Christianese is a new language, sort of a Christian jargon, an insider language, God-talk, used by believers that sometimes sounds strange to people outside of our own particular Christian sub-group or denomination. So in the interest of shedding some enlightenment on the unlearned, I have decided to compose a Christianese/English bilingual dictionary to define our terms.
Below is my list so far. Maybe you can help by adding your pet Christianese term and definition.
Hatched
Term: all in all as in Jesus is my all in all.
Term: critical spirit as in, you have a critical spirit
Term: I dont feel led as in, I dont feel led to help starving children in Uganda
Term: in conclusion as in, in conclusion I would like to mention these 102 things
Term: mysterious ways as in, The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
Term: secret sin as in, you are suffering because of some secret sin in your life
Term: trick of the enemy
Term: I'm blessed sometimes Im blessed and Not Stressed
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Hatching:
Term: secular as in term used to describe any person, place, object or event that's not under your church organization.
 God is in control. Usually means, things are out of control and Im hoping there is some meaning in all this. Used in much the same way as Im blessed."
 Preach it brother! sometimes Amen! Preach it brother! Translation: Means, Man, do I agree with what you are saying, say it louder! This expression is usually blurted out by someone in the audience when the preacher is already preaching at the top of his lungs.
Didn't God Move = A term used to describe what saints say after a long service where the pastor doesn't preach and they just shout the whole service.
Carnal = A term used to describe "secular" (see definition above) actions done with people, groups, organizations, or events that is outside and not under your church organization.
Love Offering = A term used by churches to describe the concept where a special offering is taken up above and beyond the tithe as an appreciation for either a guest speaker or a collection for a church member in dire financial need or a victim of a catastrophe that resulted in a loss of possessions. What ends up happening here is that like Pareto 80/20 Principle where 20% of the merchandise amounts to 80% of the sales; or 20% of the people do 80% of the work; or 20% of the population owns 80% of the land. This phenomenon carries over to churches especially in love offering where 20% of the people donate 80% of the total amount of the love offering. Because this offering is seen as being 'above and beyond' the tithe (required giving), many church members do not contribute but prefer a free ride and enjoy the guest preaching or guest musician on the other persons dime..
Lay your heart on the altar. This little bit of God-talk has caused some uninitiated people to freak out, wondering if, perhaps, Christians actually believed in human sacrifice or, worse, human self-sacrifice. But not to worry, this phrase simply means, Have faith in Jesus Christ.
In the inclubator:
\o/
Below is my list so far. Maybe you can help by adding your pet Christianese term and definition.
Hatched
Term: all in all as in Jesus is my all in all.
Translation: This is a phrase of doubtful origin but possibly comes from the KJV of Colossians 3.11, Christ is all, and in all. As it is commonly used by Christians it simply means everything. It often sounds quaint to unlearned people but Jesus is my all in all is just a Christian way of saying Jesus is everything to me.
Term: critical spirit as in, you have a critical spirit
Translation: A term often used to identify a tendency in someone (usually someone else) to be judgmental or critical of others. Sometimes when it is used in this way, it could reveal a critical spirit in the user himself. It can also be used by paranoid and insecure Christians and leaders to suppress any voices that may state disagreement with the person or his/her particular agenda.
Term: I dont feel led as in, I dont feel led to help starving children in Uganda
Translation: I dont intend to help and you cant make me. Often used as a synonym for the word No.
Term: in conclusion as in, in conclusion I would like to mention these 102 things
Translation: A phrase used by preachers approximately thirty minutes before the end of their sermon.
Term: mysterious ways as in, The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
Translation: Im totally clueless. Of course, you could simply admit that you dont have a clue about what the Lord is doing but who wants to appear clueless about spiritual things? Sure, Gods ways are above our ways and past finding out but not everyone has to know we know that.
Term: secret sin as in, you are suffering because of some secret sin in your life
Translation: This phrase is often used as a handy simple solution to a complex problem and is usually used by Christians who have no answer as to why you are having the problems you are except that it must be your own fault. Of course, this term is only used of other peoples problems; when it is their problem the term becomes, Im under satanic attack. You can always use this approach to counseling when you dont want others to know that you are clueless.
Term: trick of the enemy
Translation: Oops! A term generally used to describe anything that happens because you didn't do what you were supposed to do, like your car getting repossessed cause you were six months behind on the payments, your lights getting shut off cause you quit work to wait on God to place you in the ministry by faith, etc.
Term: I'm blessed sometimes Im blessed and Not Stressed
Translation: A term used to describe what every Christian is supposed to say to everyone who asks them how they are doing. Unfortunately, in many of these same Christian's lives, life really stinks, and they could have their head buried in the sand to avoid all issues that negatively impact them. Better, to be honest and allow others to share your burden. In some cases this could be a veiled cry for help.
©2004 Jim B. Miller
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Hatching:
Term: secular as in term used to describe any person, place, object or event that's not under your church organization.
 God is in control. Usually means, things are out of control and Im hoping there is some meaning in all this. Used in much the same way as Im blessed."
 Preach it brother! sometimes Amen! Preach it brother! Translation: Means, Man, do I agree with what you are saying, say it louder! This expression is usually blurted out by someone in the audience when the preacher is already preaching at the top of his lungs.
Didn't God Move = A term used to describe what saints say after a long service where the pastor doesn't preach and they just shout the whole service.
Carnal = A term used to describe "secular" (see definition above) actions done with people, groups, organizations, or events that is outside and not under your church organization.
Love Offering = A term used by churches to describe the concept where a special offering is taken up above and beyond the tithe as an appreciation for either a guest speaker or a collection for a church member in dire financial need or a victim of a catastrophe that resulted in a loss of possessions. What ends up happening here is that like Pareto 80/20 Principle where 20% of the merchandise amounts to 80% of the sales; or 20% of the people do 80% of the work; or 20% of the population owns 80% of the land. This phenomenon carries over to churches especially in love offering where 20% of the people donate 80% of the total amount of the love offering. Because this offering is seen as being 'above and beyond' the tithe (required giving), many church members do not contribute but prefer a free ride and enjoy the guest preaching or guest musician on the other persons dime..
Lay your heart on the altar. This little bit of God-talk has caused some uninitiated people to freak out, wondering if, perhaps, Christians actually believed in human sacrifice or, worse, human self-sacrifice. But not to worry, this phrase simply means, Have faith in Jesus Christ.
In the inclubator:
anointing
born again
lay your heart on the altar --
ninety and nine, the - Non-Christians.
revival who knows what this means.
walk the aisle
born again
lay your heart on the altar --
ninety and nine, the - Non-Christians.
revival who knows what this means.
walk the aisle
\o/
