May 14, 2012 issue
Words that divide
By Carl L. Smeltzer Harrisonburg, Va.Does it make a difference what words we use? I have been sensitive to calling houses “homes.” I was a realtor for two years, and I never sold a home. My conviction is that homes are people, not houses. Calling houses “homes” seems to devalue homes. We need to strengthen our homes.
Some other bothersome uses of words should lead us to think of what they might communicate:
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Americans: Are we talking about North, South or Central? Where do Canadians fit in?
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Conservative/liberal: Are these terms descriptive or degrading — attempts to put others down or lift them up? Both meaning and usage of these two terms have changed over time. Do different age groups have the same concept when they hear these terms? “Conservative” and “liberal” are used as adjectives or nouns. Some adjectives are helpful. Others seem to imply “they” are not one of “us.”
Jesus said, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matt. 5:37).
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