Definitions
Words mean things. I have always known this to be true. However, today I find myself wondering what many words mean. I have come to the conclusion that how a word is defined matters a lot. As a matter of fact, I have come to the conclusion that who controls the language will always win the argument.
I first learned this fact in college. I am a conservative. My right-way leanings are evident in every area of thought. From religion to economics, I think to the right. My freshman year, I was discussing a social issue with a group of students. As always, my thinking was to the right. I found out that this groups thinking was to the left. One of the students looked at me and said boldly, "You are intolerant!" That was the first time anyone said that to me. I now hear it all the time.
To be intolerant simply means not to tolerate. It means you will not let another view point survive. It is an ugly word. It is a word that brings thoughts of ignorance. It is also a word that is misused by the left all the time. The left has switched the definition of tolerant with the definition of acceptance. Thus, anyone who does not accept their beliefs is intolerant. If I was told I was unaccepting, I would accept that. However, to tell me I am intolerant, when I am unaccepting, is intolerable.
After a political debate in college, I was told by one young lady the greatest line I have ever heard. She said, "You are so closed-minded, I don't ever want to speak with you again." I believe her argument speaks for itself. Someone obviously has changed the definition of closed-minded. I didn't get the memo.
This problem has taken place in the realm of Christianity as well. In the early 20th century, the term fundamentalist meant you believed in the fundamentals of faith. That term now is relegated to only those on the extreme right. Mainstream fundamentalists prefer the term Evangelical. However, in recent years the term Evangelical has been muddled. Men like Clark Pinnock desire to call themselves Evangelical while denying many historical truths of the faith. Thus, now we have the term Conservative Evangelical. The truth is, if you are a Conservative Evangelical it means you are a Fundamentalist, but you don't want people to think you are mean.
The greatest word that needs defining is Christian. A Christian is clearly defined in the Bible. However, most people call themselves a Christian, and they really aren't. I know, I know, that statement makes me "intolerant". I guess, I just can't help myself.
I have now decided that every time I hear a word defined incorrectly for political gain, I am going to proudly stand up and declare that I am an Asian-American. When they tell me I am not, I am going to call them intolerant. I will then start to cry, and say they are closed-minded and hateful. As I walk away, I will tell them they have no right to tell me what I am or what I am not. I will then mumble something under my breath about Nazis and Fundamentalists.
Or, maybe I should just buy them a dictionary.
I first learned this fact in college. I am a conservative. My right-way leanings are evident in every area of thought. From religion to economics, I think to the right. My freshman year, I was discussing a social issue with a group of students. As always, my thinking was to the right. I found out that this groups thinking was to the left. One of the students looked at me and said boldly, "You are intolerant!" That was the first time anyone said that to me. I now hear it all the time.
To be intolerant simply means not to tolerate. It means you will not let another view point survive. It is an ugly word. It is a word that brings thoughts of ignorance. It is also a word that is misused by the left all the time. The left has switched the definition of tolerant with the definition of acceptance. Thus, anyone who does not accept their beliefs is intolerant. If I was told I was unaccepting, I would accept that. However, to tell me I am intolerant, when I am unaccepting, is intolerable.
After a political debate in college, I was told by one young lady the greatest line I have ever heard. She said, "You are so closed-minded, I don't ever want to speak with you again." I believe her argument speaks for itself. Someone obviously has changed the definition of closed-minded. I didn't get the memo.
This problem has taken place in the realm of Christianity as well. In the early 20th century, the term fundamentalist meant you believed in the fundamentals of faith. That term now is relegated to only those on the extreme right. Mainstream fundamentalists prefer the term Evangelical. However, in recent years the term Evangelical has been muddled. Men like Clark Pinnock desire to call themselves Evangelical while denying many historical truths of the faith. Thus, now we have the term Conservative Evangelical. The truth is, if you are a Conservative Evangelical it means you are a Fundamentalist, but you don't want people to think you are mean.
The greatest word that needs defining is Christian. A Christian is clearly defined in the Bible. However, most people call themselves a Christian, and they really aren't. I know, I know, that statement makes me "intolerant". I guess, I just can't help myself.
I have now decided that every time I hear a word defined incorrectly for political gain, I am going to proudly stand up and declare that I am an Asian-American. When they tell me I am not, I am going to call them intolerant. I will then start to cry, and say they are closed-minded and hateful. As I walk away, I will tell them they have no right to tell me what I am or what I am not. I will then mumble something under my breath about Nazis and Fundamentalists.
Or, maybe I should just buy them a dictionary.
posted by Foundes Community Church @ 5:36 AM
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