One of the most common arguments against the Catholic Church is the claim that Jesus forbade calling priests “father,” based on Matthew 23:9
“Do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have only one Father, the one who is in heaven.”
At first glance, this might seem like a literal prohibition on using the term “father” to refer to anyone. However, a deeper analysis of the context and the Bible as a whole shows that this interpretation is erroneous. In this article, we will clarify this point from a Catholic perspective.
The Context of Matthew 23
To properly understand Matthew 23:9, we must read it in context. Jesus is rebuking the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy and for seeking honorific titles to exalt themselves:
“They love to have the best seats at banquets and the most important places in the synagogues, to be greeted in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Teacher. ’” (Matthew 23:6-7)
Jesus is not condemning the use of the word “father” in general, but the pride of the Pharisees who wanted to be treated as supreme authorities.
If Matthew 23:9 were a literal prohibition, then we could not use the word “teacher” either, since in Matthew 23:8 Jesus says:
“Do not call anyone teacher, for you have only one Teacher, the Christ.”
However, in the same Bible we find references to teachers in the Church:
- Ephesians 4:11: “He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.”
- James 3:1: “My brothers, do not let many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive a greater condemnation.”
This shows that Jesus was not literally prohibiting the use of these words, but was teaching about humility and legitimate authority in the Christian community.
The Bible uses “father” for men on Earth
If Jesus wanted to prohibit the use of the word “father” in any sense, why does the same Scripture repeatedly use it to refer to men?
Here are some examples:
- Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:15: “You may have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but not many fathers, for I have begotten you in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
- Acts 7:2: “Stephen said, ‘Listen, brothers and fathers: the God of glory has appeared to our father Abraham. ’”
- Romans 4:16: “Abraham is the father of us all.”
Jesus himself uses the word “father” in a human sense when speaking of Abraham in Luke 16:24:
“Then he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. ’”
If the prohibition in Matthew 23:9 were literal, neither Jesus nor the apostles would have used the word “father” in these contexts.
St. Paul Calls Himself a “Spiritual Father”
A clear example of spiritual fatherhood in the Church is in St. Paul’s words:
“Though you have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 4:15)
Here, St. Paul uses the term “father” to describe his spiritual relationship with the faithful, demonstrating that fatherhood in the faith is legitimate and biblical.
He also calls Timothy and Titus “son” on multiple occasions:
- Philippians 2:22: “Timothy, as a son to his father, has served with me in the work of the gospel.”
- Titus 1:4: “To Titus, truly a son in the faith.”
If Jesus had really forbidden the use of “father” in a spiritual sense, Paul would be disobeying Him, which is absurd.
Why do we call priests “father”?
The title “father” for priests has a solid foundation in tradition and Scripture. In the Church, priests have a role of spiritual fatherhood: they guide the faithful, teach the Word of God, and administer the sacraments.
Jesus gave his apostles authority to continue his mission in the Church:
“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)
Furthermore, the Letter to the Hebrews speaks to us of spiritual leaders and their responsibility:
“Obey those who rule over you and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will give an account.” (Hebrews 13:17)
This pastoral authority is a form of spiritual fatherhood, and that is why priests are called “fathers.”
Conclusion
Matthew 23:9 does not prohibit calling priests “father.” Jesus condemns pride and the pursuit of titles out of vanity, not the legitimate use of titles.
The Bible supports spiritual fatherhood in multiple passages and shows us that calling a religious authority “father” is entirely biblical.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by a single verse out of context. Tradition and Scripture show us the truth of our faith.
Sources
Jimmy Akin, The Fathers Know Best
Holy Bible, Jerusalem Bible Version
Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1548-1551
Scott Hahn, Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith
