Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-146).

Thesis (M.A.R.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-47).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-146).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity International University, 2000. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 144-146).

This thesis explores the relationship between feminists' use of inclusive language for the Trinity and their hermeneutical method in order to determine the viability of their method for theological construction. Chapter 1 describes the theological tradition out of which the feminist critique emerges, noting the intratextual approach that characterizes the hermeneutics of communication and the extratextual approach that distinguishes feminist socio-pragmatic hermeneutics. Chapter 2 elucidates the search for authorial intention and provides a criterion by which to evaluate the feminist hermeneutic. Chapter 3 analyzes feminist socio-pragmatic hermeneutics against the background of a hermeneutics of communication and the normativity of the Scriptures for theological reflection. Chapter 4 demonstrates how the intratextual approach, invariably, yields a truly biblical understanding of the Trinitarian name. Chapter 5 delineates the biblical-theological implications of the study.

Studies have shown that people are opposed to writing in nonsexist language and that attempts to teach nonsexist language have been unsuccessful in causing people to change their writing styles. Previous studies focused on how to write in nonsexist language, but did not focus on why using nonsexist language is important. In the present study an attempt was made to change attitudes toward sexist language, as well as to teach how to write in nonsexist language by comparing two methods of teaching nonsexist language. All participants completed an interactive computer program that taught nonsexist language. The experimental group then discussed/role played the importance of writing in nonsexist language whereas the control group discussed/role played ethical issues involved in experimental research. Groups were compared on their attitudes towards sexist language using the Hawken Sexist Language Questionnaire, designed for this study. Groups were also compared on how well they recognized sexist language using the Gender-Specific Language Scale and wrote in nonsexist language when answering six short essay questions. Results showed no difference between the experimental group and the control group on any of the dependent measures post-intervention or during a 3-week follow-up. Implications for future research are discussed.

In the years since World War II, increasing numbers of women have been ordained as clergy in mainstream Protestant denominations. During this period there has also been a movement to use inclusive language for God. This study examines the possibility that use of inclusive language for God in communal prayer by congregations in specific denominations (United Methodist Church, United Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Church of Christ, and the Episcopal Church USA) is related to experience with women clergy. Interviews, based on a questionnaire developed for this study, were held with the pastors of six Portland area congregations in each of these denominations. The questions were designed to elicit information about each congregation, the clergy associated with each congregation, and the use of inclusive language for God within each congregation. The results of the study are inconclusive. The United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ began ordaining women many years before the other three denominations did. The two denominations also have produced liturgical materials which use inclusive language for God. However, there did not appear to be a relationship between an individual congregation's experience with women clergy and its use of inclusive language for God in communal prayer.

Thesis (M. Div.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-75).

Thesis (M. Div.)--St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, 2005. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 22-23).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Emmanuel School of Religion, 2005. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-75).