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Pastor’s Notebook

Church Words Are Peculiar

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One question that I have been asked from time to time is about a line from the Apostles Creed.  In our church life we use a set of words that are sometimes different from everyday life.  But then again, most groups of people, trades, organisations etc. develop sets of words and phrases that mean something particular in their local contexts.

Also given that our English language is a real mixture of linguistic roots from other languages, it is not surprising that the church has its own set of words that are “peculiar”.   Take that word “peculiar” – a word with Latin origins – and it has two different meanings.  The modern usage might often be “different from the usual or normal”.  But the other meaning is also appropriate being “a characteristic of only one person, group, or thing”.   Some of our church words are truly peculiar.Read More »Church Words Are Peculiar