The Role of Language in Perceptions

Dr. Lynn Hofstad, PhD in Systematic and Philosophical Theology, has been a Theology and Religious Studies instructor for over six years. Dr. Hofstad graduated from Graduate Theological Union, Pacific Lutheran Seminary and St. Olaf College. She previously was a professor at Pacific Lutheran University and in 2012 was awarded the Pacific Lutheran University, Inspirational Woman Award; in 2008 the Evangelischen Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) Grant, and in 2006-2011 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Grant for Advanced Theological Studies. From 2010-2016 she was a member of the American Academy of Religion and from 2013-2016 a member of Lutheran Women in Theological and Religious Studies. Her denominational service includes from 2005-2007 as Lutheran Ecumenical Representatives Network Executive Board, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and from 2004-2006 she served as the Social Justice Committee Liaison, Student Executive Committee, and the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

These videos were made during the time of covid-19.

CENTERING WISDOM

1. Reflection:  How has language shaped your understanding of faith tradition in your life? If not faith tradition then other valued cultural traditions?

2. Reflection: What are ways that language felt uncomfortable in your life because it shifted from the norm? Give examples and consider why that was?

3. Activity:  How does one language like English shape a view of God differently than another language like Spanish? If you have the ability to, consider this with yourself or a partner.

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS

Stop (only) calling God ‘he’ Links to an external site.

The Power of a Pronoun: How What We Call God Affects Everything Links to an external site.

Sophia: Wisdom of God Links to an external site.