“Kin-dom” vs. “Kingdom”
It was an honor to take part in a conversation initiated by Mark Wingfield, editor of Baptist News Global. He asked theological questions about Jesus’ mother Mary and about the use of the words “kin-dom” and “kingdom.” I chose to weigh in on “kin-dom” vs. “kingdom.” Here is an excerpt from my contribution to the conversation.
“Words matter. The words we speak and sing in worship carry great power because of the sacred value given to them,” she said. “Words we use in theological and daily discourse also matter. Words shape our values, beliefs and actions.”
For example, as an English professor, she initially struggled to adapt to gender neutral pronouns that sounded linguistically awkward.
“My sister asked me, ‘Is it better to be grammatically traditional or inclusive?’ I knew the answer and immediately changed to more inclusive language. More recently ‘they’ has been accepted as a pronoun to refer to a nonbinary individual. I still find this word challenging and struggle with the correct verbs to follow it. But I’m using ‘they’ because it is right, just and inclusive.”
This is the same reason she now uses “kin-dom” instead of “kingdom,” she explained. “’Kin-dom’ shifts the focus from hierarchy and patriarchy to equality and interconnectedness. ‘Kin-dom’ connotes community where all individuals are considered kin. It underscores our common kinship with one another and with the divine.
“This inclusive, egalitarian word challenges established power structures and promotes social justice and equity. “Kin-dom” advocates for an equitable and compassionate community, acknowledging the inherent worth and value of each person within it. It emphasizes mutual relationships over hierarchical structures. It envisions a community where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of social status, race, gender, or any other differentiating factor.”