ELCA FAITH FORMATION
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Language for God & People

An ELCA social statement on...
Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action

​
27) Use inclusive language (all genders) for humankind and inclusive
and expansive language (other than human) for God. This church
is committed to the deepest Christian understanding of the Trinity
revealed through Jesus Christ and to the importance of imagining
and speaking about God in faithful ways that expand rather
than limit the expression of God's self-revelation and mystery. In
particular, we support developing liturgies, hymns, prayers, and
educational materials that broaden use beyond predominantly
masculine language. This practice follows the scriptural witness that
God transcends human categories. Therefore, as in the Scriptures,
metaphors for and images of God should be drawn frequently from
the lives of people of all identities and experiences and gleaned
from nature in all its diversity. Employing inclusive and expansive
language for and images of God helps human beings approach and
encounter the God of beauty and love who reveals God’s self to
humanity in rich and mysterious ways.
faith_sexism_justice_social_statement_adopted.pdf
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There are 22 pages  of "Language and the Christian Assembly" in the ELCA's "Renewed Worship" statement, "Principles for Worship."
principles_for_worship.pdf
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The Presbyterian Church, USA has a brochure about the importance of Inclusive and Expansive Language
pcusa.wellchosen.pdf
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Detailed dig into the role of Mary Magdalene through original Greek manuscripts and her HIGH importance in the early church.
An ELCA brochure entitled "Language for God and God's People."
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language_for_god_and_people_brochure__1_.pdf
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Brief Study on Expansive Language for God, created by Pastor Janelle Rozek Hooper
expansive_language_for_god_study.pdf
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Names for God - A 2page document listing out a handful of names used for God from both scripture and theologians. *Part of the Lutheran Identity Series
names_for_god_.pdf
File Size: 62 kb
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"Language for God: A Lutheran Perspective" Mary J. Streufert. Fortress Press, 2022

"A Metaphorical God: An Abecedary of Images for God"www.abebooks.com/9781568540719/Metaphorical-God-Abecedary-Images-Ramshaw-156854071X/plp Gail Ramshaw. Liturgy Training Publishers, 1995.

Female Images of God in the Bible - Compiled by the Women’s Ordination Conference
Helpful Short Article on How to Talk about God the Mother.
how_to_talk_to_children_about_mother_god.pdf
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ELCA Frequently Asked Questions about Worship Resources
includes "What is Meant by Inclusive and Expansive Language in Worship"
what_is_meant_by_inclusive_and_expansive_language_in_worship.pdf
File Size: 293 kb
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We offer curated Christian faith formation resources,
so you don't have to scour the internet yourself.
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  • Home
    • About
  • Education
    • Curriculum >
      • Bibles
      • Books
      • Devotionals & Prayer
      • Fun & Games
      • Las Programas en Español
      • Podcasts
      • Schools & Early Learning Centers
      • VBS
  • Ministry
    • Lutheran Identity >
      • Language for God & People >
        • Ecumenical, Jewish & Muslim
    • Worship Resources >
      • Labyrinths
      • Lectionary
      • Music & Musicals
      • Nursery
      • Synod Assemblies
    • Development & Mental Health >
      • Death & Dying
    • Nurturing Faith Filled Families
    • Social Justice (Race and more) >
      • Advocacy
      • Books >
        • Books/Discussion Guides for Adults
      • DEI
      • Disability Ministry
      • Hunger
      • Immersion Experiences
      • Native American
      • Sexuality >
        • Books-Queer
      • Young Adult Missions
    • Stewardship >
      • Apparel
      • Artists For Hire
      • Creation Care
      • Training & Safety >
        • Journi
        • Safety
        • Sample Job Descriptions
        • Volunteers >
          • Spiritual Gifts
  • Seasonal Resources
    • Winter >
      • Advent & Christmas
      • Epiphany
      • February: African-American History Month
      • Valentine's (Feb 14)
    • Spring >
      • March: Women's History Month
      • Lent & Easter >
        • Earth Day
    • Summer >
      • Pentecost
      • Pride Month (June)
    • Autumn >
      • Blessing of the Animals
      • Reformation
      • All Saint's
      • Thanksgiving
    • *Intergenerational*
  • GRANTS