The Problem of Christian Language

From time-to-time the subject of the words Christians use comes up in blogs and other social media.  The usual point of the argument is that unbelievers are turned off of church and other Christians, because of the words we use.  They then proceed to give examples (in a mocking way) such as “sold out,” “committed,” “testimony,” and others.

For a while, there was a YouTube video on this subject which scored many views and shares, as they parodied the Christian lingo. Sadly, that video appeared to equate Christian terminology with the slang profane words that so many people use. The first portion of the video pokes fun at the words Christians use. Why is that? Why does no one poke fun at the words football fans use (i.e., Quarterback Sneak, Tight End, etc)? Likewise, no on makes fun of the military and their terminology. People seem to understand that various cultures and walks of life have a vocabulary that is unique to them. They understand that, if you want to communicate on their level, you have to become one of them.  Language has groupings. Yet, when it comes to Christians, they hold a different standard. 

Believers have a different vocabulary. Paul never shirked from the words “Justified,” “Sanctified,” and others. John certainly did not refrain from using words like “propitiation.” Unfortunately, too many Christians have adopted the posture that non-believers should understand believers. Yet, the Scriptures say that we are to be “separate,” “peculiar” and more. Yes, when it comes to presenting the Gospel, the words should be simple words like Paul used in 1st Corinthians 15 (i.e., “died for our sins,” “buried,” “rose again,” etc.).

I can sit and discuss football, basketball, hunting, cars, golf, etc. with a non-believer all day; and we can understand each other perfectly. Yet, if I move to the realm of spiritual matters, the non-believer immediately ceases to follow my reasoning. The natural (i.e., unsaved) man cannot understand spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 2:14). Yes, he can understand the basics of the Gospel, when presented to him in basic terms. However, anything beyond that is only for spiritual people.

Finally, the video ended with a comparison of legitimate Christian vocabulary to what has been called “Christian Cussing.”  To me, that went beyond the pale.  I agree that believers should not use “cleaned up” versions of the world’s profanity.  To do so does weaken one’s “testimony.”  Yes, that is a biblical word also.

Well, that’s my thoughts on the matter!  Do you believe that Christian vocabulary is legitimate and necessary for the worship and edification of the church?