I remarked to Merna a couple of evenings ago about a local newspaper story about a local church that is embarking on a building program that will include facilities for children with disabilities. The description was good until . . . the church stated "We are so glad to bless our community. . . ." Vomit is not inappropriate language. Why do Christians need to claim that we're "blessing" the people around us. So much language has been ruined. (And, perhaps the community should determine whether this church is blessing them.)
Yes, this on righteousness. And sanctification. And justification. So many big words that we have made tests of faith and are tossed from pulpits as if people who are seeking Jesus will know what they mean. They mean we are being elitist in our churches and our teaching. "We know these words, why don't you?" I've been trying to explain these words and others to the people I teach to help them understand a personal relationship with God, their Father. Elitist translations and word usages make Christianity seem unattainable to people who are trying to know Jesus.
I have had to delay reading this as I have been busy at my church.
That being said, I resonate with all of those points regarding language. Much of this language has been "coopted" by the hard-line evangelicals and even some not so hard-line. I've been searching in my own understanding of my and my church members relationship with God for new language or reframing and "taking back" some of this language; it is mine too!
The challenge is finding someone who is reworking this language that is still orthodox (another touchy word right?). I am appreciative of the emergent movement and their desire to forge a new path forward, but often I think it is just as myopic as evangelicalism - naval gazers, just in a different way.
I know you are talking about your former church leaders. And isn't that the goal of evil? To ruin the Goodness. Anyway possible? I find it absolutely amazing God spoke, used words, to create everything physical. His creativity formed water drops and oceans, fog and ice. And to create everything invisible. In my story it is words, my words weaponized by my kids that creates the separation and isolation. But I have recently been surprised by a healing that my words are being received in a healthy way. And we have been able to come together. I do believe, know, it is possible that the language you loved before your fall from approval by the wicked, can be returned to you. Like Job got everything back. And I also know it was a long long painful, the most hurtful experience, that God decided when I would no longer feel the rejection when I remembered. The Pastor used 1 Peter 1:3-5 today to talk about hope today. The critical necessity to stay in Christ hope. Of course, the beautiful language will be used to harm. Jesus won't let it stand. I am encouraged you are not turning away.
It's not really the words that hurt, it's the disconnection and rejection of you. Your children because of you. You so hoped for more. Disappointed Jesus words don't really mean anything to the ones holding power. You are created for connection and more. Sharing in His suffering.
I have felt this same allergy to “Christianese” since I was a kid. It has led me to search Scripture for myself, to study and try to find ways of connecting beyond the cliches and pat phrases. And I am definitely richer for it, so I am ultimately grateful for it, even though it has put me at odds with my family and the church at times.
Thank you for this, Scot and Aimee. I've been wrestling with "Christian-speak" for years now and try to speak to people seeking Jesus using words they would understand. Too many translated Biblical words are thrown at people without a Christ-like attitude, or even an understanding of how to help them see truly who Jesus is.
A wonderful post! Thank you, Aimee and Scot.
I remarked to Merna a couple of evenings ago about a local newspaper story about a local church that is embarking on a building program that will include facilities for children with disabilities. The description was good until . . . the church stated "We are so glad to bless our community. . . ." Vomit is not inappropriate language. Why do Christians need to claim that we're "blessing" the people around us. So much language has been ruined. (And, perhaps the community should determine whether this church is blessing them.)
So good. Thanks for this Scot and Aimee.
So many terms are not clarified (become "Christianese"), then lose their meaning at best, or are weaponized at worst.
I would add "righteous" or "righteousness" to that list as well.
Yes, this on righteousness. And sanctification. And justification. So many big words that we have made tests of faith and are tossed from pulpits as if people who are seeking Jesus will know what they mean. They mean we are being elitist in our churches and our teaching. "We know these words, why don't you?" I've been trying to explain these words and others to the people I teach to help them understand a personal relationship with God, their Father. Elitist translations and word usages make Christianity seem unattainable to people who are trying to know Jesus.
Thank you Aimee for tackling this subject.
I have had to delay reading this as I have been busy at my church.
That being said, I resonate with all of those points regarding language. Much of this language has been "coopted" by the hard-line evangelicals and even some not so hard-line. I've been searching in my own understanding of my and my church members relationship with God for new language or reframing and "taking back" some of this language; it is mine too!
The challenge is finding someone who is reworking this language that is still orthodox (another touchy word right?). I am appreciative of the emergent movement and their desire to forge a new path forward, but often I think it is just as myopic as evangelicalism - naval gazers, just in a different way.
Thanks for this really good post!
I know you are talking about your former church leaders. And isn't that the goal of evil? To ruin the Goodness. Anyway possible? I find it absolutely amazing God spoke, used words, to create everything physical. His creativity formed water drops and oceans, fog and ice. And to create everything invisible. In my story it is words, my words weaponized by my kids that creates the separation and isolation. But I have recently been surprised by a healing that my words are being received in a healthy way. And we have been able to come together. I do believe, know, it is possible that the language you loved before your fall from approval by the wicked, can be returned to you. Like Job got everything back. And I also know it was a long long painful, the most hurtful experience, that God decided when I would no longer feel the rejection when I remembered. The Pastor used 1 Peter 1:3-5 today to talk about hope today. The critical necessity to stay in Christ hope. Of course, the beautiful language will be used to harm. Jesus won't let it stand. I am encouraged you are not turning away.
It's not really the words that hurt, it's the disconnection and rejection of you. Your children because of you. You so hoped for more. Disappointed Jesus words don't really mean anything to the ones holding power. You are created for connection and more. Sharing in His suffering.
I have felt this same allergy to “Christianese” since I was a kid. It has led me to search Scripture for myself, to study and try to find ways of connecting beyond the cliches and pat phrases. And I am definitely richer for it, so I am ultimately grateful for it, even though it has put me at odds with my family and the church at times.
Thank you for this, Scot and Aimee. I've been wrestling with "Christian-speak" for years now and try to speak to people seeking Jesus using words they would understand. Too many translated Biblical words are thrown at people without a Christ-like attitude, or even an understanding of how to help them see truly who Jesus is.