5 Answers

This word is often used as a religious title in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ: " And call no man your father on the earth: For one is you Father, even he who is in heaven" ( Matt 23:9). This is speaking of a religious usage rather than a physical relationship, because the Holy Spirit often uses the word " father" in speaking of ones parents. It is not strange that millions will use a tittle that is positively forbidden by Christ.

 This is a man made tradition absolutely forrbidden in the Bible.For a Holy man to apply this tittle to his name, makes him guilty of perverting the Word.

12 years ago. Rating: 9
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I know a lady who is 99 this year and she never called her father by that name , she says there is only one father. she called her father dad. That's her belief so it's up to her, but I can't see why you can't speak of your parent as father, and  also have God the father as in the religious meaning.

12 years ago. Rating: 5
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This means that we only have one heavenly father and that is my Lord Jesus.

 

12 years ago. Rating: 3
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Matthew 23:9
Jesus warns the people against the religious leaders.  Some of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees started believing that their manmade laws were equal to God's laws and told the people to obey THOSE rules.  Many of those leaders did not obey those laws, and many of the ones who did were just trying to make themselves look good.  
In verse 8, Jesus says,
"Don't let anyone call you 'Rabbi', for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters."  
Verse 9:  "And don't address anyone here on earth as "father", for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father."  
Verse 10 says to call no one "teacher" because there is only one teacher, the Messiah.

Remember these words were spoken over 2000 years ago. When we are speaking faithfully, we will call no one else teacher, father, or rabbi. 

IMNTBHO:  Calling your earthly paternal parent "Father" is OK.  

12 years ago. Rating: 2
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Here on earth father would refer to a masculine deity, but when you read the whole context, It was more like a Master and no gender involve.

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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