Holy Vocabulary - A Review

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Every culture has a language. Communication with words is one of the main identifying markers of participation in any culture. When I was a gym rat between the ages of 12-18 I learned the language of the pick-up basketball game. The phrases, “I got next!”, “You wanna run?”, and “What’s the count?” have very little meaning in other contexts but have deep communicative significance in the world of pick-up hoops.

Same with Christianity. To understand Christianity and the Bible one must learn the language of God and his book. In Holy Vocabulary, Michael Kelley seeks to helps us understand the language of our faith a bit better. As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. In the case of most Christians, when it comes to the Christianese we speak it is not contempt that is bred, but rather an over-familiarity that anesthetizes the meaning and depth of our cherished words.

In numerous short chapters with accompanying reflective questions, Michael takes us through a tour of some of the most common Christian words and attempts to refresh our minds to their true meaning. Words like, Father, Justice, Mission, Fruit, Grace, and Cross.

This would be a great study for new believers as a means to discipleship. Make no mistake though, if you are a seasoned believer you may need this study even more as many of us have grown numb to the true meaning of words that we speak in Christian conversation and read everyday in our Bibles.

Take a look at Holy Vocabulary here.

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By way of postscript, Michael Kelley is one of the sharpest young teachers and writers that I know. I first heard him preach (with no notes) at the age of 25 at our church in Nashville and I knew then and have been confirmed since in my view that this dude is uniquely gifted. He loves Jesus, loves his wife and kids, has been tested through suffering, and loves to see the Kingdom of God advance through his life. If you see Michael’s name on something, pick it up. It will bless you.