#STRask Is “God the Father” a Sexist Term That Demeans Women?
Sep 29, 2025
The discussion dives deep into whether the term 'God the Father' is sexist and its implications for women and motherhood. Arguments highlight the positive aspects of fatherhood as protector and provider. Listeners explore scriptural references to God's feminine imagery, contrasting these with cultural critiques. They also examine the historical elevation of women in Christianity. Additionally, questions arise about the origins and duration of Hell, linking God's anger to the necessity of judgment and punishment of evil.
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Father Language Conveys Relational Authority
- Greg Koukl argues calling God ‘Father’ is not sexist because fatherhood conveys protection, provision, and relational personhood.
- He says rejecting ‘Father’ would force impersonal or awkward alternatives that misrepresent God.
Bible Uses Both Masculine And Feminine Images
- Scripture uses both masculine and feminine images for God, though God self-identifies as Father.
- Greg calls complaints about 'Father' a manufactured issue tied to modern sensibilities.
Equality Comes From Bearing God's Image
- Amy Hall connects the critique to modern materialism and naturalism that lack a theological ground for equal human value.
- She says Christians ground equality in both sexes bearing God's image, so 'Father' need not demean women.
