I got thinking about the “It’s all in the name” section of chapter 1. Craig went through the different names people call him, and how those different names signify different levels of relationship. I’ve had my share of names from the past – I don’t think it’s wise post them all on the internet right now, but I do see how these different names give me an idea of the relationship I have or have had with these people.
Back in college, I remember hearing a guy pray and he started by addressing God as “Daddy.” That struck me very oddly. Why not “Father?” Why did he have to say “Daddy?” Is it right to call God “Dad” or “Daddy?” Is it disrespectful? Is it unbiblical? Are there any biblical instances where the word “Dad” or “Daddy” is used of God?
Pastor… why not call him Daddy? Where does he say that he should be called by anything less than what you term as an endearment to Him. If Daddy is stated in an honorable way, a loving way, a respectful way… than that’s all He’s asked of us. After all; he is the Father… the Dad… the creator of our lives as is our earthly father in body the creator of our lives.
I did call, and still call my Dad on earth “Daddy”. It was said, and still is said with the deepest of love that I could possibly muster. The idea that someone would have so deep a relationship with God that he would endear to call Him ‘Daddy’ is awesome to me.
I finally started reading the book. It’s intriguing!! Jim and I teach our children to pray to Daddy in heaven. It seems much more concrete to me – more personal too; I want them to see and know God this way – as a loving daddy. I think God wants to be seen this way as well. There are so many passages of Scripture that refer to Him as a father. This one stands out to me. “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:6-7) Because we are God’s sons (children), God is our Father – our Daddy. Why not call Him that?? For me it adds intimacy to my relationship with God – to view Him as a loving daddy.
I can see it both ways. Being older than Tiffany (don’t know about Maria) then I suspect my age makes me call Him “Father” and I’m quite comfortable with that. I am also comfortable with someone calling him “Dadddy.” It is a personal relationship after all! Dad is what I call my earthely father.