JAMES A.E. MACLELLAN: Have You Been 'TKO'd' By Jargons?

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Have You Been 'TKO'd' By Jargons?

It’s been awhile since I heard the noun jar·gon (ˈjär-gən). Jargon usually means the specialized language used by people in the same work or profession. For instance doctors might have their own jargon. Truckers have their jargon. I think it might also relate to such concepts as clichés, or slang. It is rarely used in a positive sense. It is almost pejorative, I think. Its etymology is seemingly derived from the French "a chattering" (of birds).

C.S. Lewis’ ‘Screwtape Letters’ is really a Christian apologetic book. It is satire to be sure and fictional. It is comprised of letters. The senior demon, Screwtape, is writing to his underling, ‘Wormwood’ instructing him how to best tempt a man simply known as ‘the Patient’. In Chapter 1, we see the demon writing to the "student" demon about the following issue:

Your man has been accustomed, ever since he was a boy, to having a dozen incompatible philosophies dancing about together inside his head. He doesn't think of doctrines as primarily "true" or "false," but as "academic" or "practical," "outworn" or "contemporary," "conventional" or "ruthless." Jargon, not argument, is your best ally in keeping him from the Church.[1]

Randy Newman, in his book, Questioning Evangelism, writes:

“When people say things that, given some thought, would prove to be nonsense, we must help them see the fallacy of their statements.”[2] These thoughtless chatterings are what I would call: common jargon or clichés. Non-Christians have said to me things like:

“Religion is the cause of wars.”

“Religion is a crutch.”

“Religious people are brainwashed.”

“The Bible is full of contradictions (or errors).”

“The Bible is just written by men.”

“That’s your interpretation.”

Newman adds others like: “I think all religions are the same;” “I think all people are basically good;” or “I would never tell anyone their religion is wrong.” Every single one of these statements require robust challenges. They are simply common chatter - jargon. Meaningless, empty statements devoid of any truth.

Sadly, we have let “jargon” win the day! It’s time for Christians to think precisely and not surrender the argument to silly statements like those offered above. We need to see it as C.S. Lewis did: a scheme of the Enemy. Do not let Satan rob your solid arguments with commonly held platitudes that only amount to dribble.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV)