I really can't stand Christianese! You know what that is don't you? It's the weird way some Christians talk to each other about life and spiritual things. Like saying "Praise the Lord" as a replacement for "Hello and how are you?" Ugh! I never did appreciate that. Sometimes I speak Christianese because it is expected of me as a minister and pastor. I do it but I'd much rather just speak to people in normal every day words.
One Sunday afternoon I was in a local eatery that is frequented by Christians after their church services. As I sat at my table with a bite of chicken in my mouth a woman I know who calls herself "Evangelist" as a part of her name (UGH!) approached me wearing her best Sunday garb.
Praise the Lord!, she said. I responded by saying, "Hello." "I said, Praise the Lord!", she smiled an annoyed smile as she forced the issue with me. I responded again with my previous greeting. "I'm going to teach you how to greet the saints", she replied with more than a hint of indignation. As I tried to enjoy my dinner she proceeded to lecture me on the high importance of the use of Christianese when speaking with other believers. UGH! On her way back to the buffet she saw my wife and informed her of the impromptu workshop she subjected me to. She ruined my dinner! I have never been back. I try to avoid places and gatherings where Christians find the need to create a world of language, tradition and behavior that makes sense only to the group.
It's not that I can't appreciate the need for camraderie and group thinking but I have always found it a little, um..., er... weird; that's all. It is just not a way I choose to live my life.
I also eschew buttons, bumper stickers, religious coffee mugs, magnets, pens, T-shirts and a host of other gadgets and trinkets marketed to Christians. I am not inclined to paste the name of the GOD I serve on objects. I don't condemn people who do I merely resent it when they insist that I do.
Another pet-peeve of mine is fashionese. Fashionese are the non-clerical garb worn by church people that has no function outside of church services or functions. We've all seen these garments. Hats, dresses, suits for men and women that just scream "INAPPROPRIATE SELECTION!" in any venue other than a black church. These are not clothes one can wear to work or for a day on the town without a dozen side glances and more than a few muffled giggles. It just makes me uncomfortable; that's all. If that's your thing, carry on and do you, as they say. Just don't expect everyone to do it.
I don't think GOD wants all his children to become conformists. You know what I mean; everyone one of us does all the same things in the very same way looking all the same as we do them. I believe in transformation not mandated conformity. I believe that the Holy Spirit works in each of us according to the purpose for which we were created. I love the diversity of personality and tradition within church people and respect that there is something to be gained by observing other people's traditions.
If you never see me wearing a Christian button or hear me answer my phone with a scripture don't assume I am less devoted than you. I simply choose to let my life and living speak for me. I hope you understand. If not, all I can say is UGH!
5 comments:
First off I must say I enjoyed this post because of the intention and purposeful approach to bring awareness to a trivial nature of many in doctrine Christians, specifically when they become all too consumed by the procedures and protocols accepted within the Christian culture and struture.
Secondly, it is my assumption the purpose of this posting is to establish an open discourse of dialogue between all interested parties and to convey the funny yet humor in contrived traditions, specifically given the informal atmosphere many Christians encounter one another.
I will admit I too have been prone to the ritual procedures of certain Christian processes, however the key to all of this is to daily take stock in our interaction with what God requires from us versus the requirements we inflict on our Brothers and Sisters.
Simply, as complex and complicated as our walk with God is please lets not add to the confusion or chaos. Remember we should come as we are.
Thanks for your comment and you have discerened my intention correctly! Spread the word Sister T!
Excellent post as always my brother.
I'm reminded of some Gandhi once said..."I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
I work as a customer service manager and probably half the time that I have ever been cursed out at work the person proclaimed to be a Christian at some point of the interaction; and while I realize that not everyone walks the path the same, I know that the place to find a hypocrite would be in a church on Sunday.
Whoa...did that come across as a tad too cynical? I'm sorry, it's early and I haven't had enough coffee yet.
Excellent post.
Well, some folks have never left the black church construct and have validated a lot of narrow-mindedness! No one confronts it!
They think it's "Christian culture" when it is actually black church culture...
I'm surprised that you didn't tell her, "while you're teaching me about your customs, allow me to teach YOU about respect for differences among the people of God..."
I can hear your points and can agree on some of the self-imposed straight jackets of the Black Church. However I think it is important to appreciate the meaning and effects some of these pracitices are to have.
I may never see another extravagantly adorned hat worn other than Sunday Morning at my FBH church worship until I see the Queen of England and her Ladies attend a social engagement. Distracting yes, but what it represents to me is "this time, this place is something special, different, not the run of the mill nor everyday." Hmm.
To the greeting of the Saints I agree I also roll my eyes(not noticeably of course as to not offend the greeter) when I inquire as to the well being of someone and am met with the ubiquitous "Blessed and Highly favored" to which I often remark "good, stay that way". Again if that's their thing that's their thing. If it helps to remind someone that they are of royal blood, or better than they had been, Hmm. Then I say appreciate it share it and every now & then participate. Unload the issue from the church and keep it pressing.
Post a Comment