Plundering Leviathan || Episode #25

Words create worlds, and phrases create philosophies.

The language we use is more powerful than we will ever know - for better or for worse.

This is true in every sphere, including the church.

In this episode of Plundering Leviathan, Pastor Jeremiah lays out his arguments for why he thinks that the church is unintentionally harming itself by the way we talk about "church". Instead of strengthening the covenant community of believers, our phrases have unwittingly fostered a world of individualism, consumerism, and entertainment.

"What church do you attend?" = no good.

"What church do you go to?" = no good.

"What time does your church start?" = no good.

"Where is your church located?" = no good.

"I was baptized in the church." = no good.

"Welcome to church!" = no good.

The way we talk shapes the way we think. Therefore, Pastor Jeremiah is arguing for the church to embrace a better king of "church talk".

"What church are you PART OF?" = good.

"What time does your SERVICE start?" = good.

"Where is your BUILDING located?" = good.

"I was baptized in NORTH CENTER." = good.

"Welcome to the GATHERING!" = good.

The differences seem subtle, but the consequences are not.