NOTES ON THE TERRIBLE POWER OF OUR WORDS: AN INDICTMENT OF THE LAZY AMERICAN GOSPEL & “CHURCH-SPEAK.”

SCRIPTURE. “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.” ― MATTHEW 12:36-37, AMP

QUOTATION. “I often find that people confuse inner peace with some sense of insensibility whenever something goes wrong. In such cases inner peace is a permit for destruction: The unyielding optimist will pretend that the forest is not burning either because he is too lazy or too afraid to go and put the fire out.” ― CRISS JAMI, Killosophy, 2015

1. FIRST THOUGHTS

I am first reminded of an eloquent poet-theologian named ERICH SAUER, whose two-volume magnum opus crystallized for me the immense, ‘Divine gift of Human Speech’ in the opening chapters of Volume I: The Dawn of World Redemption (1951). Sauer takes us all the way back to The Garden and Man’s first Commission.

“‘Be fruitful and increase yourselves, people the earth and subjugate and rule it’ (Gen. 1: 28). In these words, the Royal Appointment of the Human Race is plainly declared. The capacity for this is ‘the human Spirit,’ which reveals itself above all in ‘Speech.’

THE BEGINNING. ‘What is a Word?’ A sound, a note, a tone which goes out of the mouth! Yet much more! A conveyor of a motion of the spirit, an instrument for manifesting the intelligence, a sign, a sound-symbol of an activity of the soul: ‘Only through the gift of the Spirit and Speech man becomes really man.’Only thus is it that he receives the capacity of inward development.

‘By Speech Adam began in Paradise the exercise of his royal authority.’ At the very beginning, even before the Creation of the woman, God Himself brought to him the creatures of the air and the earth, so that he, discerning their natures, should give them suitable names (Gen. 2: 20): And thus was their ‘king’ at the very beginning crowned by the Creator, and speech became, spiritually speaking, the ‘Sceptre of Mankind.’

Thus, Speech is not, as unbelieving philosophers assert, an invention which man first made little by little within human society for the purpose of mutual intercourse. ‘For God spoke to Adam’ even before He had given him Eve as helper, and in like manner Adam, before the Creation of the woman, made use of speech in the naming of the animals. ‘Rather therefore is Speech an instinctive emanation of the Spirit’ which, ‘passing out through the mouth, is a perceptible Revelation of the intelligence’ (Plato), ‘Audible Spirit’ (Bettex). As an aptitude inherent in Creation the Gift of Speech was present in man from the beginning; but it needed to be freed and released, and this God effected by giving to man the task of naming the animals.”

DK. Of course I knew absolutely none of this when I enrolled at Bowling Green State University’s Doctoral Program in the Department of Speech Communication in 1970. Though I would study many subjects in the fields of Philosophy, Social Theory and Cognitive Psychology, I would come to specialize in that uniquely human capacity for, as I would term in much later:

‘High order, language based, Symbolic Interaction.’

I would also come to understand that try as they may, the scientists labored tirelessly and sometimes obsessively ‘to get apes to talk.’ I remember the pioneering research with Washoe, a female common Chimpanzee who was taught a form of American Sign Language (ASL). She learned up to 350 signs and expert JANE GOODALL claimed that she achieved ‘some degree of self-awareness’ (EDITORS, Wikipedia, Jan. 14, 2024).

Subsequent research on apes, dolphins and other species would reach this point of 350 or so, and then hit what I call a ‘Phylogenetic Wall:’ That is to say, animals, even under the most intensive, sustained efforts simply cannot acquire human language in any sort of fully functioning, high order, symbolically abstract fashion. It is plainly not in their DNA – a direct testimony to the veracity of the Biblical Order and God’s Design.

Thus, Mankind has been endowed with this powerful gift as part of our ‘Imago Dei’ – reflection of our Maker as His true children, that we are to use to fulfill the Great Commissions we were sent to Earth to perform.

• ‘To be fruitful and multiply’ our species to rule the earth as its Royal Caretakers, which includes all other ecospheric elements and all species ‘beneath us’ in the Phylogenetic Continuum (Gen. 1:28).

• ‘To love the Lord our God’ with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength by carrying out all His Commandments by the grace and empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Deut. 6:5; Acts 1:8).

• ‘To make disciples of the nations’ and to be salt and light to the cultures in which we live by looking after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep from being polluted by the world (Matt. 28:19; James 1:27).

THE MECHANISM: SPEECH. And we are to accomplish all this via the Divine capacity for Human Speech, indeed, our very “Sceptre” by which we exercise our loving rule over the earth. – ‘But not over others,’ beloved! Selah.

II.  THE TEACHING

SCRIPTURE. “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.” ― MATTHEW 12:36-37, AMP

KEY TERM. “CARELESS.” ‘Argos’ [ἀργός]: “From root words meaning, ‘inactive, unemployed, lazy, useless;’ also, barren, idle or slow; not at work with the distinct idea of ‘choice;’ indolent, slothful; ‘slow bellies’ as with lazy gluttons; also, insincere, false, unprofitable; thoughtlessness and thereby ‘injurious [to truth, honor, and fruitfulness’]; shunning labor one ought by duty to perform; sluggish, at leisure.”

