That’s not ad hominem. That’s asking what word you use for your male parent.
But you admit it is a question taken “to the man” - hence meeting the Latin definition. That must have been what he meant. You know these Rome-ists, always with the Latin...
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.