Language is a tool that can help us feel or indicate we belong to a group.
And one of the worst groups for inclusive language are churched people.
I don’t know if anyone has come up with a modern dictionary of religious language, but they could.
What I try to do here at this blog is break down language to the day to day, simply because I live in the day to day. Most of my friends wouldn’t understand the sub-language of the church any more than they’d understand the sub-language of radio or academics. They don’t understand the sub-language of blogging. Good. It helps me with the K.I.S.S. rule I like so much. And why should I speak to them with terminologies, why would I expect them to listen?
I think sometimes I’m guilty of a false sense of superiority and belonging when I use ‘my group’ lingo. If I use it to exclude, or self-enhance, then I am guilty.
This article When words get in the way, is a guide for anyone who writes.
If you find yourself using the familar language of a particular group, this gives good tips on how to unlearn your language so others can understand what you are saying.
This is a matter not so much of vocabulary as it is attitude. Be respectful and caring. Your ability to discuss spiritual issues using secular phrases may not be adequate, but if you can convey a genuine interest in the other person, you’ll bridge cultural gaps better than if you ace the language exam and flunk Compassion 101.
Ask people about their spiritual journey before you offer your own story. Make it clear you respect their quests.
It is the writer’s responsibility to understand how important listening and respect are. Respect is a choice that begins with focus on the other person more than yourself.
Bill at The Thinklings has had an encounter with an old acquintance who talks the talk (uses inside lingo) in public. Loudly. Without regard for others. Ouch. It’s funny/sad. Mostly sad.
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Hmm dictionary of Christian jargon…I like that idea. First entry would be: “God told me” I find it overused and alienating to those that don’t ‘hear’ God so easily…like me.
Excellent site! I’d like to mention your post and this site also. Our church is beginning the 40 Days of Purpose, and talking to the unchurched and unsaved is a very big part of the campaign. We want to let them come into the small groups and let God work on their hearts. But just like talking to non-Christians that have seen “The Passion of Christ,” we need to de-lingo our Christian testimony. Our church has a class now on this, better to share a testimony in church and outside the church.
I wasn’t going to post, but I couldn’t help myself…
If you want to cut out the crazy theological lingo, teach a class of children–Pre-K to about Grade 2 or 3. Explain the Easter story without using the words crucify or resurrection. I can bet that you wouldn’t tell a room full of 4 years old that their Sunday School Christmas party will be a “great time of fellowship”. And no way would you describe the Sunday School Open House as “an evangelistic event and opportunity for friendship evangelism”.
I can bet that you wouldn’t tell a room full of 4 years old that their Sunday School Christmas party will be a “great time of fellowship”.
You wouldn’t??!
:o)
It’s an important point. I try to use more natural words when I write, too, but I know I’ve been slipping into church-ese lately. Of course, I’ve always been better at language exams than I have been at Compassion 101.