This is a silly discussion. The term Father as Jesus refers to in the scriptures is THE FATHER, meaning THE LORD, such as the Romans used for Caesar.
The fact is that the Jews had the term father in their vocabulary, not only for their biological fathers, but also for the patriarchs. The term “patriarch” itself means father.
Along with that, there is a universal tradition of calling a leader, Father, Master, or Teacher. This in no way equates with THE FATHER or THE LORD.
Priests are not the only leaders in Catholic tradition called Father. Superiors of religious communities were always called Abbot, which means Abba or Father. Most of them were not ordained. They were lay brothers. The title described the individual’s role in the monastic community. He was the father or protector of his brothers. When priets joined religous communities many became superiors. They became Father or Abbot. Later the term was taken outside the cloister into the diocese and diocesan priests came to be called Father some time between 1800 and today.
Prior to this, diocesan priests were called Mr and religious superiors were called Father or Rev. Father.
To avoid all the confusion, the Church organized the titles. Today, Father is a priest, an Eastern deacon, or a religious superior.
In my community we call our founder, our Holy Father Francis. Francis was not a priest or a Byzantine deacon. He was a lay brother. Many thought he was a deacon, because he was called Father by the brothers. Recent studies in Francisan history suggest that he may not have been a deacon at all, but a licensed preacher.
This is one example of how customs begin without any intention to violate the Lord’s command.
I hope this helps.
Fraternally,
JR