COMMENTARY.  “‘But I say unto you’ — You may perhaps think God does not much regard your words, but I assure you, that not only for blasphemous and profane, malicious, false, slanderous, and reviling words, but ‘for every idle word which men shall speak:’ For all light, vain, trifling expressions; for all useless, unprofitable conversation, and all discourse uttered without seriousness and caution, and which does not conduce to the glory of God and the good of mankind; ‘that men shall speak’ — At any time, or on any occasion, ‘they shall give an account in the Day of Judgment’ …

‘For by thy words’ — That is, by the evidence of thy words, as well as of thy tempers and works, ‘thou shall be justified,’ &c. — Shalt be either acquitted or condemned; since by the tenor of these the disposition of thy heart is shown, ‘and thy true character discovered.’ Therefore, these shall be produced in evidence for or against thee at the Great Day, and ‘by this evidence thou shalt then Stand or Fall.’” – JOSEPH BENSON, Notes on the Holy Bible, 5 vols., 1811-1818; edited

THE POINT. Don’t miss the Central Principle here, found in other like Scriptures such as the following (cited in the Amplified Classic translation):

• EPHESIANS 5:15-17. “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), ‘making the very most of the time’ [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.”

• PROVERBS 6;12-13. “A worthless person, a wicked man, is he who goes about witha perverse (contrary, wayward) mouth. He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [‘to mislead and deceive’] and teaches with his fingers.”

• 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-10. “Now we charge you, brethren, in the name and on the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that you ‘withdraw and keep away from every brother (fellow believer) who is slack in the performance of duty and is disorderly,’ living as a shirker and not walking in accord with the traditions and instructions that you have received from us. For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate our example, for we were not disorderly or shirking of duty when we were with you [we were not idle]. Nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you [for our support]. [It was] not because we do not have a right [to such support], but [we wished] to make ourselves an example for you to follow. For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule and charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.”

GOD DETESTS SLACKERS! “Not tense; not hard drawn; not firmly extended; as a slack rope; slack rigging; slack shrouds. Weak; remiss; not holding fast; as a slack hand. Backward, not using due diligence; not earnest or eager; as ‘slack in duty or service;’ slack in business.” ― NOAH WEBSTER, American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828; edited

‘God detests ‘Lazy Speech!’ – That is, words just strewn about carelessly, despite the nature of the audience and the occasion with little thought about what and how we are speaking. Which brings me to my next point at point blank range once again.

III. AMERICAN CHURCH-SPEAK

BACKGROUND. A long, long time ago in a place far, far away (Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, 1984-1989) a fledgling, graduate Master’s Degree Program in Public Affairs Journalism led by me as a much younger man, was struggling to define just what was, “Christian Journalism.”

Borrowed from the legacy of ABRAHAM KUYPER, Dutch Reformed Prime Minister of the Netherlands between 1910 and 1905. Also remembered as a “Journalist among journalists,” he was an inveterate newspaper publisher and editor of something called, ‘De Standaard’ (The Standard), a weekly news magazine that applied his Christian views to matters of Culture and Politics.

In late 1985, our little journalism clan produced the first editions of a monthly publication called, not surprisingly, ‘The Standard,’ that started out as a raggedy, error-filled embarrassment that within two years rose to the attention of the Christian community at home and overseas, reaching more than 20,000 subscribers and devoted to carving out a Biblical Worldview perspective on leading news events of that era.

PUBLICATION GROUNDRULES. A few professional protocols I recall that we developed included: (1) ‘Exhaustive research,’ both theological and cultural; (2) ‘Proofread by at least three sets of eyes’ – the Director (myself), the Editor-in-Chief, and the author; (3) ‘Elimination of religious jargon’ – what we then called “Christianese,” or what I now derisively call, “Church-Speak.“

That last point shall be the meat of the better part of this section, and brilliantly elucidated by professional Christian psychologist, SHANNON KEGERRIES, writing recently for Viral Solutions. Her piece is entitled, “How Using ‘Christianese’ and Insider Language Can Push People Away” (Feb. 3, 2024; edited).

And I could not agree more! In the 1980s and all the more so in the 2020s. Here is a bullet-point review of Ms. Kegerrries’ PRAXIS ON CHURCH-SPEAK.

• DEFINITION.  “‘Christianese is essentially the unique language used by those who practice Christianity. More specifically, Wikipedia defines it as ‘contained terms and jargon used within many of the branches and denominations of Christianity as a functional system of religious terminology.’ These religious terms are used in everyday conversations in place of traditional, colloquial words. In addition to individual words, there are also puns and phrases that are understood within the Christian community but not outside of that circle.”

• IMPACT. Every group has ‘insider jokes or terms’ they use that only they can understand. Using the language provides a sense of exclusivity, as only members can decipher the meaning behind the words. Christianese is like insider terminology for Church leaders and members. This is an important consideration for Church marketing and communication teams because ‘the words we use can either establish a Connection or create a Divide’ … Perhaps this is one of the reasons why there is a decline in [Christian] Religion in the U.S. The use of this language too often alienates people from the Church. They don’t understand it, so they feel it doesn’t apply to them.”

