Puzzled over push for inclusive language

Published: 18 December 2011

I WRITE with curiosity in response to the letter from Michelle Guy ("Seeking inclusive language", CL 11/12/11).

My first question is why?

I would really love to understand the motivation behind the push or desire for inclusive language.

I am well aware as an English language speaker of the ambiguities and limitations of English. For example I know that "men", "man" and "mankind" speak of all men and all women.

I know that the words "thee", "thy" and "thou" refer to the person in the singular form and we use these words in reference to God rather than "you" or "your" etc.

God revealed himself as masculine; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christ is the Bridegroom and we are the bride.

God is masculine and we are feminine and He created us male and female.

The most special human being ever to be created is a woman, Mary the Mother of God. The English language in no way creates enmity between men and women so what is all the fuss about?

I applaud the Church in Her new translation as it provides a more authentic translation. I have found that inclusive language used in Scripture for example often takes away from the author's true intent and is therefore unnecessary and distracting.

ANTHONY QUINN
Murrumba Downs, Qld