Contradiction with Exodus 20:12
This verse instructs to honor your father, which acknowledges the earthly parental role, contrasting with Matthew 23:9's instruction not to call anyone on earth father.
Exodus 20:12: Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Contradiction with Ephesians 6:2
This verse reaffirms the commandment to honor your father, which implies recognition of the fatherly role, contrary to the message in Matthew 23:9.
Ephesians 6:2: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Contradiction with Proverbs 6:20
Advises adherence to a father's commandments, implying a recognition of his authoritative role, which contradicts the notion in Matthew 23:9.
Proverbs 6:20: My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
Contradiction with Malachi 1:6
Uses the term "father" as a title of respect and authority, which contrasts with Matthew 23:9's directive.
Malachi 1:6: A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 4:15
Paul refers to himself as a father through the gospel, which is contradictory to Matthew 23:9's instruction not to call anyone on earth father.
1 Corinthians 4:15: For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Contradiction with Genesis 2:24
Acknowledges a man leaving his father, recognizing the parental role, which contradicts Matthew 23:9.
Genesis 2:24: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Contradiction with Colossians 3:21
Advises fathers not to provoke their children, suggesting an active fatherly role that contrasts with Matthew 23:9's teaching.
Colossians 3:21: Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.
Paradox #1
Matthew 23:9 advises against calling anyone on earth "father" in a spiritual or religious sense, as this is reserved for God. A potential contradiction arises with the Catholic and Orthodox tradition of calling priests "father." Some argue this contradicts the verse, while others claim it is a cultural term of respect without spiritual conflict.
Paradox #2
The verse might seem to contradict passages where spiritual leaders are called "father" in a religious sense. For example, in the New Testament, Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father to his followers. This can create confusion about whether it's acceptable to use titles like "father" for religious leaders. However, some interpret the verse as a warning against elevating leaders to a status that overshadows God's authority.
Paradox #3
Matthew 23:9 advises against calling anyone on earth "father" in a spiritual or religious sense. A potential contradiction arises because religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, often use the title "Father" for priests and clergy. This practice might seem inconsistent with the instruction in the verse, leading to different interpretations or justifications within the faith community.
Paradox #4
Some people see a contradiction in religious practices where clergy are called "father," despite this guidance. They find it inconsistent because the guidance suggests not using such titles, but in practice, these titles are commonly used in many Christian denominations.