• CONTEXTUALIZATION. “‘Using Christianese in Gospel teachings and other Church communications, can alienate people within the church,’ especially Newcomers whom you have worked so hard to get there. There are cultural, religious, and geographic barriers that exist between every individual member of the Church. The more you use jargon in your Gospel and Church communications, the more of a Divide you create. Deviating from the use of Christianese is about knowing how to put the Words of God in the context of the people (think about Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Keep in mind that the people who attend your church don’t have theological training; therefore, it is the responsibility of Church leaders and marketers to speak to them in a language that they understand.”

• HUBRIS. “‘Scientists and professionals who employ jargon do so to showcase their expertise in a subject.’ In the Church, it can create the same impression among those on the receiving end of your message. Christianese can create the impression that you (i.e., Church leaders) are superior, and they are inferior. It makes them feel like they must learn to speak your language to fit in. If people must work that hard to become a member of your church, many of them will choose to walk away.”

• IMPERSONALNESS. “‘Not making an effort to connect with potential church members is one of the main Church growth killers.’ If you want to invite people into your congregation and encourage them to grow their faith, get connected with others, serve, or become invested, you must refrain from using jargon—at least until they’re familiar with you. When scientists use too much jargon, no one wants to listen because they don’t understand the language. The same applies to church leaders and marketers. For the people who are invited to the church, ‘it feels more like a business transaction;’ there is no personal attachment involved. For anyone choosing to follow Jesus and join a new church, it’s about the personal and spiritual journey. Jesus spent much of His time connecting with the individuals around Him. He got personal, speaking to them in the way they needed to hear.”

• EXAMPLES. ‘Here the author explicitly names terms that are a complete turn-off to the unsaved’ – and frankly, to the saved! I hate jargon, beloved, whether in the Church or in the World (“At the end of the day” “Moving forward.” “Let me by very clear” – followed by gobbledygook). CHURCH TERMS: ‘Tithing, Body of Christ, Communion, Blood of Jesus, Anointed, Laying on of Hands, Hedge of Protection, Quiet Time, Spiritual Warfare, Armor of God.’ And on and on and on. Social Science labels the practice of using such jargon as “Linguistic Occlusion” – The intentional use of a foreign language or insider talk to hide messages from “Outsiders.”

DK. Beloved, there are only THREE MODES of Human Communication that we are commanded to employ in our Christian messages to both Churched and Unchurched individuals in the culture.

1. ‘Truthful Content’ – Which I have taught for half a century is “King;” that is to say, the very most important element in any linguistic expression.
2. ‘Honorable Manner’ – Here I am referring to a certain Dignity, Gravitas, or Sobriety that I see missing from many if not most pulpits. The ‘Good ol’ Boy’ gospel as it were. No! ‘Think of Jesus-Speak,’ and imitate Him.
3. ‘Loving Motive’ – Now this is the Spirit from which we speak. So we must first define “Love” clearly as: ‘Loving God and Truth as supreme.’ Then speaking to protect that at all costs, and which will maximize the message’s accurate reception (e.g., softly, modestly, colloquially, eloquently, boldly, loudly, or even angrily) toward Encouragement, Enlightenment and ultimately – ‘Rescue!

IV.  FINAL THOUGHTS

Well now, that is truly quite a lot, wouldn’t you say? There is enough here to indict every single one of us, most directly this writer who you see typing these words with both fear and trembling. But also, with considerable thanksgiving and gratitude, and here’s why.

MAXIM ONE: ‘Truth Sets Free. Lies Produce Bondage.’ And God insists upon our ‘Being true’ – in both Message and Manner – with Him, with others, and with ourselves. I suppose what we are discussing here at bottom old fashioned ‘Integrity’ – “The entire, unimpaired state of anything, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; ‘honesty.’” – NOAH WEBSTER, American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828; edited

MAXIM TWO: ‘The Need for Order.’ I have frequently referred to a Maxim penned by a man who many consider “The Father of American Conservatism,” RUSSELL KIRK. In an early chapter of his landmark work, Roots of American Order (1974), he said this: “The first need of every human being is The Need for Order.”

As followers of Christ, we understand – or should understand – ‘We serve a God of Truth, Love, and Order, and not Confusion, Hatred, or Deception’ (cf. John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, we are to imitate Him in all our ways: From the way we think, to the ‘manner of behavior,’ to, most crucially, ‘the way we speak.’

MY THESIS. ‘The American Church has grown Disorderly’ – With regard, most importantly, to her ‘Doctrines,’ to her Manner of undignified ‘Presentation,’ and grotesque Inattention to the most pressing issues of the day.

MARTIN LUTHER’S WARNING. “If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every proportion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the World and the Devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. ‘Where the battle rages,’ there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point.” – c. 1530 AD

Beloved, I tell you, with tears and outrage both – The American Church is either breathlessly ‘Absent’ from The Battle of the Era, or worse, so very much worse, ‘Allied’ to God’s Enemy.

Even the Author of all Disorder – the very ‘Spirit of Antichrist,’ beloved.

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/4K4lNVWPuT4