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From: rgo@berlioz.nsc.com (Ronald Olshausen)
Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian
Subject: inclusive language text
Message-ID: <Jun.10.01.38.40.1989.4171@athos.rutgers.edu>
Date: 10 Jun 89 05:38:41 GMT
Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu
Reply-To: rgo@logic.nsc.com (Ronald Olshausen)
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Organization: National Semiconductor, Santa Clara
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Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu

The Lutheran church which I attend has rather recently adopted
what's referred to as 'inclusive language' text for the
traditional Lutheran service. This entails replacing
many gender-specific references, such as 'Father, Son
and Holy Spirit', with 'Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier'.

Though this practice really bothers me, many others in the
congregation don't seem to mind. Not only do I feel that some
of the foundations of Christianity are being somewhat   
compromised, but I feel it does a disservice to the long tradition
of the Church. I've heard this is being done in the Episcopal
and Methodist churches, as well.

I believe that this is an attempt to water down the content
of the message. It is to me an attempt
to reach a bigger demographic group: a response to a
rapidly dwindling church-going populace. Did anyone else
read the Time article about the dramatic drop in attendance
in the so-called "mainstream" churches? According to the
article, attendance at the three largest denominations
in America has dropped 55% in the last 20 years.

I'd be interested in hearing from others who may have had 
some experience with this, or who may have opinions on the
matter. To me, trying to please everyone sometimes produces
exactly the opposite effect.

Ron Olshausen
NSC-Santa Clara