Does Language about God Matter?
Does Language Matter?
A response of preliminary considerations
Human language, by its origins and design is symbolic communication. Being organic, it is also dynamic. Being human, it is also culturally relative, and therefore susceptible to the social context, and to the subjective agendas of both the speaker and the listener.
There is a need to grasp the problem of religious symbolism within language and culture. A step beyond the accepted norm of Aquinas, that religious language is analogous1, and comes from accepting the approximation that any word contains. When considering the limitations of words themselves, language in its human and cultural context creates an urgent and ever present, corroborating need to assign to words a symbolic influence or power. Language contains within its purposes infused messages and meanings. Therefore, simply to accept and not to question and examine seems too superficial. Being willing to explore and expand upon the meanings, we find adaptations that are possible and could contain important, vital ways to unlock hidden understandings. If we are willing to be so adventurous and risk-taking, we can inherit from previous generations a limited scope, a confining expression or definition. Worse, yet would be that we could unwittingly perpetuate misconceptions and erroneous ideas and definitions that depart from a more inclusive original framework for meaning and purpose that word first symbolized or harnessed for human usage. 2
2 Edward T. Hall, The Silent Language, Doubleday & Company, New York, 1959, pages 37. Hall further states on page 58, that ” Americans tend to isolate or compartmentalize language more than any other culture.” Hall’s eight criteria for understanding language and culture are these: Interaction, Association, Subsistence, Bisexuality, Territoriality, Temporality, Learning, Play, Defense, Exploitation( use of materials) Page 46-62.
Hall provides a social science critique for Fundamentalism’s assertions that language stays the same since written. For example, The claims of Biblical inerrancy such can be found in authors like Carl Henry, can be seen as falling apart before the reality of cultural shifts and changes. Definitions, over time, can be altered or reinterpreted. Most hermeneutics and preaching could benefit from using a modern dictionary of language meanings, and various idioms, along with Biblical etymologies. It could be a valuable asset and a step toward greater clarity.
2
We can conclude that there is no true or complete sense of certainty that can be captured or conveyed through language. This is considered to be true even when we humans are contemplating the words that various cultures would deem to be sacred, such as in World Scripture. Even though these words may be subjectively and culturally defined as being absolute and static, these words are shown, over the course of their compilation and linguistic critique to be words that are neither certain nor are they defined consistently by all who read them. The Bible we have received is a collection of words and ideas that have gone through many incarnations, versions, revisions, and translations. A a sample pathway through culture and translations, we can see that our Biblical words have been on quite a historical and cultural journey: From the ancient Near East origins in cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphics to early Semitic languages we are given the unpolished Hebrew and Aramaic that became the basis for the translations into Hellenic Greek, then into Roman Latin, then to into German and eventually into Shakespeare’s English when we arrive at the King James Version.
Presently, we have at least five different translations in common English usage. All along this culturally and religiously diverse pathway from the Middle East to Europe to the New World, these words and ideas, these metaphors and symbols, and their various meanings have be changed to suit the particular editorial bias or preferences.
Hebrew scholar, Fabre D’Olivet, who wrote this warning for our contemporary generation: 3
The tragedy of biblical translation has been expressions that were meant to resonate many levels of meaning- at least the intellectual, metaphorical and the universal- have been whittled down to become ‘wholly gross in [their] nature.. restricted to material and particular expressions.’ This tendency to divide and over “literalize” was reflective of the whole Newtonian era; a period that repressed mystical cosmology and was also ill at ease with mystical translation.”
The lasting gift and value of scripture cannot be found in its assumed absolute status. It is found in the very nature of religious language as being “polyvalent” or being capable of conferring a variety of meanings within it. The men who were responsible or placed in charge of the task of translation and adaptation from one language to another, chose carefully within a range of possible meanings. However, those choices were made by fallible men- and so their choices were not made in a cultural or theological vacuum. The gender of language is one, glaring place where the possible choices or the subjective preferences have had a lasting influence and, for this writer, it has had a significant marginalizing, pejorative effect. Much of the exclusionary language problems we have today find their root cause in the misogynist clerics who controlled the translation process. When that fact is coupled with how women were denied literacy (up to our modern times in places in the world!) the combination of many factors such as ecclesial bias and its clear preference to speak of God as being exclusively masculine can be seen to be so rehearsed and expected that it stubbornly persists to the untrained and prejudicial eye into our modern era!
