A Name by No Other Name

In this episode, Rev Karla discusses the many different ways God has been described throughout history and across religions. Who is God? What is the definition of God for you? Is God male or female? Is God even mentioned in the Bible? Rev Karla discusses how God has been portrayed as an elder white man many times throughout Hollywood, and how great it was to see Octavia Spencer change that in The Shack. Rev Karla argues that replacement theology certainly played a role in the many names for God across religions. She also mentions a few of her favorite mystics and their views on God including John Henson, Julian Norwich and St. Anselm. You can read more from Rev Karla on this topic in her blog post.

Rev Karla recites part of The Canticle of Creation by St. Francis of Assisi as a reference of many names for God. She also notes several times in the Bible that God is referenced as something other than the masculine figure Hollywood shows us:

Hosea (11:3-4,13:8) God is described as a mother and a mother bear.  

Deuteronomy (32:18) God gives birth. 

Isaiah (49:15) God is a pregnant woman crying out in pain. 

Jeremiah (44:25), Queen of Heaven. 

Matthew (23:37) a Mother Hen. 

Proverbs as Lady Wisdom

Luke (15:8-10) a woman looking for her lost coin. 

Deuteronomy (32:11-12) says, God will care for us just as a mother eagle 

Rev Karla would like you to check out some of her favorites on TikTok for more open discussion on what God can mean for different people. There is no wrong way to welcome God in your life, there is room for you at this table. 

@chosenfamilychurch, @revbrandanrobertson, @almostpastor, @pastordrewingram, @revcharlesgiv, @goodshepherdabq, @wisdoldllamaman, @holytrinitywenonah, @kelleyatgrace