Quote of the Week On Christians
"Have you noticed that a lot of Christians talk in some type of code? It’s as if they have another language. A conversation with them would goa lot better with one of those universal translators they use on Star Trek when talking to various life forms. Christians use words that don’t make sense. It’s called Christianese. Here’s a quick guide to help you with the most common terms in their code talking: Blessed: Not a response to sneezing, but a term often describing something positive. It may be used in response to small-talk questions. Example: “How are you doing?” “I’m so blessed!” English synonyms:fine, great, good. In the flesh (or worldly, lukewarm, not in-the-spirit): Describes a Christian who’s not extremely religious or conservative and who’s prone to make emotional, hasty decisions. He or she may even watch an R-rated movie or listen to music that’s not “Christian.” Synonyms: fair-weather fan, untrue, insincere, being human."
-quote from the chapter on Christians in my book
I'm of two minds about this. On the one hand, I can sympathize with anybody that takes seriously "Come out of her my people" (from somewhere in Revelations). (Translation, Beam me up Scotty. There's no intelligent life here).
A code language helps set the believer apart from the "world". It's a practical way of encouraging Christians to only hang out with other Christians - because all your "worldly" friends will think you're just too weird. Plus it helps encourage that nice feeling of self-righteous superiority that so many substitute for their faith deficiency.
Yeah, "come out of her" is real. But so is "you are the salt of the earth". Jesus said not to let the salt lose its flavor. He might have also said that it does no good whatever until it's sprinkled into the pot.
I think the authentically Christian idea is to be in the world, but not to do everything the world does. The Christian is supposed to transform the world. Not walk around deliberately acting like a dingleberry.
Did you ever read In His Steps? It's really an amazing book - and the story of Pastor Charles Sheldon who wrote it is just as amazing, I think. That book is supposedly the best selling CHristian book ever, after the Bible, and is credited with originatimng the question What Would Jesus Do?
Well worth a Google, IMO.
Best wishes,
-Steve
P.S. And whar DID Jesus do? He hung out with sinners and tax collectors. And he probably talked to them in their own vernacular.
P.P.S.
I think the code language thing is more with Evangelicals. Go around (say) Methodists, and they'll probably talk a lot like regular folks.
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For not being a Christian, you sure have the right perspective (and know a lot).
I couldn't agree more. In fact, it's like some of what you wrote is quoted from the rest of the chapter.
The real problem, like you said, is that it alienates others.
I'll have to check that book out.
Thanks for the comments...
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I grew up going to Sunday school, and always liked Jesus and hated hypocrites. The main reason I can't be Christian today is that I don't believe in an afterlife, or in the Resurection. But I will always think Jesus was one of the truly awesome guys ever to walk the planet.
Steve
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You got it man. Too many christians talk this foreign language and expect the world to accept Christ into their lives. It's ridiculous.
Read this book dude. I know you'd love it. The two guys who wrote it are sick and tired of christianese christians. The ideas in this book are changing how I live my life and how I view the gospel.
http://www.amazon.com/Tangible-Kingdom-Incarnational-Community-Leadership/dp/0470188979/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258738436&sr=8-1
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