The so called “guardians of English” at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan have come out with their most recent list of words that should be banned from the English language. Since 1976 they have compiled an annual 'List of Words Banished from the Queen's English for Mis-Use, Over-Use or General Uselessness.' The list includes such words as “Boasts” stating, “Used in the real estate classifieds, as in "master bedroom boasts his-and-her fireplaces." What's next? "The bathroom apologizes for cracked linoleum." Another word is “Awesome” with the comment, “Sneakers are not "awesome." The word will be banished until such time as it can once again mean "fear mingled with admiration or reverence; a feeling produced by something majestic." They also selected “Truthiness,” saying “Popularized by "The Colbert Report," this word that used to ring true is getting all the truth wrung out of it.”
Many who read this blog know that there are certain phrases that members of the church of Christ tend to “misuse, overuse, etc.” I submit the following for your consideration:
“Awesome”- to borrow a word from the list above, to describe God as awesome and then to describe banana pudding the same way just can’t be right, can it?
“Our fellowship”- can’t we, at least occasionally, identify the church as the church? Are there faithful brethren that we do not fellowship? If so, isn’t something wrong?
“Separate and apart”- as you already know, the rest of the phrase is “from the Lord’s supper.” If something is “separate”, isn’t it also “apart?”
“Providentially hindered”- Some would question whether "God's providence" really "hinders" us in the first place, but regardless, I submit this word for overuse. Is one providentially hindered from coming to church when he chooses to go to work instead of worship because he wants to make more money? Is a whole family "providentially hindered" from coming to church because one kid has the sniffles?
“Arbitrary commands”- They may seem arbitrary to us, but don’t you think God had a reason for giving them?
I know I will think of some more later.
Feel free to nominate your own words in comments.
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David-great post! Here's my list: IN some congregations words like "lost", "judged", "acapella singing", "the church of Christ", "baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins" and "uniqueness of the Lord's church" seem to have been banned.
ReplyDeleteHow about "thy bill will?" Just kidding! Seriously, I enjoyed the article.
ReplyDeleteWhat about "eh-heh?"
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that "awesome" is overused. So are similar words, such as "amazing, great, and incredible."
ReplyDeleteAs a youth minister, "like" and "so" are also overused, but that's LIKE SO true in pop culture.
guide guard and direct
ReplyDeleteguide guard and protect
guide=direct
guard=protect
I also recently heard a gentlemen say during the prayer for the offering:
"let us just give back a very small portion of what you have given us."
With a large emphasis on "very small"
While ultimately what we give is small- we shouldn't be striving to give a very little.