Does Language Have The Ability To Express Faith

There is a phrase I read somewhere. This phrase stuck in my mind. Perhaps you have heard it too. It goes something like this.

Experiences

1. Some experiences can be communicated with anybody.
2. Some experiences can only be communicated with those having similar experiences.
3. Some experiences cannot be communicated with anyone.

I have thought about this phrase a lot over the last 10 years. When I bring the phrase up in discussions, the response is usually something like this.

People Talking

"Yeah."
[A lot of heads nodding.]
"I know what you mean."
[Silence]
"I never seem to have the right words at the right time."
[Laughter]
"I wish they would talk more."
[Verbal agreement] [More nods]
"He never says a word."
[More laughter]
"But have you heard him sing?"
[More agreement]
"I love to sing."
"Oh yes, let's sing."
"And prayer, I love prayer."
"But what do you say when you pray?"
"He's a good listener."
"See that over there."
"My, My."

And on and on.​

Questions for Discussion

1. Does language have the ability to express faith? doctrine?
2. What does the concept of the Trinity say about language?
3. How does God speak to you?
4. How do you speak to God?
5. How does language influence interpretation of Scripture? misinterpretation of Scripture?
6. Do changes in language bring about changes in faith? doctrine?
7. Does language affect preaching?
8. What is the language of the pulpit?
9. What is the language of the pew?
10. What is the language of silence? heart?

That may be enough to get a discussion going.

...Bob

 

I guess there are too many stems from this thread.

However, unless locked, I will continue to post a few language observations in this thread from time to time.

...Bob