Abstract
The essay provides sustained theological reflection on Jesus’ command to ‛call no one father’ (Mt. 23), the assumption regarding the nature of human experience, and the paradigm utilized for relating it to our language about God. This approach is contrasted with contemporary arguments which conclude that reference to God as Father ought to be restricted or even eliminated. While recognizing the necessity of taking seriously our broken human experience, these two options represent two distinct and incompatible approaches: one theocentric, the other anthropocentric. The anthropocentric approach is held to be ultimately neither compassionate, hopeful or healing. Furthermore, it undermines the validity not only of traditional Christian speech but also of any religious or philosophical language about God. By contrast, Jesus offers us not just a command, but a theocentric approach which enables us to speak faithfully about God and which promises us a healing of mind, heart and life.
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