Abstract
It is fashionable today to try to avoid sexist language in theology, despite the Bible’s consistent use of the masculine pronoun when referring to God. Although such an attempt has largely been engendered by modem culture, the maleness of God is not simply a hangover from a patriarchal society, but reflects a fundamental maleness in God’s dealing with man. It emphasises the idea of redemption by grace alone over against creation, and such aspects as the adoption of Christians as sons. The maleness of Christ likewise has not simply been cultural, but is significant theologically. This is not to deny any femininity in God, but to assert that male features predominate. Such an idea does not reduce the status of women, but rather an emphasis on redemption raises it. Raising the status of women in society would in fact reduce the pressure to demasculinize God.
Highlights
It is fashionable today to try to avoid sexist language in theology, despite the Bible’s consistent use of the masculine pronoun when referring to God
The question must, be put as to whether this assertion of the non-maleness of G od is justified
F o ster is apologizing for sexist language, which in m odern theological w riting is forbidden, believing, how ever, th at a co rrect usage is "semantically awkward and
Summary
The Anglican Church is currently in a state of controversy, as they have been for quite a time, over the question of the ordination of women. The arguments and implications are well known, such as the effect that such ordination would have on relations with the R om an Catholic Church It is argued th at priests are m ale in so far as they stand in the place of Christ and the Father, and a woman "clearly" cannot do that (Packer, 1977:80). As will become clear, sexuality involves more than the ability to reproduce, and some of these aspects are characteristic of God. Secondly, it is felt that ascribing maleness to God was due to the superiority of the male in pre-modem and especially Biblical culture. As modern culture is more enlightened about recognising the equality of the sexes, so the maleness of God is an anachronism which should be disposed of. That the Biblical maleness of God had a deeper root than culture, and that the equality o f the sexes is not so much hindered by the maleness of God as supported by it
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