The word is “argot.” It is a noun. Christians are guilty of it and it really annoys people. An “argot” is a specialized vocabulary or set of idioms used by a particular group or culture.
I am a member of the Education Department at my college and we are very guilty of throwing around our jargon. It makes us feel smart when faculty from other departments have to ask us what we are talking about. It has a snooty quality. Christians do it to. We have our “argot.” We sometimes call each other brother or sister and use terms like saved, the truth, in the Lord, the Lord told me and on and on. I think you get the idea.
The problem is it makes others feel like outsiders. They are not part of the club because they don’t know the club language. I saw a sign in front of a church this week that said, “We are making room for you.” I know the intention of the message was good but there was something about it that said to me, “We are already full but will make an exception for you if you want in.” When I read it I felt like an outsider.
I realize I am being over-sensitive and critical but I want so much for people to come because it is their place. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, . . .” Matthew 19:14 Argot hinders.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 31, 2002
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