Join Tripp, a thoughtful commentator on conservatism, and Micky, an advocate for inclusive spiritual language, as they delve into fascinating discussions. They explore the nuances of 'smiling conservatism' and the clash between traditional beliefs and modern perspectives. Micky critiques the exclusive use of masculine terms for God, emphasizing the emotional toll on women in faith communities. The duo also reflects on the intersection of faith, gender, and identity politics, challenging listeners to embrace a more inclusive understanding of spirituality.
The podcast highlights a form of 'smiling conservatism' that maintains traditional views while appearing open to new ideas, reflecting a resistance to progressive change.
Discussion of gendering God reveals how deeply language influences theological understanding and community dynamics, prompting a reevaluation of existing norms.
Deep dives
Understanding Conservatism in Theology
There is a form of conservatism within various theological contexts that resists new ideas due to fear of untested outcomes. This conservatism expresses itself in the reluctance to embrace innovative or progressive thoughts, opting instead to remain within comfortable historical and traditional frameworks. For instance, people may resist using inclusive language for God, arguing that changing the traditional male pronouns lacks scriptural backing, despite acknowledging that God transcends gender. This reluctance stems from a desire to maintain the status quo, underscoring a comfort with existing privileges and historical norms.
The Role of Privilege in Conservatism
The conservatism discussed is described as 'smiling conservatism,' where individuals exhibit an open demeanor while still clinging to traditionalist views, often without recognizing the implications of their positions. This phenomenon can be particularly observed in discussions about gender roles and language used to describe God, where avoiding feminine pronouns is often defended as preserving theological truth. The argument here is that maintaining the historical view can sometimes protect the privileges of certain groups while denying the broader implications of exclusionary language. Opponents of this viewpoint contend that such conservatism ultimately stunts theological growth and deeper understanding.
Cultural and Regional Influences on Conservatism
Conservatism manifests differently across cultural and regional contexts, particularly between the Southern United States and more liberal areas like California. In the South, conservatism can be tied to historical identity and a collective sense of loss following cultural shifts, leading to a defensive stance against perceived threats to traditional values. The connection between regional identity and conservatism indicates that responses to cultural changes are not just ideological but are deeply intertwined with personal and communal experiences. This cultural attachment often results in a reluctance to consider progressive ideas, highlighting the emotional foundation underlying conservative beliefs.
The Importance of Language in Theological Discourse
Language plays a critical role in shaping theological understanding and discussions, particularly concerning gender. The resistance to using non-male pronouns for God reflects deeper issues regarding how gender influences spiritual identity and community dynamics. An experiment discussed in the podcast demonstrates the discomfort provoked by altering language traditionally associated with God, revealing an inherent bias towards male-centric language. This examination of language not only addresses the triviality of pronoun usage but also calls an entire belief system into question, urging a reevaluation of how language influences spiritual representation and societal norms.
At minute 30, Tripp returns with some reflections on the Intelligent Design interview from last year that got such a big ... shall we say ... response from listeners. The Theology Nerd Throwdown is excited to welcome Chalice Press. They are the offical publishing sponsor with lots of great books and resources for theology nerds, preachers, and church planters. They just might become your #1 favorite progressive Christian publisher. So check them out.