Since Jesus said "Call no man Father...." What should we call our male biological parent?

Question

Matthew 23:9

Well, yes he was speaking Aramaic not English or Hebrew or Greek.

Answer 1

Daddy
Pop
Dad
The old man
sire
pa
papa
pappy

Answer 2

Please read and note the context of Matthew 23:1-12. Jesus begins speaking about the Pharisees, who were a prominent sect of Judaism. They were legalists, sticklers for observance of every detail of the Mosaic Law. They liked to dress and act in such a way as to call attention to themselves. Their religion was one of ostentation—their style of clothing, their principal places at meals, their front seats in the synagogues, and their titles of honor. They even claimed greater respect than that which was given parents. They wanted to be called father. However, Jesus shows that all his followers are equal as God’s children. Any title that suggests the opposite is a haughty usurpation of something that belongs to God. Thus, Jesus forbids the use of the word “father” as a title of honor in a religious sense. Jesus insists that his followers have only one Father in the faith, Jehovah.

Is it not clear that many clergymen are standing on ‘holy ground’ reserved for God and his Son, and that much reverence is diverted from them to imperfect men? True Christians today avoid using flattering religious titles, and they avoid the practice of setting men on ecclesiastical pedestals. Among Jehovah’s Witnesses the only form of address for ministers is “brother.” (2 Peter 3:15) That is in harmony with what Jesus said: “You are all brothers.” Matthew 23:8

If you wish to address your biological male parent as "father," there are no Biblical objections.

Answer 3

It's a translation question. The Hebrew word for Father also means ancestor. That's the word that was used for our earthly parent. That was fine with Jesus. What he objected to was when people started using "Abba" to describe religious leaders. He is opposed to people using that term as a reference of honor, which should be reserved for our Father, in heaven. God.

Answer 4

father.. he was talking about the ones tacking the lead

The clergy of the various sects and cults of organized religion in Christendom call themselves by high-sounding titles. They assume these grandiose titles so as to distinguish themselves from and place themselves above the common people. They insist on being called reverend, very reverend, father, his holiness, his eminence, etc., contrary to the scriptures which expressly forbid such practice. “Holy and reverend is his [Jehovah’s] name.” (Ps. 111:9) “Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matt. 23:9) Practically all the clergy of Christendom wear a distinctive garb so as to be seen among men and assume a superior attitude. This attitude of segregation and superiority that sets them apart from the common people is condemned by God.—Matt. 23:5-8; Mark 12:38-40.

Answer 5

Did Jesus actually say "father," or was he speaking Aramaic at the time?

Answer 6

Father.

Answer 7

"Call no man father" is one of those sayings invariably read out of context and used against original Christians, who have been calling their spiritual mentors "father" since the days of St. Paul.

Paul wrote, "I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4:14–15).

Jesus' point in Matt 23 is to warn against religious leaders who claim the titles of Rabbi, Father, and Teacher for the social prestige of the title. That reminds me of Protestant ministers who call themselves "Reverend" and draw large salaries, free rent, and a company car. Then they use this largesse to promote anti-Christian teachings on sexuality and life issues.

If Evangelicals are determined to misinterpret Jesus' hyperbole as a literal claim not to use the title "Father," they convict every child who honors her male parent. Which, of course, is ridiculous.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 8

Our biological father must be called father of course, and as such we must give them reverence; but God only must be allowed as the Father of our spirits. In context with earlier verses, these priests were not content to display their "spirituality," and they loved it when people admired their "spirituality." They coveted the seats of honor at banquets and at the synagogue, and they loved the honoring titles such as Rabbi and father. But the way of Jesus is service and humility.

Answer 9

That isn't the literal meaning of that statement.
It was referring to the practice of calling your spiritual mentor, or teacher Father.

Answer 10

Once again, we take a verse out of context. The verse referred to SPIRITUAL LEADERS....

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Anyone from the Catholic faith wish to comment on priests ("father") and/or the pope ("holy father")??

Answer 11

Dad always worked for me, otherwise I called him Erik.