Understanding the Divine Gender Controversy: Unveiling the Truth in Pronouns

What's in a Pronoun? The Divine Gender Controversy

The belief that God is male is prevalent among Christians, with nearly three-quarters of Christians holding this view according to a survey. However, some feminists argue that the concept of a male God is rooted in a patriarchal culture that oppresses women and that the Bible contains a suppressed female portrayal of God's nature. They advocate revising our view of God to include female characteristics found in Scripture and tradition.

But Christians believe that our knowledge of God comes from what He reveals to us through Scripture. While God is spirit and does not have a biological sex, He has chosen to reveal Himself using male terms because it best describes how He relates to His creation. Furthermore, God became incarnate as a man, Jesus Christ, and referred to the Holy Spirit as "He."

Some feminist theologians claim that Scripture contains feminine imagery for God, such as the Hebrew words for "spirit" and "wisdom" taking the feminine gender. However, this linguistic gender does not make these concepts intrinsically feminine. When the word for "spirit" is used for the Spirit of God, it always takes on masculine characteristics. Similarly, similes and metaphors comparing God to female attributes do not mean that God is literally female. These comparisons are non-literal and should not be interpreted as evidence of a female portrayal of God.

The male imagery used to depict God is fundamentally different from the female similes found in Scripture. Jesus prayed to God as Father and taught His disciples to do the same. The overwhelming presence of male imagery applied to Jesus throughout the Bible suggests that His maleness was central to His nature and mission.

Some scholars argue that the Bible's depiction of God in male terms was a concession to a patriarchal culture. However, this argument overlooks the fact that many ancient cultures worshipped goddesses, and Paul had to address issues regarding women's roles in church services. Jesus and the prophets challenged cultural norms, indicating that they did not conform to cultural expectations. Additionally, claims that Jesus was genetically or psychologically female overlook the fact that His conception was a supernatural event.

Identifying God in female terms fundamentally changes how we view Him. It diminishes His authority and transforms the relationship between God and creation, potentially leading to panentheism, where creation becomes part of God. The way God relates to His creation corresponds with male roles such as Father, King, and Master. Diminishing the maleness of these roles diminishes our understanding of God's nature.

Referring to God with male pronouns is not anti-female because both men and women are created in the image of God. The Bible even uses imagery that may be easier for females to relate to, such as the Church being referred to as the bride of Christ. Respecting the names and pronouns that individuals prefer is common courtesy, but when it comes to God, we should use the names and pronouns He has given Himself.

It is important to consider the broader context of secularism's treatment of women. Early Christianity and ancient Judaism were ahead of their cultures in their treatment of women. The Mosaic law protected women's rights in various ways, including punishing both parties in adultery equally and providing for raped women. In contrast, secular ideologies like evolution have historically argued for the inferiority of women. Abortion, advocated by secularists as a women's right, disproportionately affects baby girls and has harmful consequences for mothers.

In conclusion, Christians believe that God has revealed Himself using male terms in Scripture because it best represents His nature and how He relates to His creation. Referring to God with male pronouns is not anti-female but rather a reflection of both male and female being made in the image of God. It is important to resist redefining God based on contemporary cultural norms and to uphold the authority of Scripture.