Feb 22 • 13:38 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Gloss: The Spotlight

The article discusses recent calls for inclusivity in religious language, particularly the proposal to change the sole reference to God as "Lord" in the new Protestant hymnbook in Germany.

In a recent commentary, the focus was on the evolving nature of language in both sports and societal contexts over the weekend. Notably, the Conference of Protestant Theologians in Germany has called for fundamental changes to the new Protestant hymnbook, arguing that the exclusive reference to God as "Lord" is outdated and that inclusive imagery of God should be considered. This initiative reflects a growing sensitivity towards gender inclusivity in religious practices and highlights the need for language to reflect contemporary values.

The article further addressed the playful suggestion of introducing the term "Fraugott," a feminine version of God, as part of creating inclusive religious language. This humorous proposal sparked a conversation about which inclusive conceptions of God could be developed further, suggesting that the dialogue around gendered language in religious contexts is both serious and lighthearted. The reference serves to open the discussion on how language can evolve while still being relevant and respectful to various identities.

Simultaneously, linguist Damaris Nübling advocated for a relaxed approach to gendered language use in an interview for International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for young people today. According to Nübling, many youths find it easy to express themselves in more inclusive ways, underscoring a cultural shift that prioritizes flexibility and understanding in language use that aligns with contemporary social norms.

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