Last week, someone attacked something I posted on Facebook, saying that God couldn’t be a male, because He was supposed to be perfect. At first, I just breezed past the comment and went on to other things. Then I thought about starting a dialog to argue with this person, but I decided FB was not the proper venue for such an argument. Finally, I realized that arguments over spiritual or theological things rarely ever produce worthwhile results, so I did nothing.
Now that I’ve had time to reflect a bit more and not answer by striking out in anger, I think I should address this lady’s comment. In fact, I want to address it on two different levels.
First, I’ll address the statement itself. I don’t know if she was trying to question God’s perfection or just His maleness. If she doubts His perfection, there’s probably not much I can say to show her that He is perfect.
On the other hand, she’s at least partially right in asserting that God is not male. He is not completely male. He has all the attributes of both male and female. He is complete within Himself, and He couldn’t be complete if He were only male or only female.
If addressing God as He or Him is what bothers her, she needs to know that up until the recent decades of “political correctness,” the male pronouns were also used to include both sexes. It’s so awkward to say “he or she” or “him or her” every time you make a statement that includes people of both sexes.
The other thing I wanted to address regarding this situation is the necessity for respect and decorum in replying to posts, whether the posts be on blogs or Facebook or Twitter—or whatever. Attacking the author’s premise is just plain rude.
If I make a statement about Jesus and you don’t believe in Him, you have every right to ignore my statement and move on to the next blog or comment. You can even feel free to ignore my posts in the future. Arguing with what I said, however, is just plain rude.
If you believe in Confucius or Joseph Smith or Mohammed, that’s your right. Say what you want to say. I don’t have to agree or even read it, but it’s not proper for me to start an argument with you in your venue.
What do you think about the need for civility on the internet?
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If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
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David N Walker 
“up until the recent decades of “political correctness,” the male pronouns were also used to include both sexes. It’s so awkward to say “he or she” or “him or her” every time you make a statement that includes people of both sexes.”
The above fact is often ignored. Political correctness is a curse on society. it reduces communication and is often used to oppress.
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Absolutely, Jay. Thanks.
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Personally, I think she was just making a joke. It wasn’t directed toward God, but toward men in general.
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Possible, but I don’t think so, Carole.
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Dear David, My reaction to this lady’s comment is about the same as yours,I.e. It is probably prompted by the desire to establish the equality of the sexes rather than a sincere desire to know the truth..When God created mankind the Creature he crafted was sexless. Later, a loving Creator decided it was not good that the Creature remain alone and gave it a helpmeet.BUT the distinction between the sexes is clearly stated in the NT: .” male and female created he them”(Mt. 19:4, Gen.1:27) Any attempt to erase this distinction is Satanic. Blessings,, D.S.
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks, Don.
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It just amazes me how ugly people can be with each other. One of my Facebook friends is an atheist, and I’m trying to stay friends with her. She is very gracious, but some of her FB friends who comment aren’t. She had mentioned how her husband was basically persecuted at work because he wasn’t a Christian. I made a comment that as a Christian, it bothered me that other Christians were acting like that, etc. Then some of her fellow atheist friends got really nasty about Christians. And I’ve seen Christians get nasty, too, which ruins their reputation and makes Christians look bad. I’ve seen the same thing happen in political discussions. It just puzzles me why people can’t be civil to each other. What has happened to courtesy? I think now that people can hide behind their computers, they show their true colors. It’s really sad.
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Such nastiness is always inappropriate, Lauralynn. Thanks for your comment.
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David, while I did not see the original discussion… on face value I would say this was a ploy at humor. And in all honesty, man is not perfect. When I made a joke about female pilots not getting lost because we are not afraid to ask for directions, there were a few men who became a little upset. Humor is a survival mechanism, it helps reduce stress, and increases overall health. I think God would want us all to lighten up just a little, smile, open our hearts to love, and press on.
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Thanks, Karlene, and just between you and me, there’s probably more than a grain of truth in your statement about asking for directions.
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Strictly speaking 33 years of observational studies… I’m thinking yes. 🙂
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Civility is needed in all venues.
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Thanks, Sharon. I agree.
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