him "preacher". If I have to call him by name, I would say, "'scuse me, Brother Jim,....."

You see, I have a similar 'cultural problem' with the terms 'Brother' and 'Sister': being brought up Catholic, my first instinct is to assume that such an individual is a monk or a nun...which is somewhat askew if the 'Brother' concerned is a card-carrying member of the SBC or an IFB!