Perhaps a controversial question (or statement)

[HyOnLyph]

I'd like to pose a question. Perhaps a rhetorical one... but one possibly worth discussing.

What is the point of Christianese? You know, the language we speak that identifies us as Christians to each other. It isn't so much a matter of the specific words... the "Amen"s and "Hallelujah"s. I wonder about the heart behind it.

We frequently speak a language that is very often uninteligable to many non-believers. It sets us apart, divides us. In many cases, it appears to be a source of purposeful exclusion of others. (perhaps our attempt at stating who we are when we are really too fearful to just talk about it.)

Are we really so insecure in our position with Christ that we have to speak in words and phrases that isolate others, preventing them from engaging in a simple conversation with us by making them feel "less than" us? ... or worse, it is our attempt to hold ourselves up as "better" or "saved" or "holy" or whatever it is that we are attempting to portray?

Go ahead... it's your turn!!

 

[Southern Gent]

LOL!! Probably the latter in most cases. Um....amen?

 

[LisaLisa]

I guess I never thought about it before. For me, Amen is a way of saying "Right on! I agree!", but instead of just say "Amen" because it's easier....lol.

 

[LisaLisa]

lol!! Probably the latter in most cases. Um....amen?

AMEN and Hallelujah!!!!!!!

 

[LisaLisa]

I"m just teasing OP

 

[HyOnLyph]

LOL... Ahh but do we use the word "amen" or "hallelujah" when we are talking to our non-christian friends?

I guess it's not so much about the "amen"s. People usually know what that means... although it does paint us with a particular wide brush. In years past, I remember asking a guy if he was "saved". His reply??? "what the h--- is saved and who the h--- do you think you are for asking me such a question?" I think I explained it to him. But it dawned on me that he really didn't know what 'saved' meant and that I was immediately putting a wall between us by speaking to him in Christianese.

 

[lexgar]

As a non-Christian, I am put off by the use of too much Christianese. Everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, and I support those rights. That being said, I often feel that serious Christians deliberately put themselves apart and do not think that my belief system is a valid one. What happens to "Live and let live" and "love thy neighbor"?

I feel that a common language is important and a good way for all Americans to interact. I feel put off by Spanish speakers who deliberately leave me out of the conversation and Ebonics speakers as well. It seems only in the last generation is it so common for immigrants to come here and actually think it is our duty to speak their language. In Southern California it is actually difficult for native English speakers to get jobs in certain fields if they do not speak Spanish. I feel that this is wrong.

The Balkanization of the United States is well under way and it is our duty to be inclusive in our language if this is to stay a United States.

Sorry to get off on a rant here, but this issue is a sore one with me, whether the language is of Christians, Hispanics, or otherwise.

 

[blondeambition3]

As a Christian I speak in a language that helps me to identify myself to my Brethren and my brethren to myself. If you perceive it wrongly or with negative connotations then is it possible your perception of our communication is what offends you and not our actual language lexgar?
You can be a Christian and speak any language you like.... be a NEW Christian who speaks only to Christ if you like... (lol)

 

[LisaLisa]

I don't know. This is probably going to be a "controversial statement" too, but I"m just so sick and tired of having to weigh every single word before I say it because somebody, somewhere might be offended. Where is the freedom and joy in that?

I mean, we are going to "politically correct" ourselves right into being mute. I"m getting sick of it. No offense to anyone here, it's just getting ridiculous.

 

[HyOnLyph]

lexgar - a valid point.

blondambition3 - Not sure what your point was.... just kidding. I get it. I certainly understand that we speak in terms of what we are passionate about. 6 months ago, Noone would have ever thought that I'd be using terms like eCig or vaping. There is definitely a language to what we are involved in. However, I find that many times it is far more exclusive than inclusive. Judgements are things that we all have to lay down. MANY Christians have an attitude that they are somehow better than someone who is unsaved or that God loves the saved more than the unsaved. Not that they would admit it or even consider it. But there is definitely an exclusivity and false safety to identifying one's self with a particular crowd.

LisaLisa - absolutely, positively correct. This crap ( is it politically correct to say crap?) that our society is flinging about political correctness is getting just too obtrusive. It is interesting and goes along with what blondambition3 was saying (I think) that the offence is in the eye of the beholder. And my being offended is frequently more about my issues than the one I'm blaming for offending. And "political correctness" takes away the responsibility of the offended. If I'm offended then I'm a victim rather than responsible for my own emotions.

