Praise...Her?

I recently wrote a paper for my Ministerial Identity class, where we had to write at 2-3 page theological reflection. I got really involved in my topic of gender-neutral language for God (I could have written at least 5 pages), and thought I would put it out there for the blog world. Read on...and feel free to comment with your own perspective!

Praise...Her?

A recent conversation I had with a friend started my thinking about the use of gender-inclusive terms for God. Though I personally believe that God is above sexual distinction and more complex than we can fully comprehend, how does one approach such a topic within a worship service? The Christian tradition is full of hymns loaded with masculine pronouns referring to God, not to mention scripture verses with masculine terminology and attributes. However, the introduction of gender-inclusive Bibles and hymnals is causing a stir within some congregations. For this paper, I will briefly reflect upon the use of gendered terms for God and what their use can mean theologically for the church today.

The issue with viewing God solely as masculine arises out of cultural changes. In a tradition that has been dominated by patriarchy and androcentric language, women have been oppressed and left out of many aspects of the Christian community. However, recent movements through feminist and liberation theology have worked to restore dignity and power to women, placing them back into the leadership roles they deserve. A final part of that restoration is the recognition of the feminine within God, proof that women, too, are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Another cultural issue one must be sensitive to is that of battered and abused women. For many of these women, the masculine portrayal of God is terrifying. Even though one may use terms such as “Father” to discuss the relationship and not the actual masculine identity, this image can be damaging and ostracizing to these women. By choosing to refer to God only as male, therefore, a church both subconsciously upholds the patriarchal tradition and excludes women still wounded from harmful relationships with men. In addition, attributing masculinity to God has led to the development of an almost romantic view of God. Some women talk about “dating” or “marrying” God, taking the metaphors of bridegroom and lover a bit too far. This emphasis can also isolate straight men, as they do not wish to be associated with such a movement and have no desires for a romantic relationship with another man.

The writings and translations within the Christian faith arise out of a patriarchal tradition, where quite possibly the “superiority” of males was reinforced through the use of continual masculine word choices. A look back to the original Hebrew and Greek shows that the masculine pronouns were used, but did not hold the same connotation of sexual identity that they hold today. In addition, several metaphors connect God with feminine images (Deuteronomy 32:18, Isaiah 46:3, Luke 13:34). Most importantly, though, is the reminder in several verses that God is not man; thus, God is not human and therefore cannot be defined or described solely on human terms (i.e. with a sex). The larger tradition within the universal church has not made many steps toward inclusive language, preferring to let the male pronouns remain yet understanding they do not determine the sex of God. As the Catholic Church states in its catechism, "God transcends the human distinction between the sexes. He is neither man nor woman: he is God." As the Baptist tradition is still rather new regarding the open inclusion of females in all aspects of ministry, the gender of God has not been a topic many have been willing to explore.

I personally was first introduced to the concept of using gender-inclusive language while working for PASSPORT. This organization is very intentional about using gender-inclusive language for God at all times, especially within worship services. Though I cannot say that I have felt oppressed by growing up surrounded by male descriptions of God, the concepts of “romantic love” for God have always made me a bit uneasy. Combined with a distant relationship with my own father and problems with trusting men, however, I can see how a gendered view of God has created issues within my personal faith relationship.

What, then, should be done regarding gender-neutral Bibles and hymnals? I, for one, think it is good to raise children up in a tradition where men and women are equally respected, and have a special sensitivity towards those who struggle with gender definitions of God due to their past experiences. However, I don’t want to completely break from the rich tradition, especially the music that has been passed down. How does one rewrite “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” using gender-neutral terms for God? And if we also start to remove other descriptors with gendered-connotations, do we not lose an aspect of what that term says about God’s relationship with us? Though I believe God is above gender, I also acknowledge the insufficiency of language and the human mind to fully express and grasp the fullness of God. Therefore, I feel the topic of gender-inclusive terminology for God is one that each individual and congregation needs to embrace on their own, not to break away from a tradition but rather to dive into a richer understanding of who God is.