Are We Being Careful To Define The Term?
Part of the series What is Being Communicated?
Written by Léo Gaumont, published on 2013-09-16.
Words can be used to direct others on what to believe (advance a lie) as much as to tell the truth.
Opinions expressed in this blog are those of the blogger which, although based on personal experience and knowledge of the scriptures, can be in error. No one has a corner on the truth but we should all sincerely be in search of it.
Bible Reference: 2 Tim 2:14
Political correctness has changed the way we communicate. In our attempt to not offend anyone words are being redefined, corrected, avoided and/or perverted to no longer have the linguistic effect intended. Terms that once communicated one thing now communicate something altogether different. Some may recall the proper use of the word "gay" which meant to be light hearted and carefree. Some parents even chose to name their daughters "Gay or Gaye". To be "born again" once described a true Christian who had come to the knowledge of the truth and dedicated him or her self to the cause of Christ (note that himself used to apply to everyone but now we must "include" her in order to not offend!). Some rather unsavory examples of “born again Christians” help pervert the meaning to be equated with hypocrisy. A fundamentalist was a person who upheld a strict and literal interpretation of the Bible, but now has become synonymous with he who is intolerantly opinionated. Words are purposefully twisted and used in such a way as to communicate what we should believe or upload as virtuous, the “pro” in pro-choice, and the “anti” in anti-abortion serve as good examples. A private corporation is often described by the left leaning media as “for profit”, as if making money is less virtuous than the red ink of government mismanagement. Arguments are made against biblical teaching and perspectives by perverting or abusing terms such that Christians try to avoid using those terms in order to not offend or to be numbered among those who misuse the term. One can easily become cynical when considering the use of terms in titles such as Honest Ed’s Used Cars, Solid Rock Foundations or Wisdom’s Ways. Really! What is so wise about this way? What rock are we talking about? Sandstone? When exactly is Ed honest? How many time is the word Christian used in a title when that is the only thing "Christian" about it? Are the terms employed to describe or to mislead? Words can and are used inappropriately, often because of, or to take advantage of the ignorance of their true meaning. However, sometimes words are purposefully misused to advance as true, things which are not. Who would question policy supposedly advanced under the covering of “for the children” or “for our safety” or “in our best interest”? By questioning the presupposed meaning of the words used, and by questioning the unspoken underlying intent of the statement or terms, one can get a much better understanding of what is being communicated or purposefully "miscommunicated”.