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ELCA View on the Proper Use of Language

12/30/2010

The ELCA official website has a webpage entitled, “What is the proper use of language in worship?” (see here)

Here are some of the ELCA’s directives, in that article, related to Jesus:

- “Although the use of male pronouns is appropriate when referring to Jesus, care should be taken to find other ways to speak of Jesus that emphasize humanness rather than maleness.”

- “. . . using nonmasculine imagery should be used along with masculine forms for balance.”

Speaking about inclusive language in music, the ELCA’s article says that if you don’t like what some songs say,

“ . . . new verses reflecting current language sensitivity can be added to old hymns. In some cases, particularly problematic verses can be omitted. In other instances, the traditional weight of certain hymns may necessitate their being kept intact and balanced by other hymns that are more inclusive in language.”

For contemporary songs, “(m)usic that is not. . . sensitive to the use of inclusive language should be avoided.”

Later on in the article the ELCA states, “(t)he metaphorical use of the term ‘father’ continues to be used in worship, alongside many other biblical metaphors for God. However, because sin can distort even the fundamental relationships of parents to children, the image of a father may be difficult to comprehend for some who have experienced alienation in their relationship to a human father.”

This last statement is trying to change a person’s perspective so they lessen the use or discontinue addressing God as, “Father” at the risk of offending those with broken earthly relationships; when, in fact, we ought to be lifting up how God is indeed our perfect heavenly Father, a wonderful truth specifically for those who have had less than positive relationships with their earthly fathers.

This is another example of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America deciding they know better than Scripture.

- Jesus Himself tells us, “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven . . .’” (Matthew 6:9)

- Jesus tells his disciples that God is their “Father.” “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:6-8)

- Jesus calls God “Father.” "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

But because someone in the world might not like calling God “Father,” the ELCA wants us to consider not using that term. This is another assault on God that comes straight from the pit of hell.

(See more evidence of what the ELCA is doing with gender neutral language, inclusive language and changing the names of God.)

Dan Skogen

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