Debunked: Thinking through the language of Faith

Personification. Simile. Metaphor. Oxymoron.

American English, like many other languages, uses a wide variety of figures of speech to express our thoughts. Some produce beautiful, poetic prose. Others form tangible examples that illustrate a point. The way we use our words can create meaning beyond the simplicity of the words.

But have you ever had to explain a figure of speech to a curious seven-year-old? Lately, it seems as if my two elementary age boys can find every metaphor and idiom. One asks what it means, the other turns it into a funny image or thought that makes everyone chuckle. I have had more run-ins with our crazy language in the past few months than I can remember, many of which I didn’t even notice coming from my own lips!

Explaining expressions to a literal thinker can really cause you to watch what comes out of your mouth. Before the words roll off my tongue, I am thinking through what I am trying to say. This started because of some simple figures of speech, but it quickly spread to encompass every word I say.

It didn’t take long to realize I often say things that don’t make sense, especially when I talk about faith.

Some people have nicknamed this figurative language ‘Christianese.’ It’s the category of expressions we use that seem to make sense in our community of faith but mean absolutely nothing outside of that context. Within that category, we have engrained expressions that don’t even make sense, but because of their common usage we go with the flow and take them as truth.
Expressions like, “only God,” and, “Heaven gained another angel today.” Things we have heard. Things we have said. But do they even make sense, particularly to someone who is not a part of our faith?

Lately, I’ve taken note of many things we say that simply don’t pass the smell test. I want to dive into these expressions- where do they come from, are they Biblically accurate, and can I explain them in everyday language?

Over the next few weeks, we are going to do just that. One expression at a time we will dig deep to explain, correct, or debunk some of the most common expressions we use as they relate to our faith.

I’m feeling a little like those two crazy guys who blow up stuff to find out if its true… but I don’t plan to blow up anything.

Every Tuesday thru February, right here on the blog. (Subscribe if you want a reminder when it posts!) Next Tuesday we’ll look at the expression God won’t give you more than you can handle. Do you think this is true, or is it just ingrained in our faith-talk? Comment below to let me know!

Also, any expressions you want to talk about? Leave a comment, and maybe we’ll check it out!

See you next week!