In trying times I think it is relevant to talk about how people use religious clichés when speaking to hurting people. Some seem to superstitiously cite them at the strangest times. And many clichés, in some weird sense, give us a way to superficially get us past the awkwardness of responding to difficult situations. Here are a few clichés with my thoughts.
Let Go and Let God!Love the exclamation points! Thinking about these religious clichés reminded me about the word "Christianary" that my friend Jim made up many years ago. We Christians do seem to love to use all sorts of religious words and phrases that many unchurched folks do not understand. Do you have any religious clichés to add to the list?
I think that I would like it better if it said "Let Go and Trust God".
But For The Grace Of God, there go I!
What strange theology credits God for helping me but not you?
God hates the sin but loves the sinner!
Seems to communicate the idea that God is all about what we do.
God is still on the Throne!
Sounds like some of the superficial advice that Job heard from his friends.
God helps them that helps themselves!
My thinking is that the gospel is all about God helping those who cannot help themselves.
Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good!
I suggest the the "heavenly minded" are usually people in denial of earthly reality.
Prayer changes things!
Mostly I think that prayer changes us and the way that we act.
... originally posted April 3, 2013
in many ways,the bible's contents are often taken out of context.taking a line and publish thoughts based on that one and only one particular line without taking into consideration the whole meaning.
ReplyDeleteYes. Context rarely is considered in these things Clive. Good point!
DeleteI'd add "Bless his heart" or "Bless his bones" as well.
ReplyDeleteNever heard the bones version and usually I hear "his little heart". Gotta love this stuff mike!
DeleteMy friend Danny responded saying:
ReplyDeleteHow about this one: God is my co-pilot! (my response is, "change seats!")
This may be stepping on toes, but I dislike the phrase "Jesus is a Gentleman". He came to seek and to save that which is lost (Luke 19:10), which under any theology implies more than just sitting around and hoping we do something.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Bob on the God is my co-pilot phrase.
Thanks for that Mike! And that great God is my co-pilot response was Danny's not mine. :)
DeleteMy friend Danny also commented on ...
ReplyDelete"God said it, I believe it, that settles it."
... saying ...
I always say in reply that they should take the middle one out. If God says it it's settled if they believe it or not!
Great post Bob.
ReplyDeleteChristian-ese can be a lot of gobbligook. Its no wonder people think we are full of hot air.
Thanks Sue! It sure can be a lot of gobbligook! :)
DeleteI do find myself using some of those from time to time!
ReplyDeleteMost of them have been around for a long time Debby.
DeleteHaven't heard it much lately but one is "Cleanliness is next to Godliness".
ReplyDeleteI found this online about that cliché Susan:
DeleteIt was my understanding that the adage "cleanliness is next to Godliness" had nothing to do with piety. It was explained to me that the expression began during the time of the black plague in mid-14th century, and was an expression listing what should be a person's priorities. Godliness should be at the top of a person's priorities, closely followed by cleanliness.
God won't give you burdens heavier than you can bear. God is in the business of giving burdens to people?
ReplyDeleteI'd offer that God is in the business of lifting burdens that life gives us. (Matthew 11:28)
DeleteI believe as you do.
DeleteOn this one, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." I say drop the 3rd one. As to dropping the 2nd one, it won't do me any good until I believe it.
ReplyDeleteBelieving especially works when we actually understand what God said. ツ
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