A Background Issue

[Stewart (SDA)]

For some time I have had a background concern. It relates to the language that is sometimes used in discussions here.

Let us "never search for words that will give the impression that [we] are learned. The greater [our] simplicity, the better will [our] words be understood." (6T 383)

Let’s not think that when we are able to use “learned” words, we are advancing into greater light, and entering into a higher, more elite, group. There is danger that this will only blind us to true wisdom, and separate us from those who are truly in need. The day may come upon us quickly, when we will no longer be able to step down to meet the hearts and minds of those who truly desire the comfort and the assurance of truth.

In His prayer, Jesus thanked His Father that the truths of the gospel had been hidden "from the wise and prudent, and [that He had] revealed them unto babes". (Lk 10:21)

Woe indeed to those who become wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. (Isa 5:21)

Because when these “wise” ones see Him, they find no beauty in Him that makes Him desirable. The grace and the simplicity revealed in His life has no appeal for them. (Isa 53:2)

For some, jargon gives the impression of authority, but these people misunderstand. Jargon and high sounding words should not become an object of admiration -- in the Christian life these things are best avoided.

If we are tempted to use jargon, please, let us pause and search for a simpler term.

"Consider your calling, brethren, how that NOT many [among you were] wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.”

(1Cor 1:26-27)

In the last solemn work few “great” men will be engaged. 5T 80

"As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God." (COL 79.1)

_______

Stewart

[Steve Billiter]

For some time I have had a background concern. It relates to the language that is sometimes used in discussions here.

Let us "never search for words that will give the impression that [we] are learned. The greater [our] simplicity, the better will [our] words be understood." (6T 383)

Let’s not think that when we are able to use “learned” words, we are advancing into greater light, and entering into a higher, more elite, group. There is danger that this will only blind us to true wisdom, and separate us from those who are truly in need. The day may come upon us quickly, when we will no longer be able to step down to meet the hearts and minds of those who truly desire the comfort and the assurance of truth.

In His prayer, Jesus thanked His Father that the truths of the gospel had been hidden "from the wise and prudent, and [that He had] revealed them unto babes". (Lk 10:21)

Woe indeed to those who become wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. (Isa 5:21)

Because when these “wise” ones see Him, they find no beauty in Him that makes Him desirable. The grace and the simplicity revealed in His life has no appeal for them. (Isa 53:2)

For some, jargon gives the impression of authority, but these people misunderstand. Jargon and high sounding words should not become an object of admiration -- in the Christian life these things are best avoided.

If we are tempted to use jargon, please, let us pause and search for a simpler term.

"Consider your calling, brethren, how that NOT many [among you were] wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.”

(1Cor 1:26-27)

In the last solemn work few “great” men will be engaged. 5T 80

"As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God." (COL 79.1)

_______

Stewart

Do you speak of words(learned) that no one can understand? Sometimes I read good things and I see a word that I will take to the online dictionary immediately. I may or may not use that word my self in the future, but I may also have learned a word to strengthen my vocabulary.I personally have not seen such on this site.

Could you please give some examples of what you speak of, this is not too clear. :)

[Guest]

AMEN!

I would like to quote some of this on another thread.

[Stewart (SDA)]

Do you speak of words(learned) that no one can understand? Sometimes I read good things and I see a word that I will take to the online dictionary immediately. I may or may not use that word my self in the future, but I may also have learned a word to strengthen my vocabulary.I personally have not seen such on this site.

Could you please give some examples of what you speak of, this is not too clear.

Hello Steve,

No I'm not necessarily referring to words that no one can understand, but to the kind of words that tend to make a community into a "closed community". I hope that makes sense.

Recent examples that come to mind for me are "forensic salvation", and "forensic proponents". While these ideas carry definite meanings, they are, in my view at least, far from everyday language.

Regards,

Stewart.

[Steve Billiter]

Originally Posted By: Steve Billiter

Do you speak of words(learned) that no one can understand? Sometimes I read good things and I see a word that I will take to the online dictionary immediately. I may or may not use that word my self in the future, but I may also have learned a word to strengthen my vocabulary.I personally have not seen such on this site.

Could you please give some examples of what you speak of, this is not too clear.

Hello Steve,

No I'm not necessarily referring to words that no one can understand, but to the kind of words that tend to make a community into a "closed community". I hope that makes sense.

Recent examples that come to mind for me are "forensic salvation", and "forensic proponents". While these ideas carry definite meanings, they are, in my view at least, far from everyday language.

Regards,

Stewart.

I agree with you in that for me personally, I don't like the words either but only because it implies theology I don't agree with. But it seems that to deny others the opportunity to express their beliefs in words of their own choosing would be to deny freedom of expression itself. I would say the words are well within the usages of everyday language.

It appears to me that more energy could be devoted in keeping abusive personal assaults out of our speech along with the language that accompanies that!

[Stewart (SDA)]

I agree with you about the personal assaults, Steve. I don’t think anyone enjoys the sharp words or the sarcasm that comes up among us... Sharp words tend to cut people's ears off.

