The Divine and the ‘Him’: Time for a Change?
Every word, gesture, and symbol we use carries meaning, whether intended or not. In religious contexts, these meanings can be even more…
Every word, gesture, and symbol we use carries meaning, whether intended or not. In religious contexts, these meanings can be even more profound, shaping our worldview and our interactions with society at large. One such instance is the tradition of capitalizing the pronoun “Him” in prayers. But how does this seemingly minor linguistic choice impact our cognition and society’s view on gender roles?
Brain Reprogramming through Repetition
The act of prayer, regardless of religious affiliation, often involves repetition. We tend to recite prayers multiple times, embedding them deep into our subconscious. When we repeatedly refer to the divine as “Him” with a capital ‘H’, it subtly emphasizes a masculine presence, which in turn gets deeply wired into our brains.
Neuroscience has long understood the brain’s plasticity, its ability to change and rewire itself based on repetitive experiences and thoughts. When a certain perception, like associating divinity exclusively with maleness, is repeatedly reinforced, our brain starts to accept it as a norm. Over time, this can shape our unconscious biases and assumptions.
The Unintended Message of Patriarchy
By continuously capitalizing “Him”, the unintentional message sent is that the masculine is superior or more worthy of reverence. This perpetuates a patriarchal view, where male attributes are esteemed above others. It may be a small, seemingly innocuous tradition, but it serves as a constant reminder of a gendered hierarchy, one where men are closer to the divine.
This isn’t to say that the act of capitalizing “Him” is an intentional effort to sideline women or other genders. But it does reflect a long-standing tradition that has roots in patriarchal structures. For centuries, patriarchal societies have dominated, and religious traditions have played a role in sustaining these structures.
Broadening Our Spiritual Vocabulary
To counteract this unconscious programming, it’s essential to be aware of the language we use in our spiritual practices. We can choose to use gender-neutral terms, or even alternate between feminine and masculine pronouns, reflecting a more inclusive understanding of the divine.
This doesn’t diminish the power or the significance of prayers. Instead, it can enhance our spiritual experiences, making them more inclusive and reflective of a divinity that transcends gender.
If you’ve been nodding along thinking, “Yeah, maybe we should rethink this ‘Him’ thing,” you’re not alone. Many people worldwide are exploring how to make their spiritual practices more inclusive. Here’s a fun fact: the divine isn’t limited to one gender (or any gender at all). So why should our prayers be?
Why Change is a Good Thing
Change can be daunting, especially when it involves traditions we’ve held dear for a long time. But consider this: spirituality is all about growth, connection, and understanding. By evolving our prayer language, we allow our spiritual connections to grow richer and deeper. We also create space for others to feel seen and acknowledged.
Steps to Broadening Our Prayer Vocabulary
Educate Yourself: Learn about the historical context and the reasons behind the capital “Him”. Understanding the why can make the how of changing easier.
Experiment with Alternatives: The next time you pray, try using gender-neutral terms like “Divine Source”, “Universal Energy”, or simply “God” without any pronouns. See how it feels.
Use Feminine Pronouns: It’s not about replacing one gender with another but about creating balance. Occasionally using “Her” or “She” can be a powerful way to shift perspectives.
Be Intentional: Make it a conscious choice to diversify the way you address the divine. Over time, this can become a new, enriching habit.
Spread the Word: Share your journey with friends and family. Open discussions can lead to collective growth.
The Ripple Effect of Small Changes
When we make these seemingly small shifts in our personal spiritual practices, we send out ripples into the broader community. Over time, as more people adapt and evolve their language, it can lead to widespread change. Imagine walking into a place of worship and hearing prayers that reflect a diverse understanding of the divine. It’s a vision of inclusivity and unity.
In conclusion, our connection with the divine is deeply personal. However, the words and practices we choose can have broader societal implications. By moving beyond the “Him” in prayers, we’re not just updating our spiritual vocabulary; we’re making a statement about the kind of world we want to live in — one that celebrates diversity, understanding, and mutual respect.