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| Hoosier United Methodists together |
February 2007 |
| Body, Mind & Spirit |
Speaking of fenjoozlers
By Todd Outcalt
Some weeks ago I was watching a professional golf match on TV. As one of the golfers hit a majestic shot that hopped and bit the green, the announcer commented excitedly, "Wow, what a fenjoozler!" Of course, I had not idea what this meant, but later, it was explained that a fenjoozler (an actual golf term!) is "a golf shot that, after being struck, skips twice on the green and comes to a sudden stop."
Now, hearing this golf term for the first time, I was struck by the fact that our use of words can often be more esoteric than helpful. I guess you could say I had my own fenjoozler awakening. But I began to think about the ways that we use language in the church.
In his recent title, Eat This Book, Eugene Peterson makes the observation that the Gospels were written in such a common form of Greek that many in the early church were embarrassed by the simplicity - even gutter language - of the text. The koine Greek of the first century wasn't slang, exactly, but it was more akin to the language that people might speak in the home, at the grocery or when conversing with good friends. The Gospel writers and the Apostle Paul used this unpolished language to speak of the intervention of God in human life. Peterson points out that this simple and direct language is the way that God speaks to us.
Taking note of this reality, I wonder how often we fail to recognize how those who have no church background or history in the church struggle with our language. From time to time, I catch myself for example speaking about "the parable of the Good Samaritan," only to realize that I may actually have to tell the story for people to know what I'm talking about. Sometimes, I banter with words like "grace," "love" or "shalom" only to realize that I might need to offer further explanation of these terms. And how often have we gone to a conference meeting only to hear someone speak of UMCOR, CCOM or CF&A leaving others to ponder the meaning of these strange terms?
More recently, I offered a Christianity 101 class in the congregation for those who might have basic questions about the faith - using the Apostle's Creed as a guide. My hope was that people could come together to ask questions, explore ideas and even ponder the nature of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the life of faith. Words could be explained, and our currency would be the good news that the church has proclaimed for centuries.
I doubt I'll use the word "fenjoozler" any time soon in a sermon - but I might, indeed, use a word or two that another person may not understand. In the meantime. I'll have to watch my language and make sure I don't spout too many fenjoozlers of my own.
Todd Outcalt serves as senior pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Ind.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008