[JohnnyZ]

Franklin's church is a five-year-old independent Baptist church. When asked what the message meant, he said: "What does 'pope' mean? It means father. We have a heavenly father, and the Bible says we shall call no man a father. "

Of all the things I hear from Protestants that I disagree with -- and believe me there are multitudes -- this is the stupidest one out there.

They don't believe you can call a priest 'father'. They don't believe you can call your father 'father'. They presumably object to the one-hit wonder "Daddy Dewdrop" and refuse to listed to his song.

I'm all about polite disagreement, but ign'ant is ign'ant!

[Matchett-PI]

"....[Protestants] don't believe you can [fill in the "do's and don'ts" blank]. I'm all about polite disagreement, but ign'ant is ign'ant!"

You, and the "Protestant" examples you're complaining about, appear to be "ign'ant" of the fact that God's elect are free. They love God and are free to do as they damned well please.

[OkieAcres]

What would you say that scripture in the Bible means when is says to call no man father?

You say it can't mean what the Baptist preacher said it did, else we can't call our earthly father, father. What does it mean then?

To me it means don't give men titles on this earth based on their station, or holiness in mens eyes. To me "Pope" falls under this category. As does referencing the Pope as "Holy Father".But don't despair because so does "Reverend" Franklin.