The bumper sticker on the car ahead said, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Her." With a touch of humor it reminded me of the great strides we've made toward recognizing the motherhood as well as the fatherhood of God. At the same time, it sparked a renewed sense of gratitude for humanity's emerging awareness of the rights, dignity, and capability of women. While this very welcome perception is gaining impetus, it isn't new.
Humanity is making strides toward understanding God as our Father-Mother.
Over a century ago Mary Baker Eddy wrote, "Man and woman as coexistent and eternal with God forever reflect, in glorified quality, the infinite Father-Mother God." Science and Health, p. 516. Such a statement would be startling to much of the male-dominated society of her day. Yet it was an idea that did not originate in human opinion, but in divine inspiration. The first chapter of the Bible clearly describes man as male and female, God's image and likeness. See Gen. 1:26,27. It is entirely natural to conclude that if the likeness is male and female, the original must necessarily include both natures.
