Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

FATHER, POPPA, POPE

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 23:9.

Much usage of the term “Pope” has been employed of late in international news. It is an interesting word that may carry more connotation, even denotation, than many would care to claim as their own thinking. Casual research reveals that which a large segment of society already knows, at least superficially. Think about it.

Dictionaries list the history of the idea of fatherhood primarily through the Greek word “Pater” meaning “Father.” From this word we get the extended adjective “paternal,” etc. Several languages have a similar form of “Pater” to indicate that basic idea. The specific term

“Pope” is often listed as: “Pope” (from Latin: papa; from Greek: πάππας

pappas,[1] a child's word for father). Of all the many ways these terms may be used, the basic idea of them all is that of origin, progenitor, and creator. We correctly recognize our male parent as “Father” and although the idea of caregiver, provider, protector, and instructor may be associated with that person in one’s mind, the basic idea remains progenitor even in the synonyms of “Dad” or “Pop.” These terms certainly are most appropriate in designating our earthly relationships, but in the dimension of the spiritual world greater, more respectful, and worshipful restrictions apply.

Spiritually, the term “Father” became especially endearing to New Testament disciples of Jesus through Whom we came to know our Creator, not so much as “Lord God” but as “Our Father.” Jesus clearly and commandingly said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Matt. 23:9. Jesus also forbade ecclesiastical hierarchy in His church; Matthew 20:20-29. Moreover, those who minister spiritual things in the church are not to be considered priests any more than other members of the church because the entire church is a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:5. Neither is there any man on earth who may take ascendency over others in regard to approaching God or finding acceptability or blessings from God. There is one mediator between God and man and it is that man Christ Jesus, I Tim. 2:5.

So, what does this writer think about all the hoopla; the retirement (?) of one man as an organizational poppa, and proclaimed successor of the Apostle Peter (who was never more than any other apostle, certainly

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