God’s Gender: Exploring Perspectives from Different Traditions

The Judeo-Christian Tradition’s and God’s Gender: Polytheism, Monotheism, and Patriarchal Influence

In the earliest stages of the Judeo-Christian tradition, the concept of God was not as monolithic as we might imagine today. Ancient Semitic religions from which the Israelites emerged were deeply polytheistic, with multiple gods and goddesses governing various aspects of life and nature. Yahweh, or Adonai, the patron deity of Israel, was initially one god among many, though eventually elevated to the status of the only god in Jewish monotheism.

The transition from polytheism to monotheism involved consolidating power and authority into one deity—Yahweh. As Israel’s religious and political systems became more patriarchal, this monotheistic God increasingly took on male characteristics. God was imagined as a king, a father, and a warrior—roles traditionally held by men in ancient societies. The association of God with male-dominated roles reinforced a gendered understanding of the divine.

Yet, the Bible contains more than one way of speaking about God. In Genesis 1:27, we read, “So God created humans^a] in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” This passage raises the possibility that the divine image might not be exclusively male but instead encompasses both male and female aspects. Some theologians argue that this suggests a nonbinary understanding of God, one that transcends traditional gender binaries and includes both masculine and feminine elements.

Moreover, remnants of the feminine divine exist even within patriarchal frameworks. In the Hebrew Bible, Asherah, a goddess worshipped alongside Yahweh, was later suppressed in official religious practices but continued to be revered in folk religion. Additionally, feminine aspects of God emerge through personifications such as Sophia (Wisdom), a feminine figure in Proverbs and other Jewish texts. God is also referred to as El Shaddai, a name that has maternal connotations, and the Spirit of God, or Ruach, is feminine in Hebrew.

Christianity: God as Father—and Beyond

In Christian theology, God has traditionally been referred to as “Father,” following the example of Jesus. This paternal imagery has been deeply influential in shaping Christian understandings of God’s relationship with humanity. However, many theologians argue that this paternal focus limits our understanding of the divine.

Feminist theologians like Elizabeth A. Johnson, in her book She Who Is, challenge the exclusive use of male language for God. Johnson argues that the divine should be understood in more inclusive terms, suggesting that both masculine and feminine imagery can point toward the nature of God. She emphasizes the need for inclusive God-language that moves beyond the limitations of patriarchal traditions and embraces a fuller vision of God’s essence.

The concept of God as Mother has also gained traction in recent years. Baptist theologian Rev. Paul Smith, in his book Is it Okay to Call God Mother?, explores the healing potential of seeing God through feminine relational archetypes. Smith argues that this shift is not only about balancing masculine and feminine images but also about overcoming the patriarchal systems that have dominated religious thought for centuries. Calling God “Mother” can empower women and affirm their place in both spiritual and societal leadership.

Moreover, many Christians today find the traditional imagery of a male God inadequate for describing their personal experience of the divine. LGBTQI+ theologians, like Marcella Althaus-Reid, suggest that God is queer—beyond any strict categories of gender or sexuality. This queer theology reimagines God as fluid, embracing diversity in all forms and challenging rigid binaries that limit human potential.

Meister Eckhart’s & God’s Gender

Meister Eckhart, a 13th-century Christian mystic and theologian, offers a unique perspective on the nature of God that challenges many traditional views, including those related to gender. Eckhart’s theology emphasizes the unknowability and transcendence of God, suggesting that human language and concepts—especially those that assign gender—cannot fully capture the essence of the divine.

God’s Gender: Other Religious Perspectives

While the Judeo-Christian tradition has strongly influenced Western conceptions of God, other religious traditions offer different perspectives on divinity and gender. It’s essential to avoid interpreting other religious traditions through a strictly Christian lens, as concepts of divinity vary greatly across cultures and belief systems. Each tradition has its own unique understanding of the divine, shaped by its historical and cultural context. By honoring these differences and approaching each tradition on its own terms, we can foster a more respectful and nuanced dialogue across faiths.

Islam & God’s Gender

In Islam, God (Allah) is considered beyond human attributes, including gender. The 99 Names of Allah, used in Islamic tradition, describe various qualities of God, such as “The Compassionate” (Ar-Rahman) and “The Wise” (Al-Hakim), but none of these names assign gender. In fact, it is considered blasphemous to attribute human qualities, including gender, to Allah. Islamic teachings emphasize that God is entirely transcendent and cannot be limited by human categories.

God’s Gender as Nonbinary: A Modern Theological Shift

In modern theology, the nonbinary understanding of God is gaining traction as scholars and faith communities re-examine traditional assumptions about gender and divinity. The notion that God is beyond gender aligns with the view that the divine is infinite, boundless, and not confined to human categories.

The New Thought movement, for example, often describes God in terms of Principle—a universal law or force that transcends personhood and gender. While this approach shifts away from a personal, relational image of God, it aligns with the idea of a genderless divine presence that permeates all existence.

For many in the LGBTQI+ community, the nonbinary or gender-expansive image of God offers a source of affirmation and empowerment. This view challenges traditional gender roles and opens up new possibilities for understanding the divine as encompassing all identities. It is a vision of God that includes everyone—regardless of gender or sexuality—and reflects the diversity of human experience.

God’s Gender & Embracing the Diversity of Divine Imagery

So, does God have a gender? The answer depends largely on one’s religious tradition and personal beliefs. For some, God is male, reflecting centuries of patriarchal religious teachings. For others, God is female, nonbinary, or beyond gender altogether. What is clear is that the concept of God has evolved throughout history, and many today find that inclusive, gender-expansive imagery provides a more meaningful way to connect with the divine.

As we continue to explore and expand our understanding of divinity, we can recognize that these evolving images of the divine invite us to participate in the ongoing revelation of who God is. Whether we see God as male, female, both, or neither, the divine remains a mystery—one that reflects the vast diversity of the human experience.