Curiously Kaitlyn Why do we call each other brothers and sisters?
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Aug 19, 2025 Dr. Christa McKirland, a systematic theology lecturer and author from New Zealand, dives into the idea of calling each other brothers and sisters within the church. She discusses the spiritual siblinghood that emerges from baptism, reimagining our Christian community as a supportive family. The conversation explores how personal family dynamics shape our understanding of faith relationships and why these connections matter. Christa emphasizes the importance of commitment and mutual accountability in this spiritual family, making a compelling case for egalitarian bonds over hierarchical structures.
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Bedtime Question Sparks Theology
- Dr. Christa McKirland tells how her daughter Raya asked, “Why do we call each other brothers and sisters?” during baptism conversations.
- She explained baptism as joining God’s family, shifting relations from parent-child to sibling accountability and care.
Sibling Language Is Central
- The New Testament sibling term adelphoi often includes women despite masculine grammar.
- Family language is the most frequent biblical metaphor for the church, not just a poetic image.
Ancient Family Shapes Meaning
- In the ancient world sibling bonds were the closest non-marital relationships and carried intimate obligations.
- Church sibling language reassigns primary relational intimacy toward spiritual kinship under one heavenly Father.