Some
people have been wrongly told that Father’s Day is of pagan origins. In fact in 1909 Sonora L Dodd
promoted Father’s Day to show love for living and deceased fathers including her own. U.S. President
Wilson endorsed it in 1916, and in 1972 U.S. President Nixon made it a permanent day of observance. Non-Christian,
pagan Romans honored only deceased fathers each February, and when Dodd started Father’s Day in America there was absolutely
no connection to the ancient Roman celebration.
In fact the Bible praises the Father of all life and Christ’s prayer in Matthew
6 begins with “Our Father who is in heaven.” Colossians 2:16 says “Do not let anyone
judge you... with regard to a religious festival” besides which Father’s Day in the U.S. and in many other nations
is not a religious day but a time when family members can show acts of kindness, love and affection in respect for fathers.
In fact God says "you must honor your mother and father" at Exodus 20:12. That's one of the well-known
ten commandments, and therefore those who misteach people to not honor their father or mother are committing a deliberate
sin.
Father's Day is
celebrated February 23 in Russia, the Ukraine and Belarus; on March 14 in Iran; on March 19 in Bolivia, Honduras, Italy, Liechtenstein,
Portugal, Spain; on the third Sunday of June in many Latin America, China and in many other nations; on
July 30 in Vietnam; and on August 8 in Taiwan, etc. It is truly an international celebration when gifts
are given and there are special activities for the family.
See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father's_day
