Collideoscope

Posted by: Denelle

The Presbyterian Church has voted to "receive" a policy paper on gender inclusive alternatives to the traditional Father, Son and Holy Ghost reference to the divine Trinity. According to the the church's council:

That means church officials can propose experimental liturgies with alternative
phrasings for the Trinity, but congregations won't be required to use them.

A panel that worked on the issue since 2000 said the classical
language for the Trinity should still be used, but added that Presbyterians also
should seek "fresh ways to speak of the mystery of the triune God" to "expand
the church's vocabulary of praise and wonder."

New terms that are acceptable include: "Mother, Child and Womb", "Rock, Redeemer, Friend", "Lover, Beloved, Love", "Creator, Savior, Sanctifier", "King of Glory, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Love." (These all sound like attributes of the ONE God to me but I'm not a voting member of the Presbyterian Church council.)

Interestingly, the youth delegate to the council (a female Seminary student) was hesitant about the proposed changes, reminding the delegates:

that the Ten Commandments say "the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who
misuses his name."

This coupled with the Episcopalian Church's election of a female leader earlier this week is making for an interesting week in the religious world. Comments, questions, thoughts to weigh in?