God as Mother – Round Up

So there’s been a whole discussion this week about whether it is ok to refer to God as Mother. The bible certainly talks about God having attributes of both a Father and a Mother but over the centuries Father has been the only term used, until more recently with the rise of feminist theology.

Anyway if you are wondering what this whole debate is about here’s some of the best things I’ve seen written on it…

• Rev Kate Bottley reveals how this whole thing got started as well as her own thoughts. Great piece and I agree – aren’t we just missing the point? and ends with the best line ever:

Did I just compare God to a kangaroo’s unmentionables? I think that might be heresy.

• Nancy’s response here gives a list of scriptures which is useful

• John Bingham in The Telegraph looks at the impact on liturgy, which seems a rather trumped up story intended to rile people if you ask me (and a possibly veiled dig at Bishops who happen to be female), but make up your own mind…

• Ian Paul over at Psephizo blog has a very thorough look at the whole thing. It’s quite long but if you’ve only got time to read one, read his.

• An older piece from a few years ago Yolanda Pierce (@YNPierce) looks at the more feminist angle, but in a non ranty way!