Paterology

[3][4] Christian Paterology is primarily based on the study and interpretation of Bible verses that refer to God as "Father".

In Christian theology, fatherhood of God is seen in a more substantive sense, centered around metaphysical rather than metaphorical interpretations of various questions about relations between the Father and the Son.

[10][11] This, however, is disputed by other scholars, according to whom Tertullian taught only the Father is truly God, as only he is eternal and not derived from any other substance, as the Son and Holy Spirit are.

[16] Creeds in the Eastern Church began with an affirmation of faith in "one God" and usually expanded this by adding "the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible" or similar words to that effect.

[17] The Nicene Creed, which dates to 325 and 381, states that the Son (Jesus Christ) is "eternally begotten of the Father", indicating that their divine Father-Son relationship is seen as not tied to an event within time or human history.