God as mother

Theological Foundations

Sallie McFague argues that understanding God through the metaphor of Mother is a valid and theologically meaningful approach. This metaphor aligns with the doctrine of creation and emphasizes the nurturing, sustaining love that God has for the world. By conceiving of the world as part of God’s body or womb, believers are encouraged to treat creation with care, recognizing humanity’s dependence upon God. Maternal images—such as giving birth, nursing, comforting, and caring—illustrate God’s intimate involvement with creation and highlight divine compassion and sustenance.

Biblical Support

There are several biblical passages that evoke maternal qualities of God. In Isaiah 66:13, God is depicted as a comforting mother, providing consolation to the faithful. Similarly, in Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34, Jesus compares his own care and concern for Jerusalem to that of a mother protecting her children. These passages suggest that maternal imagery is not foreign to Scripture and can illuminate aspects of God’s immanent presence and care for humanity.

Critiques and Traditional Perspectives

Despite these examples, some Christians reject the notion of God as Mother, considering it “unbiblical.” Traditional interpretations emphasize God as Father, particularly in relation to creation, moral guidance, and discipline. The Bible portrays God as the parent of humanity who provides for and directs his children. Furthermore, Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God, addresses God as Father and teaches his followers to pray using the words, “Our Father…” This tradition underlines the centrality of paternal language in Christian worship and the Trinitarian doctrine of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, formalized at the Council of Nicaea (325 CE).

Alternative Metaphors

McFague and other theologians suggest that alternative metaphors, such as God as Mother or Friend, complement traditional language by highlighting other aspects of God’s nature. The concept of God as Friend, for example, underscores God’s nearness and companionship, echoing the role of the Holy Spirit as Paraclete or Comforter. Biblical support includes James 2:23, where Abraham is called “God’s friend,” and John 15:12-15, where Jesus models intimate friendship as a source of guidance and love. Such metaphors can help believers relate to God personally while appreciating the divine immanence.

Complementarity of Metaphors

Some theologians argue that the metaphors of Father and Mother are not mutually exclusive but complementary. While God as Father emphasizes transcendence, authority, and guidance, God as Mother emphasizes care, nurturance, and intimacy. Together, these images provide a fuller understanding of God’s relationship with creation, human beings, and the world. Accepting multiple metaphors allows Christians to engage with Scripture, tradition, and contemporary experience in a balanced and holistic way.

Conclusion

Viewing God as Mother offers valuable insights into divine love, nurturing, and environmental responsibility. While traditional paternal imagery remains central to Christian doctrine and worship, particularly within the Trinitarian framework, maternal and friendship metaphors enrich understanding, highlighting God’s immanence, compassion, and relational presence. By embracing a diversity of metaphors, believers can encounter God in ways that are both faithful to Scripture and relevant to modern life.