04.09.10
Over-Utilization of an Under-Defined Term... "Gospel"
Gospel… I have noticed that many pastors are using this wonderful descriptor over and again. In fact, it seems to have eclipsed utilization of the name above all names, Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have any problem with stating the big G word. In fact, Jesus used the word again and again. But it might be important to use the term wisely.
Consider this… The biblical term “gospel” may be one of the most encouraging and motivating words in all of Scripture. It’s biblical definition is simple enough for anyone to understand… “a good message or good news.” There are other definitions of this term society has embraced. Dictionary.com lists the following definitions.
1. the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation.
2. the story of Christ's life and teachings, esp. as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
3. (usually initial capital letter
) any of these four books.
4. something regarded as true and implicitly believed: to take his report for gospel.
5. a doctrine regarded as of prime importance: political gospel.
6. glad tidings, esp. concerning salvation and the kingdom of God as announced to the world by Christ.
7. (often initial capital letter
) Ecclesiastical. an extract from one of the four Gospels, forming part of the Eucharistic service in certain churches.
I am psyched (and to be honest, shocked) to see that five of the seven definitions are Christ-focused. Our problem is that most of the people we are talking with (yes, even those who are consistently attending our small group or weekend gatherings) don’t know the biblical definition. When they hear the term “gospel” they are most likely processing the sentence by going back to the most prominent use of the term. Their minds hear phrases that begin with “the gospel of…”. They’ve heard people speak of “the gospel of Karl Marx,” or “the gospel of Chubby,” or “the gospel of Superstank,” (just a few illustrations googling got me).
The listener’s personal definition may be more like, “a personal dogma espoused by an individual.” It’s possible that the person seated on your couch at your group meeting or in the pew at a weekend worship service believes you are espousing some personal dogma rather than unearthing the good news revealed to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When we use this term without defining it we may create an internal cringe factor rather than emoting a sense of anticipation about the good news we’re speaking of.
Keep this in mind… Every community has a common language. Outsiders don’t know that language. Insiders who don’t know the term may not tell us but they may still be confused. If we’re going to use terms over and again, we need to make sure that everyone is learning the definition of that term. This is true of all our church/Christian-ease. By the way… when unbelievers come to our group or attend our worship gatherings and we dive into the pit of theological terminology, we force them to dive in with us, but they may never join us at a group meeting or church service again. Not knowing the language of the inner circle creates an invisible force field and most people, once they bounce off that force field, conclude they aren’t going to put themselves through that again.
One way to determine if you are overdoing theological terminologies would be to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do unbelievers visit once or twice never to return?
- When I preach or lead the group are unbelievers coming to Christ? If they don’t understand the teaching they certainly can’t embrace what it is being taught.
- When our small group meets, is there a discontenting silence when I ask some questions? If this is true, check yourself. It may be that you’re using theological terms your group members don’t understand.
- Do I ask myself this question when planning to preach, teach, or lead the small group? “What is the level of theological understanding of the person who knows the least about Christianity?” This will help define what terms are appropriate when you are responsible to make the truths found in God’s Word known.
- Concerning the term “gospel,”… Compared to the number of times I use this term, how often do I speak the name of Jesus? The term gospel may insinuate the good news of Jesus but it is only through His name (which means savior, deliverer) that we can be saved. (Acts 4:12)
One last thought… If you’ve read this blog post and have concluded, “Howerton is out of his mind… again,” at least consider adding these words after saying the word gospel… “of Jesus Christ.” At least the listener will know whose gospel we’re dogmatically declaring.
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