Speak rightly. Language teaches doctrine.
Isn’t that a beautiful church! [church as building]
When is church this week? [church as worship service]
We have church at 11:00 AM on Sunday. [church as moment in time and something to do]
Why is it okay to communicate this way within the faith community?
Because culture demands it. So, that makes it okay.
Why do we communicate this way to unbelievers?
Because culture demands it. So, that makes it okay. Contextualization is important. Speak so people can understand.
Language teaches what you really believe–even if you lack biblical support.
What should we do when the faith community and unbelieving world says:
“When you say ‘Jesus is the only way,’ I don’t understand that. It communicates better if you say, ‘He is only a way among many ways.’ You don’t have to believe this, but at least say it.”?
Or, “When you say ‘God is sovereign,’ I don’t understand that. Could you please say, ‘He is powerful and mighty, except when it comes to the problem of evil in the world?’ Don’t believe this, but at least speak this way for my sake.”?
Are theology proper, Christology, and soteriology areas where we should use biblical precision with our language? Does ecclesiology get a pass? Does ecclesiology get to accommodate to culture?
Are you teaching a doctrinal double standard to people by the way you accommodate your language on one level but not on others?