(Without belaboring the point in this short essay, there is another useful corollary to consider from modern scholarship. James Fowler, in his well known and respected developmental theory called ” The Stages of Faith” assigns a relatively naive, and elementary awareness or unrefined understanding to those who are only comfortable with literalism.)
Agreeing with professor Piepmeir, language certainly does matter! The feminine in Biblical language for God shows up early- in the first Genesis account. She shows up linguistically as a feminine Holy Spirit, and is known in the pages of the Torah such as Dueteronomy as a mother bird brooding over her nest. And she is a prominent part of the whole section of the Hebrew Bible called Wisdom literature where wisdom as Sophia is portrayed as the alluring female who traps men into self awareness!
(Incidentally, the usage of the gender inclusive words, Father/Mother God was first introduced into Protestant worship in 1835 by Bostonian preacher and abolitionist, Theodore Parker. He used the phrase Out Father/Mother God regularly to begin his prayers… Them of course, in a few decades after that, we have Mary Baker eddy making this gender inclusive phrase a regular part of all Christian Science services. So the idea of addressing God are having both masculine and feminine traits or qualities is far from new!)
The excellent insights from contemporary feminist scholarship since the 1970′s has contributed immensely to our greater and more full expression and comprehension of theological language for the divine. They have provided and produced important ways to understand a more balanced, integrated, and inclusive approach to God, and to whatever is deemed to be sacred and holy. We also have learned from depth psychology that when archetypes become conscious, they often become engendered in our thoughts and feelings.
In short, women have been disenfranchised from taking their rightful and equal place in religious understanding and ministerial leadership. For far too long, the dominant language of patriarchal culture- from politics to religion- have limited our choices for language and hampered or full human comprehension. Through a greater exposure to these new translations and deeper insights, we can gain a richer understanding of all the myth, metaphor, and meaning that can be found in sacred literature. By empowering this more inclusive and egalitarian approach. We, as a worshipping community and larger western culture, can arrive at images for the Divine that give both men and women more accessible and inviting guidance for their lives.
Religious feminism and the search for the inclusive sense of the sacred and for the recovery of the Holy Feminine in our Western culture has made important strides in the necessary work of reclamation and rediscovery. However, this large affirmation does not belong to scholars and to the esoterically inclined among us. As I see it, there is a pressing, urgent need to reform liturgy and life span religious instruction to reflect these new/old insights and to rephrase language to reflect new learning and new levels of comprehension. These new patterns of recognition and greater awareness needs to be actively applied to our leadership questions within our congregations.
While many established approaches to theology will state that God is eternal, changeless and absolute, the language we use to describe our story of faith, the words we use to affirm our beliefs, and to testify to our understanding – from its linguistic roots to its idealistic wings- remains variable, culturally relative, and because of this fact, literal meaning remain unknowable.
So I will offer one last reflective central question of the newspaper’s article: Does Language Matter? And will follow with last words of personal reflection…
From Theopoetics, a book by the famous New testament scholar, Amos Wilder:
“The great mysteries of faith can only be approximated
within the limitations of human language. The higher forms
of understanding have to be expressed in ways that transcend
language and intellection, and finally reside in mystery and experiential
meaning for the person before her/his God”
While these limits of language, even though they can make us feel insecure, uncertain, unknowing, they prove themselves to be ultimately gracious. The acceptance of our human limits or the uncertainty of translations and editorial compilations leads us directly toward the necessity for faith, for trust, for courage and for compassion. We cannot safely rely on any written word to contain the best ways to know and to affirm the “Allness” of God.
The Rev. Peter E. Lanzillotta, Ph.D.
3
Fabre D’Olivet, The Hebraic Tongue Restored 1815. This quote comes from the introduction to Neil Douglas Klotz’s Prayers of The Cosmos, where he puts forth a possible Aramaic and mystical translation of the Lord’s Prayer and Beatitudes, and Parables, Harper and Row
San Francisco 1990 page 2.
August 18th, 2010 at 2:47 PM
I usually don?t post in blogs but yours tied my hands, awesome stuff… gorgeous
August 21st, 2010 at 11:51 PM
I’ve seen many web pages and I can definitively state that this is my favorite.
