Personally, I don't struggle with this issue, but I know many who do. Language can be a tremendous stumbling block, and when we read the Bible in English and make believe that it was actually written in English, we do ourselves, and ultimately God, a great injustice.
So, is God a girl or a boy? The answer, of course, is 'yes'.
Last year while I was on a mission trip, I encountered a group of people who had a rather prominent influence on my missionaries (or who were in a position to have a prominent influence, but probably didn't really) who were vehemently arguing against the role of women as teachers and/or pastors. Despite the irony (One of the people arguing against it was the main teacher of the group - and is a girl), they were spouting all sorts of references from scripture that included gender specific verbiage - in English. While I cannot say for sure as I stayed out of the conversation, I can safely assume that none were able to translate ancient Greek or Hebrew, and therefor really only know what other translators have said, and not necessarily what was actually written. Oh what a tangled web we weave when the bible in Greek we do not read....
Perhaps I said that wrong, but you get my point. One of my professors, the brilliant Rev. Dr. Nesbitt of Dubuque Theological Seminary, posted a small lesson and poem on just this topic, and I thought I'd share. He can say it much better than I...
"I think it would be worthwhile to take a moment to discuss gender and faith, since that is one of the more pernicious issues raised in discussions this week. Our problem as human beings is that we struggle to keep our anthropomorphic tendencies in language separated from the very reality of the divine nature. God is not a sexual being and, as such, we cannot say that God "is" a he anymore than we can say the divine one is a she. All language for God is allegorical.
Indeed, much of scripture is gender-specific in language. But I think it appropriate to translate, for example, Paul's comments to his "brothers" as "brothers and sisters" because the spirit behind the archaic formulations of language clearly shows that he was speaking to both men and women.
But didn't Jesus call God "Father?" Yes, and no. Although it is usually translated as such, "Abba" does not really mean "Father." It is rendered that way because too many humans are nervous about saying what Jesus actually said: "daddy" or even "dada." The purpose of the diminutive expression was not to indicate a gender for God, but a relationship; it is a relationship of absolute intimacy and trust. Therefore, it would be more appropriate for us to say the Lord's prayer like this, "Our dada, who is in heaven. . . ."
On a different but related topic, you may be shocked to learn that translators have had a long tradition of "softening" not only certain concepts that people might be uncomfortable hearing, but also potentially offensive and earthy language in the Bible. That which Paul refers to as "filthy rags?" When King Saul retreats to a cave in order to relieve himself? The "dirt" that seeps out of King Eglon's gut when he is stabbed? These are just a few places where translators chose more "socially appropriate" terms than the raw language employed/implied by the ancient writers. But I digress. . . .
A person I know once argued with me that the Holy Spirit is referenced in male terms in the chapters of John. True, but here's the kicker: the Hebrew word for "Spirit" in the Old Testament is feminine. Always. While in Greek, there are two words for "Spirit." "Parakletos," which is masculine, and "pneuma," which is gender neutral. As such, based on which passage one turns to, it could be appropriate to say "he" or "she" when speaking of the Holy Spirit.
To really blow your mind on gender and divinity, do a little research on "Sophia" (wisdom) as personified in the Old Testament, and as perceived by the earliest Christians. There were some in ancient times who believed that "she" was the pre-incarnate Christ.
.....
In conclusion, lack of originality by others does not mean politically correct language is wrong. . . only that we haven't caught the knack of it. I offer the following poem for your consideration. "
Who Is This One? By S. A. Nesbitt
I kneel to pray, prepared to utter the old, familiar phrases.But a sudden and profound awareness overcomes me. I cannot speak.Who is this One I so often entreat?
I AM. Almighty Lord. Wonderful Counselor. Ancient of Days. Prince of Peace.
Who is this One I so often entreat?No single term or phrase seems adequate.With every breath, a different truth reverberates in my heart.
Redeemer. Burden Carrier. Renewer. Path Layer. Saviour.
The heavens proclaim Thy glories!The seas declare Thy majesty!
Storm Calmer. Master of Wind. Thunderer. Sparker of Fire. Omnipotent Spirit.
Hallowed be Thy name!Thy kingdom come! Thy will be done!
Abba. Holy of Holies. Lord Sabaoth. Everlasting Father. King of Kings.
Humbled by holy mysteries, I dare not speak.Who is this One I so often entreat?Empowered by awe and intimacy, I cannot keep silent!
Trusted One. Tear Blotter. Friend. Comforter. Thirst Quencher.
Who is this One I so often entreat?Who dazzles the eye and enchants the ear?Who delights the eager heart?
Weaver. Painter. Artist. Conductor. Musician.
Like a baby in its mother's embrace, I sense strong arms around me.Who is this One I so often entreat?Who is this One who gave me life, and to whom I shall return?
Life Giver. Binder of Wounds. Kisser of Hurt. Protector. Hand Holder.
Who is this One I so often entreat?Who moves my clay and leaden feet?
Choreographer. Shoulder Tapper. Nudger. Gentle Power. Whisperer.
God.
Well said, Dr. Nesbitt.
So, call God whatever you want. If you read my last post on God's Name, you'll know you probably won't get that pronunciation right either. Call him want you want, just call him often.
Peace.
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