Theologians Disturbed by 'Politically Correct' German Bible
A politically correct German Bible which emphasizes gender equality and social concerns is still sparking controversy a year after its release.
The "Bibel in gerechter Sprache," or the "Bible in equitable language," is a modern translation that makes women more visible, "corrects" anti-Semitic sentiments, and modernizes social issues such as class difference.
Instead of Jesus referring to God as "Father," he says "our Mother and Father who are in heaven." Also, Jesus is no longer referred to as the "Son" but rather the "child" of God, according to Catholic World News.
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"The Bible doesn't only offer paradigms, but rather it speaks to the heart of people's existence," said Pastor Margit Buttner, according to Germany's Deusche Welle news agency.
"When that's suddenly called into question, when suddenly I'm not supposed to pray 'our Father in heaven,' but am told: Jesus instructed his male and female disciples, you should pray: Our Father and Mother in heaven – that can put off people."
The new translation consistently mentions women wherever men are mentioned and even refers to female and male rabbis when the first women rabbis were not ordained until the 1970s.
Catholic theologian Helen Schungel-Straumann, a feminist, said she disapproves of the new translation because it distorts historical truth, according to Deusche Welle. She contends understanding the patriarchal society which the Bible takes place in is important to grasping the text.
However, she was favorable about the translation moving away from the traditional view that God is male.
The authors of the translation contend justice is the main topic in the Bible and the changed text on gender, Judeo-Christian dialogue, and social justice help make the main topic in the Bible more justice.
The 2,400-page book was published last fall.
