Changing Words

Richard Hollerman

We know that words do change over time. Further, we realize that words in one language have different meanings from one language to another. Even in one single language we know that the same word may have a different meaning, depending on how it is used in speech or in writing. Further, the same word may have a variety of meanings and synonyms may be used, depending on the context.

In our following comments we deal with a different matter. A certain word may change because society has used the term in a different way and sometimes this is to remove the stigma or the negative connotations of the word as it has traditionally been used in the past. We know that sometimes there is the need to change the term to make it more precise and accurate. But here we refer to a change that has a more sinister meaning. This is what we mean. Notice the normal term that may have a element of guilt attached to it, then also notice the modern and current term on right that is used, in part, to deny any guilt or wrongdoing. We realize too that this exercise may not be precise, yet it is interesting and hopefully helpful. (Note: the words for this sin would be on the left with the softened term on the right that tends to give an unlawful “freedom” of expression.)

 

Scriptural, traditional term          Modern term that denies sin

Murder or Killing                                    Abortion, pro-choice

Sodomy                                                     Gay, Same sex “marriage”

Perversion                                                 Transgenderism

Adultery                                                    Affair

Adulterous union                                     Remarriage, Second marriage

Stealing                                                     Looting or “social justice”

Coveting or Greed                                    “Ambition”

Sin, Unrighteousness                               Mistake or “sickness”

Paganism                                                   Legitimate, “freedom of religion”

Perversion                                                 Child sex abuse, Pedophilia

Fornication                                               Premarital sexual relations

Noise or boisterous sound                       Music

Talking to the Dead                                  Necromancy

Lie or Falsehood                                       Fib, Bending truth, prevarication

Male leadership or Man’s authority       Egalitarianism, women’s “liberation” or feminism.

Self-murder, self-killing                          Suicide

Murder, killing                                         Euthanasia

Sexual Lust                                               Pornography, “sexual freedom”

Woman’s leadership                                Feminism, “women’s rights,” women’s liberation

Child rebellion                                         Expressing “rights”

Drunkenness, slavery                               Alcoholism

Drug slavery                                              Drug addiction

These would only be a few of the ways that language is used to bend the truth and make it more palatable. We may have made certain mistakes ourselves but this will give some “food for thought” that you can add to yourself. This does show that societal acceptance does tend to change language.

Let’s seek to be truthful, honest, and forthright in our use of terms and not in any way deviate from the truth of Scripture because of cultural considerations. We will be judged by every word that we speak (and write, Matthew 12:34-37) and let us use language to communicate truth regardless of the consequences (Ephesians 4:15).