August 25th, 2010 at 4:46 PM
I think this an informative and interesting post. I think it is very readable and knowledgeable, happy to see some people still have interest in this. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am wish the same best work from you in the future as well kind regards
August 29th, 2010 at 5:33 AM
This is a good blog. Keep up all the work. I too love blogging and expressing my opinions. Thanks
September 2nd, 2010 at 3:40 PM
I like this information given and this has provided me some sort of inspiration to succeed for some reason, so keep up the good work.
September 4th, 2010 at 4:40 AM
Hi Webmaster, commenters and everybody else !!! The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!Keep ‘em coming… you all do such a great job at such Concepts… can’t tell you how much I, for one appreciate all you do!
September 4th, 2010 at 2:33 PM
Thanks very much, its very nice article, this was the one I am looking for. Thanks again Thanks.
September 4th, 2010 at 11:38 PM
This is a nice blog i must say, usually i don¡¯t post comments on others¡¯ blogs but would like to say that this post really forced me to do so!
September 6th, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Happy to have landed on your page, thanks for everything
September 6th, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Hi, Neat post. I wish everyone would pay such attention to their post as you do. I came acros your blog on my search when searching for a compartment. I put your blog on my RSS feeder. I am sorry for my poor englisch, i am from the netherlands.
Best regards from the netherlands!
September 6th, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Saw a link to this post over on Digg. Thanks for posting it. I’m sure I’ll be back one day.
September 6th, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Thanks very much for your good page;this is the words that keeps me awake through out the day. I’ve been searching around for this site after asked to visit them from a buddy and was pleased when I was able to find it after searching for long time. Being a demanding blogger, I’m blessed to see others taking initivative and contributing to the community. I just wanted to comment to show my appreciation for your blog as it’s very energizing, and many writers do not get admiration they deserve. I am sure I’ll visit again and will send some of my friends.
September 8th, 2010 at 6:51 AM
U’ve made some decent points in this post. I’ve loooked on the net 4 dis and found most individuals will consent with your view.
September 8th, 2010 at 9:16 AM
A truly excellent submit by you my pal. I’ve bookmarked this web page and can arrive again following several days to verify for virtually any new posts that you just make.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:09 AM
Fantastic post bro. This unique is just a tremendously nicely structured article, just the critical info I was seeking pertaining to. Thx
September 9th, 2010 at 4:09 AM
That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.
September 9th, 2010 at 5:58 PM
Hi can I ask who your webmaster is?
September 10th, 2010 at 9:30 AM
Answered many questions Las Vegas Hotels
September 10th, 2010 at 10:50 AM
It remains one of life’s greatest mysteries why and how that works
September 10th, 2010 at 11:32 AM
great article, how do you feel this will be affected in the future?
September 10th, 2010 at 4:41 PM
Thankfully for this approach terrific information; this is the type of benefit that is constantly me though out the day.I have forever really been hunting close to for your web page immediately after I observed about them from a good friend and was thrilled when I was in a position to acquire it following looking for a while. Becoming a experienced blogger, I’m thrilled to find out other folks taking motivation and making contributions towards the neighborhood. I just needed to comment to exhibit my admiration for the publish as it is incredibly inviting, and lots of copy writers usually do not get the credit score they should have. I am sure I’ll be back again and will send some of my acquaintances.
September 10th, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Hello everyone.. enjoy reading the blog and posting for the first time. Do you guys have a newsletter? could not find it. Please let me know. Keep up the good work. las vagas hotels
September 11th, 2010 at 7:47 AM
It’s hard to find knowledgeable bloggers on this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks.
September 11th, 2010 at 6:54 PM
You should really considering moderating the comments here….
September 12th, 2010 at 1:06 AM
I was just talking to my friend roseville about this. great article, how do you feel this will be affected in the future?
September 12th, 2010 at 7:10 AM
I completely agree, great aricle! I’m glad you went down that route
September 12th, 2010 at 9:25 AM
great article, how do you feel this will be affected in the future? I’m glad I stumbled across this website!
September 12th, 2010 at 11:53 AM
What exactly did you mean in the second sentance? I’m glad I stumbled across this website!
September 12th, 2010 at 12:43 PM
Yeah, I noticed that too, great article, I’m glad I stumbled across this website!
September 12th, 2010 at 5:12 PM
A thoughtful insight and ideas I will use on my blog. You’ve obviously spent a lot of time on this. Congratulations!
September 12th, 2010 at 7:14 PM
Hi – very good web site you have established. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to issue a comment to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically pleasing. I used to be a graphic designer, now I am a copy editor in chief for a marketing firm. I have always enjoyed playing with information processing systems and am attempting to learn code in my spare time (which there is never enough of lol).
