"Is it right to call your father (or anyone else) father?" (Alleged Contradiction #E8148)
[Speaking of the scribes and Pharisees] But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 23:5-11
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) …
Ephesians 6:2
And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
II Kings 6:21
See also: Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, II Kings 2:12, I John 2:13-14
Response
We should not call men “father” as a religious title.
Jesus is speaking of religious titles in Matthew 23:5-11 (He parallels the term with “Rabbi” and “master”). The religious title “father” is unbiblical (e.g., the Catholics practice this). The term “father” in the literal sense (as in a child and father), or as a term of endearment (in the case of Elisha and Elijah) is acceptable.
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