Father Orthoduck got quite a laugh out of the video above. Sadly, it does point out how often we Christians do tend to use “in” language that actually can confuse people who are coming into the faith. We Orthodox have our own share of “in” language.
Father Orthoduck is not against people coming into Orthodoxy and learning new words and concepts. There are concepts that must be learned by both the new Christian and by the convert. Without words, concepts can not be learned. This is true in any field of endeavor. In order to be a lawyer or a physician or a medical technologist or a construction worker, one must learn the language that enables you to do your job quickly and efficiently. In order to know how to “work out your salvation in fear and trembling,” we must teach you words that will build certain concepts into your mind and will show you how to grow as a Christian. It is appropriate for Christians to use special words that express concepts that cannot be expressed in any other way.
Father Orthoduck is against the use of inappropriate or exaggerated slang language whose sole purpose appears to be to give one an external appearance of holiness without necessarily having the inner reality. He is also against slang language that expresses thoughts that could just as easily and quickly be said in plain language that would be understood by all present, even if they are new Christians or barely Christian.
When we look at Jesus’ ministry, we see a person who used simple language, attention-grabbing parables, easy to understand stories, etc., in order to ensure that people understood well what he was trying to communicate. This is an example that we, too, need to follow. So, Father Orthoduck encourages you to listen to yourself when you speak “Christian” and see whether you are easily understood or whether you are using unnecessary Christian slang.
Father Ernesto,
The funniest aspect of this video is that they didn’t have to use any exaggeration in their satire.
My spirit bears witness that this is true. 🙂