EXPLORING DIVINE MYSTERY

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“I’m not a woman, I’m not a man. I am something that you’ll never understand.”

When Prince sang those words, he probably didn’t expect to spark a theological reflection, but here we are.

For a long time, I’ve wondered why Christians almost always refer to God as “He.” Growing up in church, it was second nature: God the Father, God the King, God as Lord. All masculine titles. All male pronouns. Rarely questioned. But somewhere along the way, I started to ask: Is God really male? Or have we just gotten used to thinking of God that way?

Let’s unpack this.

Why Is God “He” in Christianity?

The short answer? Tradition. The Bible was written in a patriarchal society where male language was the norm, and that carried into translations, liturgy, and everyday faith. Jesus called God “Abba,” meaning “Father,” and so did the early church. It became embedded in how we pray, sing, and think about God.

But here’s the thing—calling God “Father” doesn’t mean God is male. It’s a metaphor. And metaphor isn’t identity.

The Bible Uses Feminine Imagery Too

This often gets overlooked, but Scripture does paint a fuller picture of God’s nature:

  • In Isaiah 66:13, God says, “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.”

  • Deuteronomy 32:18 talks about God giving birth.

  • Jesus, in Luke 15, compares God to a woman searching for a lost coin.

  • The word for “Spirit” in Hebrew—Ruach—is grammatically feminine.

The Bible is full of rich metaphors: father, mother, rock, shepherd, fire, midwife. God transcends human categories. Yet somehow, “He” is the only one we held onto.

So… Is God Genderless?

Yes—and more.

In John 4:24, Jesus said, “God is spirit.” Not male, not female. Spirit. Genesis 1:27 even says, “Male and female God created them… in the image of God.” That tells us something profound: God’s image includes both masculine and feminine.

If we believe that, reducing God to “He” alone does more than limit language—it limits our understanding of the Divine. It also reinforces harmful social structures where power and holiness are linked to masculinity.

Why It Matters

Language shapes how we see the world—and how we see ourselves. When God is always male:

  • Women may struggle to see themselves fully reflected in the divine image.

  • Men may feel pressured to reflect a narrow, dominant version of masculinity.

  • Gender-diverse people may wonder if there's room for them in a faith that doesn’t acknowledge their experience.

This isn't just a theological debate—it has real-world consequences.

But What About Tradition?

Tradition is meaningful. For many, calling God “Father” is comforting and personal. That language connects us to childhood prayers, familiar hymns, and cherished rituals.

I get that. I honor that.

But growth doesn’t mean we throw tradition away. It means we expand it. We make room for mystery, for metaphors that include everyone. We let God be as big as God truly is.

After all, Jesus consistently challenged narrow thinking. Jesus didn’t come to reinforce the status quo; Jesus came to fulfill and reframe it.

Imagine If…

Imagine praying to the God who is both Father and Mother and Spirit.

Imagine singing songs that reflect God’s fullness, not just God’s masculinity.

Imagine teaching our kids that God is not a man or woman, but something far more beautiful: Spirit, Love, Life itself.

Imagine the freedom,  that could bring.

Final Thoughts

No, God is not a woman. And no, God is not a man.

God is more.

When we let go of limiting language, we don’t lose reverence—we gain revelation. We start to see God not as a reflection of us, but as the source of all that we are.

And that, I believe, brings us closer to the heart of faith.


What do you think? 

Have you ever wrestled with how we talk about God? 

Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Let’s Keep The Conversation Going

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