Christianese and Techno-garble

Common Craft shares a great video highlighting the features of Rockwells Retro Encabulator.

Be sure you watch this one. The technology is amazing!

Ok… did you watch it? Truth be known, it’s a hoax.

Behind the announcer is simply a bank of large circuit breaker panels. You can find these in any large building. This is a hoax video produced by Rockwell for a sales meeting.

But it got me thinking – is this what we sound like when we talk Christianese to “non-believers?” Is this what I sound like when I talk government and history to my wife? Is this what I sound like when I talk about technology to my friends and family?

Consider the audience.

While terms like Son of God, kingdom, good news, Messiah, Parousia (or presence), Savior, faith, Lord and Emmanuel may have been familiar to Jews and Romans in the time of Christ (see “Jesus for President” p.67-69), they may not carry the same meaning or understanding for folks in our day.

While I’m not suggesting we change all our terminology, I think we need to be careful to explain and share our understanding of the terms and ideas that those outside (and maybe even inside) the church aren’t familiar with.

Otherwise, to them it may feel like standing in line at Starbucks for the first time, hearing folks in front of them rattle off, “Venti, skinny, 2 shots, no-whip, Cinnamon Dulce Latte.”