This a very revealing article written by Addie Zierman at the “onfaith” site. The author, a recovering statistic herself of the great fall-away, prods us to examine our lingo, noting that this is not our granddaddy’s age, meaning, everyone (yes, everyone) has access to our every (yes, every) differing contention (it’s called search engines and social media).
The author examines our churchy phrases such as “The Bible Clearly Says, God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle, Love on…, those Black and White Quantifiers of the Faith, and God is in Control.”
By reading those subtitles many might protest, “But everyone of those are true.” While they may or may not be, it is worth the time to read the article and understand where the author is coming from with her points, for it appears a Millennial Exodus is underway.
ccragamuffin
mtsweat
I have not liked “churchy phrases” for years. Especially the ones that are NOT biblical, such as “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
Thanks Mike. The Millennial Exodus is falling nicely in line with several mass exits before it. Such phrases are symptoms of a much greater problem, however.
I refer to it as growing at the speed of wood.
And regarding another phrase: You work hard witnessing to someone, finally talk them into coming to church, are filled with anticipation, and the preacher looks at the vistor you brought and says, “Welcome, Sinner-Friend.”
“You’re going to hell…..” “I’m trying to save your soul…….”
…and your laundry from the sock gremlin! 🙂
If only…… 😆
There are others, too. “I’m just a sinner saved by grace” is true from a certain perspective, but as one who has been given new birth into a living hope, to quote Peter, you aren’t “just” that. It’s supposed to sound humble, but it too often ends up sounding self-defeating.
And I completely agree about “love on”. I’ve found it weird and slightly creepy ever since I came to the US. Brits don’t use that expression.
I can understand why the phrases are a turn off.
I must confess, however, that I have never hear the “love on” one. That one does seem overly off putting.
The God works in mysterious ways ones, well, if not used at the right time and explained, it can seem like a cop out of sorts.
Bottom line, context and timing.
Things must be explained to be understood and even appreciated.
One could dare to say that perhaps any utilize these and do not fully grasp their connotations much less their denotations.
Thank you for the article!!
Very well said.
Thank you!! 🙂
Churchy phrases have always turned me off. Thankfully I’ve gotten to the point where I now just ignore them. I’m not willing to let such things affect my relationship with God and Jesus.
They have been brainewashed into believing they are something special and are owed. Being a teacher I have seen a lot of it. They believe truth is relative
Jesus scared off many… #ijs