A picture showing a priest is being ordained
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
CATHOLIC EXPLANATION: Since their interpretation of these verses are literal. The "sects always criticize the early Catholic tradition of calling the priests "Father". If this is their interpretation on this part of the Gospel, no student who can call "Teacher" to those who teach them in school. No child who might call their own father in the flesh "father" or "daddy". It is always prohibited in the universities of giving "Master of Arts" and other "Master's Degree". Surely that Jesus did not wish this ridiculous situation when he said these words. He is teaching his disciples only that no one should consider anyone better other than God.
MY REFUTATION: This is only Catholic Church's private interpretation of the verses. it is clear here in the verses that in religion ONLY, no one should be called Father or Rabbi.
You know why no one should be called Father in religion? It is because It is God's name in the beginning before the world was created.
Isaiah 63:16 O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.
What is it also forbidden to be called Rabi in religion?
Jude 1:4 Na itinatatuwa ang ating iisang Guro at Panginoong si Jesucristo. (for foreign readers. Guro means TEACHER or Rabi)
What about why we should not call a man master in the religion?
Colossians 4:1 Knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (That is God Almighty of course)
CATHOLIC EXPLANATION: If the interpretation of the disciples here is literal. Why Paul called himself as "father"
1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
This is also the meaning of calling of the Catholics on their priests "Father" and to St. Peter's successor the Pope (Pope means "father")
MY REFUTATION: I never read in the verse that St. Paul was called "Father" here. in fact in verse 15, he is like a mother who have begotten the Christians through the gospel.
CATHOLIC EXPLANATION: It is only being shown here their respect and obedience. It is made clear by St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
MY REFUTATION: I never read in the verse that Paul was called Father here. he just only acted like a father to the Christians but he was not called by the title "FATHER."
CATHOLIC EXPLANATION: Paul is calling Timothy "his son" (Titus 1:2) Is he not following Jesus' commandment when he considered himself as Timothy's father? Paul called Titus as his one "real son". Paul introduced himself as "Filemon's Father". They are not Paul's sons but he became their spiritual father in Christ.
MY REFUTATION: But still, Paul was not even called "Father" by Titus, Filemon or Timothy
Paul acted like a parent who is willing to spend also to the Christians and not only to these 3 people mentioned above:
2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
CATHOLIC EXPLANATION: But no one can prove from the books of the Bible that early Christians called the apostles "Brother Paul" or "Minister Paul" or "Pastor John" like what anti Catholics are doing today.
MY REFUTATION: I can prove that St. Paul was called Brother by Saint Peter.
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Being a minister or a pastor is a role being done by some Christian preachers so it is not right to call a Christian preacher Minister or Pastor.
Why Christians are calling each other BROTHER even the one is a preacher? read this again:
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
See! there are lot of Bible verses that Paul, James, Peter and John called the Christians BRETHEN.
That is the reason why only God should be called Father in religion. We must remember this also:
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
We must follow St. Paul as he followed Christ. meaning, following Paul is following Christ too because Apostle Saint Paul imitated Christ.
Now, no verse in the Bible that Jesus was called by his disciples "FATHER" while he was on earth.
even Jesus is also Father according to Isaiah (read Isaiah 9:6)
If I am wrong, post it here the Bible verse in the comments section with your name written. Anonymous comments will not be accepted.
