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It depends on what you mean: The importance of definitions

Barry Gritters·2023-10-15
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Barry Gritters argues that theological disputes and misunderstandings between Christians are often exacerbated by imprecise definitions and a failure to clarify what different parties mean by the same words. He emphasizes that speaking truth in love requires not only right motivation but also careful attention to definitional clarity and charitable interpretation of others' intentions, drawing practical examples from everyday communication to illustrate how miscommunication can lead to false accusations and division.

Church divisions may not be caused by a failure to define terms, but church troubles certainly can be hastened and aggravated by it. In recent years I have noticed, with great pain at times, that if two divided parties had clarified what they meant when they used a certain word, or had admitted that they were using the same word in a different way, they would have found that they were closer than they actually thought. I have heard and read, also with great pain, the grossest misrepresentations...

Read Full Article on Standard Bearer

Full article available on sb.rfpa.org

Author
Barry Gritters
Date

2023-10-15

Source
Standard Bearer
Scripture References
John
John 3:5-8John 3
Romans
Romans 1:17Romans 11:20
Genesis 30:33
Psalms 15:2
1 Peter 1:5
Acts 4:12
Topics
Christian LivingBiblical InterpretationApologetics
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