As a side note:
I believe that is why scripture tells us that when we are the one offended, it is OUR responsibility to go to the one who offends us. It is not incumbent upon them to know that I'm offended and to come and appologize. It is my responsibility to go to them. But my heart has to be right. It has to be for the purpose of restoring relationship not for the purpose of getting my justice. Most of the time we find out that no offence was ever intended... nuf said. The offence is over.

back on topic...
But if we are intent on attracting others to Christ, then why go out of our way to exclude them with our Christianese? Why not be what Paul said to be... all things to all people that Christ can be shared with everyone. I'm not talking about natural conversation of words that express our faith. that's not Christianese. I'm talking about those who speak a completely different language and flaunt it in the faces of others. I've heard pastors on the radio that ... if they spoke in that language "outside" of their church... they wouldn't be able to buy groceries. No one would have the slightest idea what they were talking about.



sad to say.... I'm fluent in Christianese.... glad to say... it isn't my mother-tongue.

 

[angelique510]

I think just about every group of people has its own vocabulary - or common words have a different meaning within that group. In the SCA (a medieval re-enactment group) we use words like garb, mundane, stick-jock, period, geek, etc. In a group of knitters you'll hear words like stash, UFOs, frogging. U C kidz txt msgs w words like BFF and Cya L8R.

When people share an interest, hobby, or belief, they have words to describe things and ideas pertaining to that interest, hobby, or belief more efficiently. What is easier - to say "I need nicotine containing liquid that will produce flavored vapor in my electronic cigarette so my addiction doesn't force me to go back to smoking chemical filled tobacco wrapped in a paper tube." or " I need some 36mg 555 for my eGo so I don't jones for an analog." ??

In the "group specific lingo" category, I don't think Christians are different than anyone else. There are certain words that mean something specific to us, that hold no meaning, or a different meaning, to others.

~A

 

[chimney55]

I think just about every group of people has its own vocabulary - or common words have a different meaning within that group. In the SCA (a medieval re-enactment group) we use words like garb, mundane, stick-jock, period, geek, etc. In a group of knitters you'll hear words like stash, UFOs, frogging. U C kidz txt msgs w words like BFF and Cya L8R.

When people share an interest, hobby, or belief, they have words to describe things and ideas pertaining to that interest, hobby, or belief more efficiently. What is easier - to say "I need nicotine containing liquid that will produce flavored vapor in my electronic cigarette so my addiction doesn't force me to go back to smoking chemical filled tobacco wrapped in a paper tube." or " I need some 36mg 555 for my eGo so I don't jones for an analog." ??

In the "group specific lingo" category, I don't think Christians are different than anyone else. There are certain words that mean something specific to us, that hold no meaning, or a different meaning, to others.

~A

I agree with this. When we use Christianese with other believers (another word of Christianese), we impart a special meaning that usually other Christians will understand. It's our "jargon". It's not meant to exclude but the ease communication with our brothers and sisters. On the other hand, if I'm talking to non-believers, I try to make a special effort to use terms that they would understand and wouldn't have a prejudice to. If I wasn't positive that the person, for example, was at least familiar with Christianese, I wouldn't use the word "saved".

For the person who is offended, Christianese is more like jargon or a "dialect"---not a separate language. It's appropriate to walk into a room of "computer geeks" and to ask them to clarify something that they've said. It's not appropriate to ask them stop speaking it or to tell them that you're offended by it. LisaLisa is right. PC can go too far.

 

[Saintscruiser]

I probably have it easier than many since I live in the Bible belt. Of course, the last I looked, Tennessee is also in there! Having said that, I am who I am, and I'm a child of the King. I don't speak Christianese, I speak Jesus. I will be this way whether I'm among Christians, non-Christians, dogs, cats, or beta fish. (I do act a little squirrelly amongst squirrels, though.) I'm not trying to say...."Oh hey....look at me! I'm a Pharisee. See me pray in public?" God gave me a mouth and if I'm in the middle of an eye doctor's appointment and say, 'Praise God,' then they'll just have to get over it. Jesus is as much a part of me as my hands, feet, heart....He is my Heavenly Husband, my Savior, my King, my Hero. I talk about Him like I do anyone of my family whom I love....actually more. When I say, Amein, Hallelujah, Glory to God, Praise the Lord.....that is what I am doing. It has nothing to do with anyone else, and everything to do with God and me.

