Words are merely symbols. The important thing is the meaning. Certain words can mean different things to different people. We must choose our words carefully, so that we can communicate our message accurately and meaningfully. Our words can be powerful communicators of God's truth, or they can be obstacles to it. We can't afford to continue using certain words just because "it's the Christian thing to do". We have to stop and think about what we're saying. Some words are harmful to the Church, and we desperately need to change our vocabulary in order to change our thinking!
We must put words to two tests to ensure that we are using the best possible words - words that will get the message across accurately and powerfully.
1. What connotation does the word
have?
What underlying meaning does the word have? What do people think about the word?
Is this word associated with certain groups or ideas? Is it this the best choice
for your target culture?
2. Is the word in use outside of Christian circles? Is it "Christianese?"
Is this a word that will lose meaning outside of Christian culture? Is it
an archaic word that finds its origins in the King James/Authorised Version
of the scriptures? Is this a word that has been accepted thoughtlessly as an
act of our adaptation into Christian culture? Is this word or phrase a Christian
cliché that has lost its meaning?
Why can't we just speak English???
Words to Question or Eliminate
| Baptism |
• Just how much do Christians pick up from other Christians without knowing it? Next time you're in a prayer meeting, listen to how many times the word just is used. Can you pray without it?