Originally posted by Bosse de Nage
Oh, good, something to debate. Shoot! (That is, fire away with the reasons, please).
First, a preliminary note: I think that the Holy Spirit is referred to in the feminine in some parts of the NT (I remember reading something to that effect by Nemesio a while back).
Second note: One needs to be clear whether one is referring to the First Person of the Trinity or the Triune God when one says "God". A neutral pronoun is probably more appropriate for the latter (though I don't like calling God "It" ). I'm assuming we're talking about the former.
I think there are a few good reasons for referring to the First Person of the Trinity in the masculine. First, God is almost always referred to in the masculine when speaking through the prophets. This not just true of the "He said" verses, but also in terms of the imagery used (e.g. Hosea's bride). Second (not unrelated to the first), is the Christological and ecclesial angle. Christ was, of course, a man and the Church is referred to as "the Bride of Christ" (by Paul).
Third, the male pronoun reflects better (I think) the personal qualities of God such as his majesty, grandeur and power. From a catechetical perspective, it is easier to communicate the balance of justice, mercy and love that is God by using the term "Father".
And, of course, Christ Himself called God (and asked us to call God) "Father".