ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 28, 2026
Take a deep breath and try not to freak out. Most Biblical scholars claim that ancient Israel, or at least some segments of the Israelite movement, believed God had a wife. There are hints in scripture, including Deuteronomy 16:21, where we read, “You shall not plant any tree as a sacred pole beside the altar that you make for the Lord your God…” You may be asking yourself, “Where does that say anything about a wife?” Good question! The word translated as “sacred pole” is Asherah, and it is the proper name given to a goddess referenced in Egyptian, Hittite, Philistine, and Arabic texts. And though the passage seems to be telling the people not to put God and Asherah side by side, there is archaeological evidence that suggests Yahweh (God of Israel) was thought to be in a relationship with Asherah, including a handful of inscriptions from the 9th century BC that speak of this. Also, archaeologists have found thousands of terra-cotta figurines from the Iron Age, thought to be household idols of Asherah. Scholars believe it was probably more common prior to the 8th century BC, but at the time of Josiah (648 to 609 BC), there was a move to centralize both worship and power. This came under what we call the Reforms of Josiah, including one temple, destruction of shrines, a renewed commitment to covenant and to certain national rituals. This was all in an attempt to strengthen the nation of Israel, and though Asherah worship was condemned during the reign of Josiah, it appears to be a condemnation of what had previously been an acceptable practice.
I share all this because I am a nerd, though to be honest, I rely on the historical scholarship for all this information. But I also share it because the concept of monotheism (one God) was not the way Israel first thought about their faith and their God. Despite what some might think, there was not a specific moment in time when, like a light switch being flipped on, there was instantly monotheism. In Genesis 1:26, it gives the impression of multiple Gods. “Then God said, ‘Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness…’” Christians will often point to this as the Trinity, but that is imposing modern Christian theology on an ancient text. The plural pronouns were referencing the Heavenly Host or the Divine Council/Court. God (Elohim) was the head of the council, but there were lesser gods and celestial beings. This same idea is found in the Book of Job.
Is this to say that we should not be monotheistic? Absolutely not! Instead, I want to be clear that the development of faith and the scriptures is complicated, and though there are those who would like to suggest it all showed up on glowing manuscripts with God’s signature at the bottom, I believe it is important to recognize the historic development. I would take it a step further and suggest that a faith that is evolving over time in the midst of complicated sociological and political happenings is helpful and liberating. It also places a challenge before us: how are we participating in the ongoing evolution of this historically rich faith we call Christianity?
Eternal God, Source of all that was, is, and shall be, we give thanks for the way you have walked alongside humanity. We can be a bit hardheaded, clinging to what is comfortable, while ignoring what appears to be outside the norm. Yet in your grace, you have continued to invite us beyond what was deemed acceptable so that we might glimpse a bit more of who you are. This task will never be complete. However, we trust you to continue to journey with us. Amen.
