Biblical idioms? The chief enemy of "witnessing"? (idiom intended)...

[ponycar17]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I respect our Baptist pastor a great deal. He's straight-forward and speaks common English. He's to the point and often speaks metaphorically during sermons but hardly ever throws out idioms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiom) that he doesn't later explain.

I struggled for a long time to understand why I REALLY like this guy but have been sooooo turned off by other pastors who seem "fake". :confused:

Well, I had an epiphany today. I know that I must seem slow for finally realizing this but I REALLY don't like when people speak idiomatically according to their little cultural sect, excluding all others. I like "plain speak". Don't tell me that something is "heavy on your heart". Tell me that you're worried about something.... Etc...

To me, the idiom use in religion is counterproductive to modern "witnessing" (yes, that's also an 'idiom' but I couldn't resist... ;)). Sure, the understanding of those idioms is key to reading and comprehending The Bible but those phrases are not necessary (or even appreciated) for dinner or lunch conversation. Talk plain to me... Any other language appears "fake" or "superior" as if you have your own private club and everyone else isn't invited. I can imagine a similar split between royal English and the language of the peasants in medieval times. The same social rift can be produced by the overuse of religious idioms.

Just imagine the eye rolling (visible or otherwise) when someone is trying to introduce God to a person who is otherwise unfamiliar with the Bible if their only conversational tool relies on religious idioms.

So, what's your take? I may not share an opinion that everyone agrees with on this subject but I am miles further in understanding my distrust/discomfort with those who I only thought sounded "fake" before. :)

Discuss...

[jack404]

i'm guessing i'm in the same boat , spreading The Lord's message is something i enjoy, especially where theres been no chance for the folks to hear His Message

straight talking always is much better received.. our unit padre asked me once how i did so well when showing folks ..

i said "well i think they see i believe and we won and that God is on our side , thats a great start and get's their attention as painful as that may be , but then we show them my home and my friends and family and they see how we live and how The Lord has Blessed us , then i show them how empty they feel with only that stupid doctrine they had before , by that stage they want in , they want more in their lives and they want to know they are Loved , that all the evil they lived in for so long was the direct result of God not being in the nation or the lives of its leadership .."

he replied , i should have studied life more and at the seminary less "

i told him no , just show folks your true self , they'll see you beleive it 100% yourself and thats where it starts , when you preach words and saying you dont follow yourself , folks see that too , they aint dumb , but they also dont know why and figure your preaching something your not 100% with yourself .. preach to them as we talk now skipper , you'll do ok "

he did , and he did

i'm dead set sure God is a straight talker , we just goodf up trying to make his works more important and meaningfull , but theres no need .. the Truth will always set you free ...

[Caneman]

mercy brother, amen, you must be under the anointing cuzz you kicked in the pearly gates with that one!!!


couldn't agree with you more...

[ponycar17]

Exactly, Jack! :D

Getting the point across is what matters... It doesn't matter how eloquently you say it.

[ponycar17]

mercy brother, amen, you must be under the anointing cuzz you kicked in the pearly gates with that one!!!


Awesome example Caneman!... :D

[tcox4freedom]

Whenever I'm talking to someone about the salvation, deliverence, healing or blessings of life in Jesus Christ, I really try to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Then I try as much as possible to repeat what I hear HIM telling me to say and what "NOT" to say. (Which can be even MORE important!)

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[ampaterry]

I will never forget the preacher I listened to for some time who would interject "Praise God!" over and over during his sermons. Out of the pulpit, he talked completely normally, but in the pulpit he felt the need to CONSTANTLY make that interjection.

One Sunday he was preaching on temptation, how the devil is ALWAYS after us, and was reading from Job:

Job 1:6-7 (KJV);
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

But he inserted his constant interjection:
"Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Praise God - - "
There was a snicker.
He stumbled.
"Well - of course Satan didn't say Praise God"

He stumbled and fumbled, his face got red, and whatever lesson he was making got completely lost in the process of the delivery.

Not properly an idiom, but I think that fits with what you are saying; lose the "religious speech" and communication will improve.

[RunningOnMT]

Pony I couldn't agree more. Besides confusing whatever point is under discussion most times these comments represent unsound doctrine anyway. Plain talk works better for me.