Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Halvor Moxnes on "Abba"

  

For a long time it was held that the address “Father” (Abba), used by an individual speaking to God, was unique to Jesus and expressed an especially intimate relation to God. This theory has now been disputed in light of material that shows it to be used in other sources as well. It is still possible, however, to say to address the question of how he used it. To speak of God as both king and father was common in ancient religions. For instance, the Greek philosopher Dio Chrysostom (early second Dio Chrysostom (early second century C.E.) says of Zeus that he “alone of the gods is named ‘father’ and ‘king.’ He is named ‘king’ according to rule and power, ‘father.’ I think, according to providence and mildness” (Dio Chrysostom, Or. 1.39-40). This perspective on God as father could be a comfort especially to those in need. From the perspective of slaves, Epicetus says, “To have God as our maker and father and guardian—will this not deliver from pain and fears?” (Epicetus, Diatr. 19.7). Closer to home, in Jewish literature God was also spoken of both as king and as father, and sometimes the the titles were combined. In this literature God is spoken of primarily as father to the people, Israel, and to the king. (Halvor Moxnes, Putting Jesus in His Place: A Radical Vision of Household and Kingdom [Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003], 115)