I acknowledge that I have no right [or power] to deny others the opportunity to express their views in the words they choose. Our individuality is precious, and we ought to feel our need of one another. It is right that we express things differently.

Yet I do not think that the warning expressed at the beginning of this thread crosses the "line" to become a denial of rights. I felt that I should write about a perceived danger that faces us. I believe that our choice of language (especially here on the theology board) has the power to deter a certain kind of person from participating. Namely, “the poor in spirit” and the lowly.

As Christians we are conscience bound to express our convictions in some way. I don’t want to over-state my thoughts here, and do not wish to provoke, my friend, so I am happy to leave it there.

Regards,

Stewart

[teresaq]

For some time I have had a background concern. It relates to the language that is sometimes used in discussions here.

Let us "never search for words that will give the impression that [we] are learned. The greater [our] simplicity, the better will [our] words be understood." (6T 383)

Let’s not think that when we are able to use “learned” words, we are advancing into greater light, and entering into a higher, more elite, group. There is danger that this will only blind us to true wisdom, and separate us from those who are truly in need. The day may come upon us quickly, when we will no longer be able to step down to meet the hearts and minds of those who truly desire the comfort and the assurance of truth.

In His prayer, Jesus thanked His Father that the truths of the gospel had been hidden "from the wise and prudent, and [that He had] revealed them unto babes". (Lk 10:21)

Woe indeed to those who become wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. (Isa 5:21)

Because when these “wise” ones see Him, they find no beauty in Him that makes Him desirable. The grace and the simplicity revealed in His life has no appeal for them. (Isa 53:2)

For some, jargon gives the impression of authority, but these people misunderstand. Jargon and high sounding words should not become an object of admiration -- in the Christian life these things are best avoided.

If we are tempted to use jargon, please, let us pause and search for a simpler term.

"Consider your calling, brethren, how that NOT many [among you were] wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.”

(1Cor 1:26-27)

In the last solemn work few “great” men will be engaged. 5T 80

"As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God." (COL 79.1)

_______

Stewart

wow!! and amen!!

[teresaq]

It appears to me that more energy could be devoted in keeping abusive personal assaults out of our speech along with the language that accompanies that!

yes, i agree. we should be very careful not to say things about others who are not here to defend themselves, and usually come across as quite harsh and judgmental.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

For some time I have had a background concern. It relates to the language that is sometimes used in discussions here.

Let us "never search for words that will give the impression that [we] are learned. The greater [our] simplicity, the better will [our] words be understood." (6T 383)

Let’s not think that when we are able to use “learned” words, we are advancing into greater light, and entering into a higher, more elite, group. There is danger that this will only blind us to true wisdom, and separate us from those who are truly in need. The day may come upon us quickly, when we will no longer be able to step down to meet the hearts and minds of those who truly desire the comfort and the assurance of truth.

In His prayer, Jesus thanked His Father that the truths of the gospel had been hidden "from the wise and prudent, and [that He had] revealed them unto babes". (Lk 10:21)

Woe indeed to those who become wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight. (Isa 5:21)

Because when these “wise” ones see Him, they find no beauty in Him that makes Him desirable. The grace and the simplicity revealed in His life has no appeal for them. (Isa 53:2)

For some, jargon gives the impression of authority, but these people misunderstand. Jargon and high sounding words should not become an object of admiration -- in the Christian life these things are best avoided.

If we are tempted to use jargon, please, let us pause and search for a simpler term.

"Consider your calling, brethren, how that NOT many [among you were] wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong.”

(1Cor 1:26-27)

In the last solemn work few “great” men will be engaged. 5T 80

"As in earlier ages, the special truths for this time are found, not with the ecclesiastical authorities, but with men and women who are not too learned or too wise to believe the word of God." (COL 79.1)

_______

Stewart

Egads.. I agree wholeheartedly.

[Stewart (SDA)]

Thank you Pam.

SC

[Steve Billiter]

I agree with you about the personal assaults, Steve. I don’t think anyone enjoys the sharp words or the sarcasm that comes up among us... Sharp words tend to cut people's ears off.

I acknowledge that I have no right [or power] to deny others the opportunity to express their views in the words they choose. Our individuality is precious, and we ought to feel our need of one another. It is right that we express things differently.

Yet I do not think that the warning expressed at the beginning of this thread crosses the "line" to become a denial of rights. I felt that I should write about a perceived danger that faces us. I believe that our choice of language (especially here on the theology board) has the power to deter a certain kind of person from participating. Namely, “the poor in spirit” and the lowly.

As Christians we are conscience bound to express our convictions in some way. I don’t want to over-state my thoughts here, and do not wish to provoke, my friend, so I am happy to leave it there.

Regards,

Stewart

Sounds good Stewart, let me add that I believe God does ultimately hold us responsible for what we say, and He does command us to study and show our selves approved so we should not be misrepresenting the Word. However, in the real world, that won't happen. Some will get it right, most will not.

Mat 12:37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.