The Father and the Feminine

by Spencer Miles Boersma

How should Christians speak of the transcendent yet personal God when our language for persons is almost always gendered? Is male imagery--such as Father, Son, or King--the only appropriate way? Are there ways to talk of God using female-gendered metaphors and pronouns? And how does the use of such language impact humans as gendered people? Moving beyond the extremes in this debate, The Father and the Feminine seeks to clarify the ways Christians speak about whether this is by recognizing revelation and Christian tradition; upholding God's ineffability; using analogies, metaphors, and narratives; referring to God as Father, Son, and Spirit; or by seeking a liberating way of life in community. Spencer Miles Boersma argues that male language for God need not be problematic if used and understood correctly but, at the same time, that it cannot be the exclusive way Christians speak of the Divine. The grammar of Christian Scripture and tradition both authorize the use of female language, which Christians ought to use in pursuing a deeper relationship with God and others, as well as a more authentic view of self.

262 pages, Hardcover

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Jazmine Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much-needed Christian theological primer for how to apply gender to God, before a more robust theological basis can be developed for how gender is applied to people. I read slow and reread parts (alongside other reading) to be sure I was understanding the compelling reasoning. This book offers solid ground from which to move into the conversation about gender that’s becoming unavoidable in the global church. Local churches need leaders and congregants reading this to coherently, wisely engage with the issues and be clear on what “the Bible and tradition say so” means for gender applied first to God.