What gender is God?

Whether the young believers who initiated this - very special - gender discussion were aware of the extent of their deliberations remains to be seen. In the meantime, however, the net is discussing, sometimes very emotionally, whether the word "God" should be followed by a gender asterisk.

Those who are in favor of "touching up" a little here are primarily bothered by the fact that many people then almost automatically think of a man when they hear "God". And that is precisely what the asterisk is intended to change. Or differently: the asterisk could at least initiate considerations to say goodbye to old patterns and to at least consider whether other connections than "God = man" could be possible.

What is seen by some as a great way to communicate is laughed at by others. Still others get loudly worked up on social networks about considerations like these. The discussion is in full swing... And could continue for some time.

How do you actually spell "God"?

From a purely spelling point of view, there should be less discussion here than with regard to the question of whether the star is justified or not.

Due to the fact that the plural here, unlike for example with "policemen" or "bakers", is of course not possible, it is considered whether "God*" could be used if necessary. Another idea that is repeatedly put forward in this context is "God+".

The message behind all these variants is clear. It is not about saying: God IS a woman, trans or diverse, but only about the fact that God does not have to be associated with exactly the old man, which is so often assumed in the minds of people. A kind of broadening of horizons, the sense of which is not supported by all.

There is no official decision around the discussion yet. It is also possible that the whole thing will fizzle out again after some time. On the other hand, the public's attention is certainly already too focused on the topic for it to be possible to completely row back now. Accordingly, there will certainly be further discussions in the coming months.

Another question that also needs to be clarified here is: How will a "God*" or a "God+" finally be pronounced? It is already certain that it is above all the younger believers for whom it is very important at the present time to initiate the corresponding changes.

One asterisk and many heated tempers

Since it was made known via the social networks that "God" could possibly become a "God*" or a "God+", there has been lively discussion. However, this is not surprising. Meanwhile, many newspapers and TV stations also have to justify their use of gendering. Critics bring here again and again as an argument that the language would be disfigured.

Proponents of gendering, however, see asterisks as the only way to break through a way of thinking that is sometimes very masculine.

It may come as a bit of a surprise that the church in particular is now trying to break new ground. After all, it is one of the institutions that rely to a large extent on tradition. The star behind the "God" would accordingly be unusual in many respects, but for its proponents it would be an important step in the direction of "thinking outside the box.

And one thing certainly cannot be denied: the addition would cause many people to think - at least briefly - about how they see or would like to see God.

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