Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
August 2, 1962
NUMBER 13, PAGE 5

Doubtful Trends And Terminology

Lew Weldon Meeks

In 1 Peter 4:11 the Bible states, "If any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God." Most of us are familiar with the motto of the "restoration movement": Speak where the Bible speaks; be silent where the Bible is silent; call Bible things by Bible names; do Bible things in Bible ways. The motto seems to be a pretty good paraphrase of the above scripture.

Some of the terminology becoming more and more prevalent among us causes this writer to wonder whether we are drifting away from the above sentiments. In periodicals and bulletins we see more and more phraseology that used to be in evidence only among the denominations.

We read recently in one of our papers of a "revival" tent. We do not object to any term simply because it is used by the denominations, but the term "revival" does not properly designate what is intended. If a particular church is dead or dying it is certainly in need of reviving, but the process would have to be accomplished by a local congregation and its leaders over a period of time. We do not think that a dead church could be truly revived in a single week's meeting. Any church worthy of the name would not need "reviving" year after year. We do not mean to appear ridiculous, but when we really begin to think about some of our terminology we find that it does not convey a scriptural idea, or even a sensible one.

We read of "drives," "campaigns," and "crusades." Truly the word "crusade" does not convey a scriptural idea Considered do its historical meaning, the word crusade actually carries an anti-scriptural meaning.

We are beginning to see the phrase "witnessing" for Christ. It is doubtful that we use this phrase either in the Biblical or the denominational sense of the word. It is this writer's belief that only the apostles could witness for Christ, since only they were His eye-witnesses. Since we do not have any apostles among us, we do not have any "witnesses" for Christ. Of course, we have their written word as a testimony or witness in the world today. Perhaps soon we will be hearing of "ambassadors" for Christ among us.

The terms mission and missionary have been prevalent among us for quite some time. We realize that the use of these terms and the others mentioned, arise from sincere motives. The desire to differentiate between those preaching the word in America and those preaching in foreign lands, has caused us to appropriate terms coined by the denominations. Does the Lord wish us to make such distinctions, by whatever terms? We think not. To illustrate the point let us ask a couple of questions: When does a congregation of Christians cease to Abe a mission and become a church, or, if both, should we speak of a church mission or a mission church?

If we can scripturally and reasonably use all the foregoing words and phrases, how could we rule out such terms as "sacraments" for the Lord's Supper, "sabbath" for the Lord's day, and "tithing" for the contribution? We occasionally hear these used by us. How long will it be before we begin to hear our preachers called pastor and Reverend?

There is a question in our mind about the scripturality of the following additional words and phrases: minister, associate minister, youth fellowship, junior church, our personal Savior, surrendering to Christ, dedication service (for new building), Doctor so-and-so, educational director, and so on.

It may be argued, of course, that such terms as gospel meeting and worship services are not in the Bible. However, these terms properly set forth scriptural practices, while the above mentioned terms (we think) either improperly designate la scriptural practice, or designate an unscriptural practice.

It is always easier to ask questions and raise doubts than to answer questions and receive doubts. Nevertheless, we want to ask a few more. If we continue to "coin" terminology what will be the end? Is there a logical stopping place? Will we still be "speaking as the oracles of God?"

Surely we are but a step from denominationalism. May God help us and give us wisdom to know and do right in the face of this and other problems that face us as Christians, the brotherhood of Christ.

— Route 1, Daingerfield, Texas