Last month I had my annual medical exam. Before my
visit to the doctor, I needed blood drawn for analysis. Then the doctor
and I reviewed my recent medical history and he concluded that I was reasonably
fit for a man of my age. Such good news!
On the way home, I recalled our conversation. It had
been peppered with medical terms I did not really understand, so I had to count
on my doctor as the interpreter.
A few days later, it was Sunday and I was in church
worship. At some point during the service, I became aware of how many
words we use in worship that I could not really explain if someone asked
me. To some degree the language of Christianity seems like a foreign
language to me, that I need to learn as such. Words like fasting, Holy
Communion, spiritual disciplines, worship, baptism and repentance are part of
the Christian lexicon. These words and other words in the language of
Christianity would be challenging for me to explain to someone else.
Then I realized that my superficial understanding of this
vocabulary suggested that I might also be missing out on the deeper meaning and
value of Christianity in my life.
For folks not familiar with the Christian vocabulary, it
could be seen as "insider" language. The trouble is that
"insider" language alienates. "Insider" language
distances. "Insider" language seems exclusive and inaccessible.
So, one might see the practice of Christian evangelism as an
attempt to explain to others this Christian vocabulary. At least,
evangelism attempts to build a vocabulary for understanding the
Christian view of one's relationship to God, and developing some degree of
faith and purpose for living our lives.
Some people believe there is a growing tendency today for
biblical illiteracy. If this is true, isn't it just one more way that
many people today fail to develop personal knowledge of the vocabulary of
Christianity?
What about today's seemingly increased suspicion of
institutions, especially religious ones? Again, is this stimulated by
what many see as "insider" language that they have not really studied
and learned, so it is adding nothing to their lives?
Helping to weaken the desire to learn the vocabulary of
Christianity, is the growing tendency in society today to use the language of
psychology or therapy for interpersonal difficulties. We also turn to
management models and business language when we need to figure out how to make
relationships or institutions work. Christian practices, informed by
Christian vocabulary, seem like a way to use more effectively the spiritual and
moral categories and language that connect us to the wisdom of Christian
tradition.
How well do we know the language of Christianity? Even
if it was spoken in our homes when we were children, we must continue to
practice it so we do not become rusty. We need conversation
partners. Occasionally we may have to do a full immersion program to supplement
the weekly Sunday lesson.
I suggest that we should practice the "peculiar"
words of confession and forgiveness, redemption and resurrection, communion and
evangelism until they are so embedded in us that they shape our everyday
thoughts and guide our waking hours. Let's be so fluent that we aren't
embarrassed to speak out in public and even translate for others curious to
know what we are talking about.
____________________________________________________________________________
These thoughts are brought to you by the CPC Adult
Spiritual Development Team, hoping to encourage some spiritual
growth for you this Spring.
____________________________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment