Christian Cliches That Need to End IV: Calling Me Brother

Spiritually speaking I understand doing this. I am a big advocate for seeing fellow believers as family, that the Church is a place to belong, a refuge and unit one can rely on. So I think an emphasis on the familial relationship is cool. Being reminded that we are brothers and sisters in Christ is an amazing thing. But this always feels weird.

Without exception these are the only times calling me (or really anyone) brother is acceptable:

1) If you're Scottish.

2) If you're saying it ironically with a Scottish accent (like if you're quoting Desmond from Lost).

3) If you're Jamaican.

4) If I am, in fact, you're sibling (Statistically this really only applies to 3 in ever
7,000,000,0000 people).

5) If you're quoting Cool Runnings.

6) If you (or I) are a Benedictine or Augustinian monk.