How to speak "Christianese"

[Terri]

"I love you in the Lord"
Means: I CAN'T STAND you in the natural! LOL!!! )

Now that you have told everyone what that means I won't be able to use it on here any more.

I thought when I said that I was just making sure that the men knew I wasn't loving them in the "want a date" sort of way!!

 

[TwinCrier]

My my my, some of your sure have a sinical opionion of the motives of your Brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[Andyman_1970]

My my my, some of your sure have a sinical opionion of the motives of your Brothers and sisters in Christ.

Unfortunately it comes from experience............

 

[ZiSunka]

My my my, some of your sure have a sinical opionion of the motives of your Brothers and sisters in Christ.

We aren't the most transparent people in the world. We worry so much about being seen as good and spiritual that we usually hide what's really going on inside us to others at our churches. When we do expose our inner selves we typically get treated as if we had some communicable disease. So we wear the mask and try to disguise our true feelings by speaking words we hope will hide our them, too.

It's not a new phenomenon. In 1905, PL Dunbar wrote these words:

We Wear the Mask

We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.

Why should the world be over-wise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries
To thee from tortured souls arise.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream other-wise,
We wear the mask!


We have to remember that the people who try to hide behind these buzz words are hurting, wearing a mask that makes them look spiritual and hides the fact that they are insecure, unloved, doubting their own importance. In other words, they are human. Just because they do these things doesn't mean they deserve love less, in fact, they probably need it more.

So, we aren't really being cynical, we are just laughing at ourselves.

 

[unimportantbuthisnameis]

So, we aren't really being cynical, we are just laughing at ourselves.

I'd even say most of us have even said some of these with the meanings. I know I have in the past.

 

[ZiSunka]

I'd even say most of us have even said some of these with the meanings. I know I have in the past.

Me, too!

 

[SumTinWong]

My my my, some of your sure have a sinical opionion of the motives of your Brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yes I am very cynical. Comes from years of being around people.

 

[ZiSunka]

"God helps those who help themselves."
Means: "I think you are being lazy or just not trying hard enough."

 

[seebs]

(Found online, reproduced because it's topical.)

When I first came to work for AFSC, someone in Personnel (or perhaps Information Services) gave me a list of common phrases and their translation into plain language. This was back in the mid-1960's and it was old then. Lest it be lost forever, I thought I would share it with you all (and perhaps bring back fond memories for others).


"(Quakerism, particularly in its corporate expressions such as AFSC, has developed its own peculiar patois. In an effort to help orientate new staff, the following translations of commonly used phrases are offered.)


I have a concern.

(I understand this subject better than anyone here.)


Thee has a concern.

(Thee's stubborn isn't thee?)


He (she) has a concern.

(He (She) gets hold of an idea and just won't let up on it.)


Although I dislike being divisive, I cannot in conscience agree that this work should go forward in the manner proposed.

(Over my dead body!)


While we respect our friend's right to dissent, we hope he will feel able to unite himself with the group in this decision.

(O.K., buddy. Over your dead body!)


The name of that Friend would not have occurred to me.

(Good God! Not HIM!)


We forward the name of this friend with a strong recommendation that he be appointed immediately.

(We couldn't get anyone else; grab him quick before he changes his mind.)


Although budgetary exigencies indicate drastic cuts in the program, staff should not be alarmed.

(Somebody's going to get his throat cut, but nobody is to panic.)


While we appreciate your kind offer, we cannot think of any ways in which you could assist us in your forthcoming travels.

(Good-bye, good luck, and keep your nose out of our business along the way.)


I have certain hesitations.

(This always means NO!)


Staff are encouraged to be present.

(You better be there... or else.)


It has occurred to me while we have been discussing this...

(Stand back everybody...I've been thinking about this for weeks and I'm about to give you all the word on it.)


After a widely ranging discussion, the group was unable to reach consensus.

(It was a real knock-down, drag-out fight.)


We feel at this time that it would be appropriate for you to consider channels of service other than AFSC for your particular abilities.

(Your termination notice will be along next week.)


Courtesy: Shamelessly borrowed from Maria Pappalardo of Chestnut Hill Meeting

 

[SumTinWong]

hahaha that was great!