I will add that certain references to gender are okay to have changed since the context and usage makes it clear that it is actually an inclusive word. For example, many uses of "mankind" are changed to "humankind" simply because "mankind" does refer to everyone, not just men.
Having said that, there are obvious times when a specific gender is in view and those references should not be changed. For example, God is spoken of as our Father, not Mother nor some gender neutral reference, and that should never be changed.
LostLamb said:
If we are going to fuss over this one word...why not find another phrase we are not happy with the wording of and pick at it too? Please....come on people. If we are to knit pick at the written word of God we might as well take a few steps up and start telling God how He should be doing His job....
This is getting old very fast.
Murder...kill...both require the taking of a life. Perhaps that was the point in general was not to go taking life.
But the fact remains that doctrines are formed around whether this word is "kill" or "murder". Language needs to be specific so that one can come to the truth of a matter. This is precisely why medical doctors, philosophers, theologians, etc., all use such crazy, big words. They need to be very precise and clear as to what it is they are talking about so as to leave as little doubt and ambiguity as possible.