Gender pronouns

Why does the Course use masculine gender pronouns, such as referring to God as 'He' and to other people as 'brothers'?

An Inner Voice dictated this material to Dr. Helen Schucman and she took it down faithfully. When she asked the “Voice” why the masculine gender was used throughout, the reply she received was that this Course is a reinterpretation of Christianity, and to correct an error it is important that the same language be used.

Therefore, the Course follows the patriarchal Judeo-Christian religious tradition by referring to God and His Creations with masculine pronouns. Although the Course‘s words reflect this tradition, its content is truly and thoroughly gender-neutral because Spirit has no gender. As the Course itself states, “This Course remains within the ego framework, where it is needed… It uses words, which are symbolic, and cannot express what lies beyond symbols.” (C.In.3:1,3) 

Male or female gender labels

Many students have objected to the Course‘s use of masculine terms and pronouns. A few have opted to substitute “she” for “he” or render all terms gender-neutral. We ask that students keep in mind that the Course‘s teaching represents a direct threat to the ego, which will attempt to defend itself by pointing out any number of possible objections to the Course and its ideas in hopes of dissuading us from studying it. Furthermore, if we are not bodies but spirit (as the Course reminds us frequently), then how does a category like gender ultimately matter? Will focusing on it prove helpful in any way to our acceptance of the Atonement and our awakening from the dream of separation? Perhaps then the best way to deal with the Course‘s patriarchal language is to ask the Holy Spirit for help in seeing it as yet another opportunity to release our judgments and practice forgiveness.