September 12th, 2010 at 7:24 PM
Hi and thanks for this amazing magnificent page; this is the sort of situation that maintains me though out the day.I have really been seeking around for ones web-site soon after I noticed about them from a buddy and was delighted when I was capable of locate it following searching for some time. Becoming a experienced blogger, I’m delighted to see others taking effort and surrounding towards the community. I just desired to opinion to exhibit my thanks for your personal submit as it’s rather pushing, and lots of freelance writers will not get the credit they deserve. I’m certain I’ll be back and can send a few of my acquaintances.
September 12th, 2010 at 8:44 PM
Thank you so much for posting all of the great information! I am looking forward to reading more posts.
September 13th, 2010 at 2:08 AM
Traffic Siphon Says -The content on this article is really one particular of the very best material that We have ever occur across. I love your article, I’ll are available back to verify for new posts.
September 13th, 2010 at 7:55 AM
Traffic Siphon Says -Outstanding Guide! My spouse and i had been simply contemplating that there are very much bad stuff on this field so you basically influenced my best thoughts and opinions. Thanks for an enjoyable document.
September 14th, 2010 at 2:51 AM
Thanks for the read, I will bookmark it and come back later to check out some of your other posts =)
September 14th, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Hi buddy, your blog’s model is simple and clean and i like it. Your blog articles are superb. Please hold them coming. Greets!!!
September 14th, 2010 at 4:13 PM
The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!
September 15th, 2010 at 1:58 AM
I really loved this post. You write about this topic very well. I really like your blog and I will definetly bookmark it! Keep up the super posts!
September 15th, 2010 at 1:37 PM
I really loved this post. You write about this topic very well. I really like your blog and I will definetly bookmark it! Keep up the super posts!
September 15th, 2010 at 4:00 PM
This is a really informative post. Thank you for sharing it with us.
September 15th, 2010 at 6:06 PM
It’s wonderful to look at sites along with information and thanks a lot for the share that will you’ve done. Usually, I’m pretty amazed, but etc…
September 18th, 2010 at 6:37 PM
good point, out of the options given I really do think the best choice was made
October 6th, 2010 at 1:05 AM
This is a really informative post. Thank you for sharing it with us.
October 6th, 2010 at 4:39 AM
Because of your website, I can improve my website. Thank you for giving information that is always new and readable.
November 18th, 2010 at 8:08 PM
I can see that you are placing a lots of efforts in to your blog. Keep publishing the good work.A few really helpful information inside. Bookmarked. Nice to visit your site. Thanks!
December 1st, 2010 at 1:24 AM
I really love going back to your site to read your story and see more pictures that are really taken with great care. . . . . .
December 6th, 2010 at 7:10 PM
Another Title…
I saw this really great post today….
December 13th, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Wonderful post=) I am going to take a decent amount of time to toy with this content:)
December 15th, 2010 at 2:10 AM
This really is this kind of a amazing resource that you’re offering and also you give it away for totally free. I get pleasure from seeing web sites that realize the worth of supplying a prime resource for cost-free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
December 16th, 2010 at 3:53 AM
Good way of puttin it..
December 17th, 2010 at 11:33 AM
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also.cheers.
December 18th, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Brilliant, genuinely terrific material. Your website undoubtedly great. I book-marked this and will return .
December 18th, 2010 at 8:25 PM
I wanted to take time to let you know how much your work made my day. It is great how a piece like yours can enliven people. Hope you make more pieces like this one.
December 19th, 2010 at 7:21 PM
Thank you for writing this. I don’t agree with everything you said, but I respect your opinion
February 26th, 2011 at 5:36 PM
It was my excitement locating your site the other day. I got here right now hoping to learn interesting things. I was not let down. Your ideas with new solutions on this area were insightful and a great help to my family. Thank you for making time to write out these things as well as sharing your thinking.
May 22nd, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Good! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog?
September 16th, 2011 at 6:43 PM
I was worried due to some problems I encountered. Thanks to your post now I understand what to do. With these tips I think it’s no more hard.
October 20th, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Fantastic…
I shared this on reddit….
December 27th, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.,One more thing,plz visit my websites:International observation
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:07 AM
Great Clips Coupons…
[...]in the following are a handful of listings to webpages we link to as we think these are worthwhile browsing[...]…