Jargon can be useful. There are times and places for it.
It's a short hand and often used to describe something that is technical in nature. It usually means something very specific and can help when people are discussing something niche or technical. If two software engineers are discussing a problem with an aspect of code, you will likely hear them use jargon and they know exactly what the other engineer is talking about and it makes life much simpler for them.
Jargon can be a problem when its used and the audience are not inducted into the meaning of the jargon and it is simply assumed that everyone knows what is being talked about. I think everyone has experienced this at some point in their lives.
The Christian faith has its own jargon, as almost anything does,. And that jargon can be useful. There are words that are used commonly in church, bible study and within the Bible itself that have nuanced religious, cultural, legal or philosophical meaning. The history of the biblical text and the cultures it was written in have influenced the language.
I have spent more time than I care to admit being too proud to confess that I didn't really know what a word meant. Perhaps worse is when I have thought I knew what a word meant and in fact I've been using the wrong meaning.
So I'm going to do a little series on common Christian jargon words and do a little unpacking. I'm not a Hebrew or Koine Greek scholar, just an immense bible nerd who wants to pass on stuff that I have learnt the slow and hard way.
I'm also hoping to produce a little printable with a bit on info about each word to keep with your bible or in your notebook to refer to when you're in bible study or church.
If there are any words that you can think of that you really think could do with a little jargon busting, contact me via the contact page and I'll do my best.
I'm looking forward to getting into these rich and deep words with you. I hope that they might encourage you in your walk with Jesus and inspire a stronger grasp and knowledge of the love of God for you and the world.
