The whole article is definitely worth the read, but here is a section I especially liked:
Here Christians ought to learn something from the world, for in this matter the world shows great common sense. The world itself does not define “relevance” as the highest level of discourse the marginally interested will tolerate, at least in the matters it really cares about.Every field, from thoracic surgery to architecture to real estate law to stamp collecting, has its own specialized vocabulary. Every field demands that new members learn the language if they are to work inside it. Their willingness to learn it is a test of their desire to belong. The man unwilling to learn what an architrave and a pediment are is a man who does not really want to be an architect—and those who need an architect (as the world needs Christians) will not want him to design their house.
And the world is right about this.
4 comments:
Very Good!
Thank you Emily.
Uncle don
Hey Emilius! I do think that the ability to communicate complicated or profound thoughts to the masses using a vocabulary they will understand is a great (albeit rare) gift though, don't you? I think that's why people like Pastor Hann and Billy Graham are such great preachers. The latter once said he always tried to use language that an eighth grader could understand and I don't think he cheapened his subjects by doing so. What do you think?
Hey Amber - I think you're definitely right that the ability to communicate to any group in a way tailored to their understanding is hugely important, and that we should work toward teaching in the terms that will be best understood. But I think that what Mills is saying in the article is that there are some principles and Biblical vocabulary words that shouldn't be watered down by being substituted with more common terms. So, instead of avoiding saying "regeneration" or "sanctification," because those are words people don't commonly use, you would want to take those terms and use them, but first explain them in a way that your audience will understand.
For instance, Nate just did a lesson for the youth on justification and regeneration. He used the words (I think pastors Hann and Graham would've, too?), but he spent the time explaining what they meant so that the kids could understand them. So instead of shying away from the terms, the kids can now grasp the richness of what they mean. Does that sound right?
I like it!
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