| This study looked at whether reality would be experienced as transforming and empowering if sexist language were changed to inclusive language. Language has the power to shape the way reality is experienced. Sexist language has assumed that references to man or men are generic; this practice has effectively excluded women from being named as present. Inclusive language is a term commonly used in theological education to refer to nonsexist language. It also requires alertness to terms that leave out those who are blind, hearing-impaired, or physically or mentally disabled. This study looked primarily at gender inclusiveness. Those interviewed were from one seminary community which had followed a policy of using inclusive language for over 10 years.;The study uncovered and named, through the methodology of phenomenology, the resulting critical awareness of self and society as resistance to hegemony. In five essential ways, the power of language, the power of naming God, the power of the familiar, the realization of machismo as a negative, and the dynamics present in the worshipping community, participants became aware of hegemonic realities. The perception of transformation, the resulting critical awareness of self, and the process of resistance led to an understanding of education for transformation and empowerment which is spelled out.;Connections are made between resistance theory and other theories, such as feminist, black, liberation, and political theologies; the memory of concrete experience is an important starting point. A theological image of prophet, priest, and king is offered. |
