The Front Porch June 17, 2021

My first semester in seminary began in the fall of 1987. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the use of inclusive language was becoming more common in some Christian circles. There was a legitimate concern that using only male language to describe God was subtly (and maybe not so subtly) reinforcing a patriarchal system within the Church that not only understood God to be male, but also served to reinforce a practice that most leadership positions in the Church should be held by men as well. So as a new student who was given the honor of praying in the weekly chapel service on campus, it didn’t go well when I started the prayer “Our Father”.

physically and emotionally.

The Front Porch June 17, Issue 65