The pope is called by the title "Holy Father" not because he is holy in the sense of being sinless or divine, but in the sense of being "set apart."
That's how certain things can be holy, because they are consecrated for spiritual purposes. That's why the ark of the covenant could be "holy," even though it was an object that couldn't make moral decisions. It was set apart for a divine purpose.
While all priests and bishops in the Catholic Church are called "father," appending the word "holy" before it indicates the special Petrine ministry that is executed by the bishop of Rome -- the pope. He is "set apart" from the others just as Peter was singled out among the apostles.
Priests are called "father" because of their fatherly role in forming us in the faith. I explained this further in "Answers to an Ex-Pagan Critic of the Church."
5 comments:
Who does Christ call Holy Father?
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
When did any of the apostles call themselves "Holy Father"?
When did anyone call Abraham, "Holy Father"?
Did you read the other definitions of "holy" ? Don't you think it's a bit blasphemous for someone that is NOT "sinless or divine" to take on the title "Holy Father" or sometimes even "The Holy Father" ?
http://www.answers.com/holy
Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.
Of, from, like, or being a god or God: deific, divine, godlike, godly, heavenly.
hello again.
The Pope uses the title Vicarius Christi, meaning, the vicar of Jesus Christ. The papacy first used this title in the eighth century; earlier they used the title vicar of St. Peter or vicarius principis apostolorum, the vicar of the chief of the apostles. The distinction in the claim for authority will be immediately apparent. http://www.answers.com/vicar&r=67
i read somewhere, "We read in history that the popes were accepted as the “Vicars of Christ,” which means “IN PLACE OF Christ.” "
what is the rc answer or comment on that?
Hi,
Do you believe in the Trinity? When was the word "Trinity" first used? (It's not in the Bible.)
The "Vicar of Christ" indeed means "in place of Christ." It doesn't mean that the pope IS Christ, but that he represents Christ during His bodily absence and holds the "keys to the kingdom" (Matthew 18).
If Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice visits another country, she represents our country and in fact President Bush. She's NOT the president, but she has authority granted by the President, because he chose her for that position.
In the same way, the pope holds the office that Jesus instituted when He gave Peter the keys of the kingdom. This is an office that the bishop of Rome holds until the Return of Christ. The pope has no authority other than what Jesus gives him.
Do you believe in the Trinity? When was the word "Trinity" first used?
what are you responding to with those question?
if it's for the father calling, i was asking for an example of any man being called "Holy Father" because you gave examples of people calling men "father."
Also, if you are saying there is no example of a man being called "Holy Father" then would you show me some Biblical support for calling a man "Holy Father"?
Post a Comment