Language is powerful. The words and phrases we use repetitively in church create well-worn pathways in our brains. Each time we think in a certain way, practice a certain task, or feel a certain emotion we strengthen and grow that pathway, making it easier for our subconscious to find again and again. Whether it’s hearing male pronouns associated with deity or studying scriptural records written by and about men, without conscious effort there’s a good chance we’re reinforcing ideas about gender roles every time we sit through a lesson, hear a talk, or sing a hymn. In this conversation, Jill Evans Opdahl joins Cynthia and Susan to talk about the implications of “our brains on church,” and consider the challenges and rewards of adding new pathways to our old ways of thinking.
Notes & Quotes:
Find Jill on Instagram: @thefeminine.divine
Find more info on neuroplasticity in this video: Neuroplasticity
“Language is such a power concept because it has the ability to completely shape one’s personal identity.The usage of words and phrases significantly impacts individuals thoughts and character/personal identity.” — Ron Sheffield
“If God is male, the male is God.” — Mary Daly
Marlen Davis
LOVE THIS!!! Been stating a LONG TIME that we NEED MORE WOMEN LEADERSHIP EVERYWHERE!!!! THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING SO TRUTHFULLY ABOUT THIS!!!
anonymous
Why do we have to continue to split the sexes into male/female? I feel very strongly that there is no split between the sexes either before or after this life we are experiencing right now. What would be the purpose of having to be stuck being one or the other? I think we have these physical bodies that are tied to a gender based on the biological need to perpetuate the species and having these physical body structures are how that happens in this exisitence and reality. I’m not not a fan of the whole concept of a male/female split and we would all be much more whole if we could embraced the aspects and characteristics of both genders. We would be much more powerful, considerate, compassionate, understanding if we stopped trying to separate the two and work to unite the two aspects within ourselves.
However, I know that this is not a popular opnion but it rings the most true to me.
Jennifer West
I LOVED this episode and listened to it twice! I am the Girls Activity Day leader and ALL—like 100% of our stories and examples are women. In my new year introduction letter, I might use some of the stats you listed and let the parents know I am doing my damndest to help these little girls have some female examples. However, in the big picture will it make a dent? I hope so.
(And, don’t worry, I won’t use the word damn?)