 

[Southern Gent]

I probably have it easier than many since I live in the Bible belt. Of course, the last I looked, Tennessee is also in there! Having said that, I am who I am, and I'm a child of the King. I don't speak Christianese, I speak Jesus. I will be this way whether I'm among Christians, non-Christians, dogs, cats, or beta fish. (I do act a little squirrelly amongst squirrels, though.) I'm not trying to say...."Oh hey....look at me! I'm a Pharisee. See me pray in public?" God gave me a mouth and if I'm in the middle of an eye doctor's appointment and say, 'Praise God,' then they'll just have to get over it. Jesus is as much a part of me as my hands, feet, heart....He is my Heavenly Husband, my Savior, my King, my Hero. I talk about Him like I do anyone of my family whom I love....actually more. When I say, Amein, Hallelujah, Glory to God, Praise the Lord.....that is what I am doing. It has nothing to do with anyone else, and everything to do with God and me.

Yeah but you also figure folks taste like chicken.















Just ribbin' ya SC........all done wid luv

 

[Saintscruiser]

Yeah but you also figure folks taste like chicken.

I really did laugh out loud. Heavens to merkatroid! (I think I misspelled that!)

 

[5cardstud]

I speak the same language whether talking to a Christian or an atheist. Don't think I've ever used hallelujah. I except people for who they are not what they are. If someone wants to talk about God thats great and if not thats okay too. Jesus was the greatest Christian and Christians are named for him and he came to earth to serve. I'm certainly no better than he is.

 

[Saintscruiser]

I am just glad I finally learned how to spell hallelujah......you'd think after 150 years, I would have learned before now. I can say it AND spell it! Hallelujah!

 

[lexgar]

As a Christian I speak in a language that helps me to identify myself to my Brethren and my brethren to myself. If you perceive it wrongly or with negative connotations then is it possible your perception of our communication is what offends you and not our actual language lexgar?
You can be a Christian and speak any language you like.... be a NEW Christian who speaks only to Christ if you like... (lol)

My perception of what I personally find somewhat offensive is the "Holier than Thou" attitude that I hear from some Christians. Once again, I support the right to a personal religious belief, I just do not want to be flogged with the fact that it is not my belief. I am not offended by a prayer before a meal for instance, I think it is reasonable to be thankful. I am not offended if someone says "Bless You" if I have done something kind, although my response is usually "Thank my Mother" since she is the one who taught me to behave kindly.

There is a difference between inclusive and exclusive language. That is my point.

 

[Saintscruiser]

My perception of what I personally find somewhat offensive is the "Holier than Thou" attitude that I hear from some Christians. Once again, I support the right to a personal religious belief, I just do not want to be flogged with the fact that it is not my belief. I am not offended by a prayer before a meal for instance, I think it is reasonable to be thankful. I am not offended if someone says "Bless You" if I have done something kind, although my response is usually "Thank my Mother" since she is the one who taught me to behave kindly.

There is a difference between inclusive and exclusive language. That is my point.

Lexgar, I agree with you. I don't like the holier than thou folks either. You think, "Who died and left you in charge." The Pharisees did that. It was like, "Look at me.....I'm praying in public again, so I am more religious than you." That's why works won't get you to Heaven.

 

[Southern Gent]

My perception of what I personally find somewhat offensive is the "Holier than Thou" attitude that I hear from some Christians. Once again, I support the right to a personal religious belief, I just do not want to be flogged with the fact that it is not my belief. I am not offended by a prayer before a meal for instance, I think it is reasonable to be thankful. I am not offended if someone says "Bless You" if I have done something kind, although my response is usually "Thank my Mother" since she is the one who taught me to behave kindly.

There is a difference between inclusive and exclusive language. That is my point.

Holier-than-thou is always derived from ignorance. Thanking God is respectful. Thanking the hands that prepared the meal is both respectful and wise especially if it is your mother or wife.