Sure it is. "Sperm donor" isn't the term I use for my Dad, and "armadillo" isn't what I use for my late mom.
And you and starlifter know that. You do. No decent person does. So don't try and argue differently.
So what was Jesus saying?
You see, this is a classic example of how Catholics don't read scripture. They don't study it. They don't meditate on it. They don't crave it. In the end, it doesn't matter what scripture says anyway, because the Pope's recent statement just robbed it all of its power anyway.
And you just proved it. In starlifter's response, he used the term "Holy Father" to defend the Pope's actions. That in itself is ironic, given the topic of this thread. So let's examine the verse I cited in context (if real estate is 'location location location'....scripture is 'context context context').
Matthew 23:8-12: “But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in Heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The great among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Christ was condemning Pharisees who had elevated themselves above God as the ultimate authorities. They didn't have the humility to recognize God as the source of all authority, , law, teaching, and fatherhood.
They had set themselves up as "spiritual fathers." Remind you of anyone?
It is obvious that Christ condemned that. He condemned their pride, fame, and rank.
Matthew 23: 5-7 "Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others."
This is why God's word is ALIVE! He tells us to study it. To meditate on it "day and night" for a reason.
Anyone who calls themselves a child of God, and hand waves away His Word is not a true disciple of Christ.
Are you arguing that you can’t just rip Biblical quotes out of context, that you need to understand them within the context of the lesson or message being given in any particular passage, chapter, or book?
Cause that’s the Catholic argument.
Nonsense. You’re busted, but lack the intellectual integrity to admit it.
Using euphemisms in place of a term you profess to have trouble with is not an attack no matter how much you gripe.
They had set themselves up as "spiritual fathers." Remind you of anyone?
It is obvious that Christ condemned that. He condemned their pride, fame, and rank.
1 Cor 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Paul here calls himself the father of the Cornithians.
Did he elevated himself above God as the ultimate authority?
Did he not have the humility to recognize God as the source of all authority, , law, teaching, and fatherhood?
“They had set themselves up as “spiritual
fathers.” Remind you of anyone?”
Yeah, the apostle Paul.
They had set themselves up as "spiritual fathers." Remind you of anyone?
Spiritual fathers? Yes, it reminds me of a certain Paul of Tarsus. Perhaps you are familiar with these little excerpts.
I write not these things to confound you; but I admonish you as my dearest children. For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you. [1 Corinthians 4.14-15]Our mouth is open to you, O ye Corinthians, our heart is enlarged. You are not straitened in us, but in your own bowels you are straitened. But having the same recompense, (I speak as to my children,) be you also enlarged. [2 Corinthians 6.11-13]
But be zealous for that which is good in a good thing always: and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you. [Galatians 4.18-19]
Pretty obvious to even the most cursory reading that Saint Paul was the spiritual father of Christians and described himself as such.
Well said, SkyPilot!