What does it mean
that God is Father? Aside from the obvious answer that it means God is our
Father, there are many characteristics of God that are encapsulated in the
description of God as “Father.” The providing aspect of God and his Kingship
are just a couple, but, of course it cannot be overlooked that he has revealed
himself in male terms. Some books present God as the all-mother or Mother God[1]
in favor of a gender inclusive view of God. But we, as Christians, call God, “Father.”
It is the purpose of this paper to delve into this idea of God’s Fatherly
nature.
The aspects of God
such as his love, greatness, goodness, gentleness, awesomeness, graciousness,
mercifulness and more are not necessarily qualities that would make one think
of God in male terms. But when coupled with his providence, Kingship and
leadership we would need to assume upon his fatherly nature because these are
the qualities, more often than not, associated with a father’s role within a family.
As the Provider for his children we are given an old picture of a man bringing
home what is needed to give health, home and happiness to his family. As King
we see a God fierce in battle and mighty to save from the onslaught of demonic
hosts and his people’s sin much as a father is the protector of his family and
home. As Leader we see a God who is willing to do what is necessary to take his
people where he wants them go, that is to say, where is best for them; as well
as the ability to be the first to go into a situation. To literally lead his
people by the hand into the seemingly unknown as a father leads his family to
where he is called to be.
Yet where did this
idea of God being a, “Father,” originate? How can God, who is Spirit[2],
be known as a Father? Can we take this literally, figuratively or even believe
this at all? To discuss this topic the Scriptures and the Creeds need to be
examined. Therefore, for this particular piece the original confession of the
Christian faith, the Apostle’s Creed and Athanasian Creed will be examined. But
additionally the view of the Ladder Day Saints will also be studied in order to
more narrowly define the Christian understanding of God as Father.
[2] John 4:24 English Standard
Version. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+cor+4&version=ESV. (Accessed April 28, 2014)
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