Gender and the Nicene Creed

by Elizabeth Geitz

"A cogent and persuasive plea for a return to the full catholic tradition which would make a critical contribution to the debate about gender in matters of faith."
―The Most Rev. Desmond M. Tutu

Writers of scripture and theologians have used scores of images to describe God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Yet only the patriarchal perspective seemed to survive and be taught. In this comprehensive reflection on the Nicene Creed, Geitz looks to the writings of theologians, mystics, and scholars throughout the centuries for a balanced and scholarly approach to an often divisive issue of Christians. Elizabeth Geitz writes, "My desire is to help us move from an initial emotional response to feminine tradition of the church to one that is based on sound biblical, historical and theological principles."

147 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Elizabeth Geitz is an Episcopal priest, nonprofit entrepreneur, and award-winning author. With a focus on spirituality and justice issues, her writings speak to people of passion who want to make a difference in the world. Her books have been hailed by NY Times bestselling authors Desmond Tutu, Helen Prejean, and John Berendt.

In her newest book, Spiritual Truth in the Age of Fake News,"Elizabeth Geitz pulls no punches as she calls us to move beyond the many 'isms' that plague our culture today, to read the Scriptures with eyes wide open, and to commit ourselves again to loving all our neighbors with no exceptions." MICHAEL B. CURRY, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Reviews

[Alex Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this in my church library and liked the title.
It was written in the 90s. I'd actually read the Nicene Creed for the service that day.
If this were written today I think it would be better as a series of articles or a video essay, it didn't feel like a complete book.
If you've never read anything about feminine images of God before, this would be a great introduction to that and their liturgical implications. If you've moved on to trans or non-binary images of God, this won't offer anything new.

[Aaron Z Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on the Nicene Creed. I won’t read it the same any longer.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book enlightened me to the many metaphors for God in the Bible. This help me get over the "Guy in the sky" complex that plagues Christianity and atheism. This is my first of not many "thee" books - books that changed, or named, something for me that heightened, or reinforced, my faith.