Not Only a Father Motherly God-language in the Bible and Christian Tradition

Cite <blockquote cite='http://motherfather.digress.it/5-theology-of-god-as-both-father-and-mother/#1'>Talk of God as mother is not new. The Bible and great theologians of the Christian church both provide examples. This chapter examines the systematic foundations for such talk under five topics that affect our thinking:</blockquote> Permalink:
1 Talk of God as mother is not new. The Bible and great theologians of the Christian church both provide examples. This chapter examines the systematic foundations for such talk under five topics that affect our thinking:

Cite <blockquote cite='http://motherfather.digress.it/5-theology-of-god-as-both-father-and-mother/#2'> The difference between grammatical gender and sexual nature. If people confuse these, thinking concerning God and concerning God as Father or Mother, becomes muddled and unorthodox. The nature of Yahweh, God of the Old Testament. Is Yahweh in some sense masculine? If “he” really is he and not she, then when the Bible uses motherly language it would say nothing about his nature. The nature of Christ as male in the New Testament. What bearing does the fact that Jesus was male have on theology? The difference between Yahweh and Baal. The Old Testament prophets ran a continuous and deeply fundamental battle for Yahweh against Baal and other idols. To make God male would return us to serving an idol under the Bible definition. The Different God. Neither male nor female alone can portray God. </blockquote> Permalink:
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• The difference between grammatical gender and sexual nature. If people confuse these, thinking concerning God and concerning God as Father or Mother, becomes muddled and unorthodox.
• The nature of Yahweh, God of the Old Testament. Is Yahweh in some sense masculine? If “he” really is he and not she, then when the Bible uses motherly language it would say nothing about his nature.
• The nature of Christ as male in the New Testament. What bearing does the fact that Jesus was male have on theology?
• The difference between Yahweh and Baal. The Old Testament prophets ran a continuous and deeply fundamental battle for Yahweh against Baal and other idols. To make God male would return us to serving an idol under the Bible definition.
• The Different God. Neither male nor female alone can portray God.

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