Essay: Reading the Bible Anew: “Why is God Addressed as Father and Not Mother”?

Do you ever wonder why Jesus addresses God as “Father”? We are taught by Jesus himself to address God as “Father.” Why is God depicted as a “Father” and not a “Mother’? What are the attributes attributed to God as Father? What does this mean for us today as males and females? The same Greek word “pater” (πατήρ) is used both for God, the Father, and earthly fathers. The use of “father” for God is referred to approximately 118 times in the Fourth Gospel when John develops the Gospels theology. The image of God as Father primarily signifies God as the Father of Christ, as the fatherly relationship to his creation and especially to believers as the “children of God.” Specific aspects are: He is the Creator and provider; He shows love and compassion; He exercises his providence and care; He disciplines and corrects; He is the Father of Jesus Christ.

Of course, one of the most common uses of God being addressed as “Father” is the Lord’s Prayer. It is also one of the most used phrases when we pray. When you pray are you aware of why he is addressed as father? A quick search would reveal these characteristics are the same as associated with the term father today. Masculine traits mirror these same characteristics are: Leadership & Initiative, Protector, Provider, Discipline & Duty. Problem-Solving & Logic, and Independence & Self-Sufficiency. Is addressing God as Father merely a metaphor for addressing God or these characteristics those that should be mirrored in fathers and male leadership today?
There is no question there is a devaluing of even the biological differences between male and female today. “Trans” culture says one can be any sex one wants. “Toxic masculinity” demeans male leadership as oppressive. The suppression of competitiveness and lowering of standards in sports and the military all discourage males. The idea that male leadership is only a relic of patriarchal history further diminishes the different roles of males and females. The attack on and real attrition of the traditional family has shown the effects of taking this role. These effects include an increased risks of abuse, poverty, behavioral problems, and economic instability.
Some of the scriptures supporting male characteristics and male leadership in the bible are:
Domain Key Verses Role of Men
Creation Genesis 2:7, 18-22 Men created first; leadership established
Marriage Ephesians 5:22-25, 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands as heads of their wives
Church Leadership 1 Timothy 2:12-14, Titus 1:5-6 Pastors and elders must be men
Family Leadership Joshua 24:15, Proverbs 1:8 Fathers as spiritual leaders
Government & Society Exodus 18:21, Nehemiah 2:17 Men as leaders and judges
Jesus’ Example Matthew 10:1-4, Ephesians 5:25 Christ models sacrificial leadership
So, what about you? Do you think of God as Father as any implication for modeling the father as leader, provider, discipliner and corrector has any implication for fathers today? Our culture doesn’t. Do you?
References

[1] M. Mamser, Dictionary of Biblical Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies, 2009.