father-god
Quick Summary
In many religions, a father-god is a supreme deity, often viewed as the creator and ruler of the universe. This concept is particularly prominent in monotheistic traditions, where this single deity is considered omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent. In Christianity, Jesus referred to God as "Father," using the Aramaic word abba, establishing a prototype for the relationship between Christians and God.123
The father image in religious symbolism is often associated with heaven, authority, wisdom, and dominion. This divine father figure can be seen as an active parent, intervening in human and natural affairs. In Norse mythology, Odin is known as the "All-father". While some religions focus on a single father-god, polytheistic systems may feature multiple deities, some of whom might hold paternal roles or be considered "fathers" within their specific pantheons.45672
- father
- Christianity - The specific concept of God as Father
- polytheism - Animal and human forms
- polytheism - Natural forces and objects
- deity
- Supreme Being
- nature worship - The father of the family
- All-father
- polytheism - Germanic, Scandinavian, Celtic, and Slavic mythologies
- religious symbolism and iconography - Influence of human relationships
- polytheism - Functional deities
- Abraham: Top Questions
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
