Why Call Priests Father
Why Do Catholics Call Priests “Father”? One of the most common objections Catholics hear from the opponents of the Church actually sounds pretty straightforward: “ Jesus said, ‘Call no man father.’ So why do Catholics call priests Father!?” Its not an unfair comment, if one only scratches the surface, and it may indeed sound like Catholics are ignoring a direct command from Jesus. But once you read the passage in context, understand its culture and language, and compare it with the rest of Scripture — the Catholic practice makes much more sense. You might still reject it, since most discount what they don't want to hear. But at least you'll know. THE CLAIM JESUS SAID, "CALL NO MAN FATHER." The objection comes from Matthew 23:9: “ Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.” But stop and think: If that verse meant Christians could never use the word “father,” for another human being, then we would also have a problem calling our own ...