Why Inclusive Language Won't Succeed Inclusive language in worship is supposed to correct what is thought to be male dominance in the church. Writing in Commonweal , Robert Woodward of Newsweek has questioned the existence of this hypothetical masculine domination. In such a feminine environment an all-male clergy, as in the Catholic and Orthodox communities and many evangelical denominations, is a necessary balancing force which encourages men as well as women to be religious. Masculine language in reference to God is part of the traditional symbol system of biblical faith, and it has allowed men to find meaning in that faith. Feminizing the language of worship virtually guarantees that men will fall by the wayside, except perhaps those whose sexual identity is confused.
Languages lie at the bedrock of cultures, and are inherently resistant to change.
Bible translators know this, and make accommodations in order to translate the biblical idiom into phrases that will have equivalent significance in the target culture. In reality, the movement for inclusive language is an attempt by an elitist segment to impose its values upon a larger community, and to take control not only of the actions of others but their thoughts as well. If worship is to be truly inclusive, it cannot impose an elitist linguistic convention on a larger culture. And that's exactly what's happening to most of the historic North American denominations. Locked into the feminizing agenda, they are fast becoming a tiny minority of left-wing activists and their captive senior citizens who stick around just because of inertia.