Christianese, Please!

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For quite some time I have been troubled by Christianese or more specifically the ambiguity surrounding it's terminology. Christians have key phrases & choice words that we use...A LOT. There is an underlying assumption that the definition of these terms is apparent...and that assumption, in my opinion, creates 2 issues:

1. Christianese creates a feeling of being 'in' or 'out'. Believers' frequent use of terms, vocabulary that other believers understand but non believers do not, breeds an image (hopefully an inaccurate one) that Christians are haughty & unapproachable. We have become a clique...As If! I vividly remember my middle school days & that terrible awareness that I'd never quite fit in with the cool kids...so I didn't even try. Imagine the humility required for one to inquire as to the definition of "sin", "grace", "repentance", "born again", & etc. Many feel far too intimidated & embarrassed to do so. Making one feel 'out' is seldom a good tact for getting them 'in'. There is far more at stake here than a spot at the cool kid's lunch table or a prime seat in a pew...eternity is in jeopardy for those who feel as though they'll never quite fit in with the "Christians". 

2. Believers speak Christianese without fully understanding it...this not only hinders personal spiritual growth, but inaccurate usage & understanding in communication with others impacts their maturity as well. It's nice to be able to talk shop with those who believe as we do. It's amusing, encouraging & motivating to engage in theological discussion...it's also confusing when terms are used that we 'ought' to know but do not. It's embarrassing to be a long time believer but not know precisely what one means when they say 'quiet time'.  It's hard to mature in faith when the basics are lacking. We need to know & make scriptural connections to the terms we use. We need to be able to explain & biblically vouch for this terminology in our communications with others. How can one 'abide' if he/she has no idea what that looks like? How can we 'repent' if we do to understand that the word means more than 'I'm sorry'? How can a nonbeliever see their need for Jesus if they do not understand 'sin'? 

I want to be clear that I am not advocating that we abolish Christianese...I'm merely stressing the dangers of inaccurate & inappropriate use of Christian jargon. There is an absolute necessity for the Church to have a universal vocabulary that describes the depth & import of who God is & who we are because of Him...it's just equally as important that we clearly define that vocabulary as well as know how & when to use it. Words have incredible power...particularly when they are poignantly used & well understood.