Around 2005 a new translation of the Bible was released which sought to accurately translate scripture with regard to pronouns. Whereas the translators of the KJV used almost exclusively male pronouns even in cases where the original Greek and Hebrew words were gender neutral (or included men and woman), this new translation sought more accurately represented the original intended meaning. A huge debate and controversy ensued (a brief overview of which you can read here). Folks like Wayne Grudem claimed the translators were tampering with God’s word.
It seems what was being tampered with was language which was not faithful to the authors’ intended meaning. As it turns out there were many many instances where the word choice of a passage was meant to include men and women, but translators used only male pronouns. If we want to read the text in an accurate, faithful format, perhaps the TNIV would be a helpful tool.
Does gender neutral language make me uncomfortable?
Is my discomfort related to an incorrect reading of scripture or just my own wrong assumptions being upended?
If God is not male, why do I feel better when he is referred to as a man?
javen.bear. 