Talking the Walk: Letting Christian Language Live Again

by Marva J. Dawn

Father. Hell. Atonement. Discipleship. Let's be honest, these words haven't been winning any popularity contests lately. In fact, they have become strangely embattled in today's conversations about faith--variously ignored, overused, or flat-out misunderstood. Besides, hasn't culture taught that "Father" is exclusive, "community" promotes conformity, and "doctrine" is intellectually naïve? In her probing new book, Marva Dawn challenges these assumptions, encouraging readers to ponder these embattled words, and indeed all words, before they dismiss them. Dawn looks at the significance of this language in the history of the Christian faith, arguing that words are events and the ways in which they are spoken can influence other's behavior. As she eloquently argues, "churches cannot flourish if the names are corrupted." Written for all Christians, this book will particularly serve pastors, who grapple with words and language-based choices every day.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Marva J. Dawn is an American Christian theologian, author, musician and educator, associated with the parachurch organization "Christians Equipped for Ministry" in Vancouver, Washington. She also serves as Teaching Fellow in Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dawn is generally perceived as a Lutheran evangelical.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little theological dictionary of sorts, after Buechner and Pelikan, but more personal and more tied to particular theological issues of our time. Dawn wants to rectify the names, to clarify our theological thinking to shape our actions. Her writing is not poetry like Buechner, but I like that she follows a moderate and orthodox path dismissing the extremes of religious liberals and conservatives. It is also personal, addressing the concerns she faces in her own ministry and life, which is one of considerable physical suffering (see below). Nice to read in pieces, which I did at the beginning, and in large chunks, which is how I finished the book. The latter course is better or at least made the book feel more continuous and whole. There are three sections: on God, on humanity and our need for God, and finally on the actions of God.

"A suppose we don't want to take Jesus' sufferings more seriously because we are not willing to bear them also. We'd rather not think that affliction and weakness are the way God usually works because we would prefer to be successful and powerful ourselves when we do God's work. Or we don't want to recognize that where Jesus is suffering today is in the lives of women, children, minorities, the poor; and others who are the victims of our sins."

"Some Christians diminish salvation by turning it into merely personal salvation, attainable by our 'choosing' to believe. This attitude is epitomized by the song, 'I've decided to follow Jesus,' which doesn't mention at all that we wouldn't even know who He is without the Holy Spirit's teaching, that we wouldn't have known to follow unless He had called us, and that He wouldn't be incarnate to follow without being begotten of the Father: Somehow the entire triune work of salvation has been expunged by our narcissistic penchant for 'personal choice.'"

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Dawn attempts to "redeem" words used by Christians that have been "watered down" or altered over time. I appreciate the desire for precise and exact language. I wonder how many people care enough to use the words carefully. It was an interesting and at times fun read, but definitely has a very specific and potentially small audience.

[Sheri-lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some the language she covers could have entire books or libraries written on them, so the brief 2-3 pages allotted to each was at times restrictive(?). There were sections though that brought on physical shivers with the wonder and knowledge of words like 'resurrection' and 'propitiation' (and others). It's pretty amazing the plan and love of God for us.

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible look at the various terms we use in our life of faith and how we can reclaim them.