If you look back at the Council of Nicea, the purpose and agendas, this is what was behind the creation of the Catholic Church. It was designed to make its adherents feel guilty, and tithe their belongings to appease that guilt and "buy" their way into heaven. I don't know this for certain, but I think the term, "father," to mean the leader of the church, was a way to surreptitiously "endow" him with spiritual authority, and help make the whole facade more mystical and beyond one's understanding.
That Is one interpretation. I see it from the opposite point of view. It was a way to standardize the messages of Jesus. As humans we make mistakes and sin. Just like any man made institution there will be arguments or corruption because humans aren't perfect.. At the base is an attempt to keep the Church one, holy, Catholic meaning universal , apostalic meaning passed on through a continuing line from the Apostles of Jesus.. Basically an attempt to prevent what goes on now. The petty disagreements over interpretations of doctrine.
If you look back at the Council of Nicea, the purpose and agendas, this is what was behind the creation of the Catholic Church. It was designed to make its adherents feel guilty, and tithe their belongings to appease that guilt and "buy" their way into heaven. I don't know this for certain, but I think the term, "father," to mean the leader of the church, was a way to surreptitiously "endow" him with spiritual authority, and help make the whole facade more mystical and beyond one's understanding.
That Is one interpretation. I see it from the opposite point of view. It was a way to standardize the messages of Jesus. As humans we make mistakes and sin. Just like any man made institution there will be arguments or corruption because humans aren't perfect.. At the base is an attempt to keep the Church one, holy, Catholic meaning universal , apostalic meaning passed on through a continuing line from the Apostles of Jesus.. Basically an attempt to prevent what goes on now. The petty disagreements over interpretations of doctrine.