Power Words (01-12-11)

Even if Jared Laughner claimed his shooting rampage in Tucson was inspired by inflammatory political rhetoric (which seems less and less likely), that does not mean that vicious language or violent imagery caused his actions. Conversely, using vitriolic words and symbols is neither excused nor justified by the absence of a causal correlation. To say that something was intended as a metaphor and not intended to be taken literally is disingenuous at best since the point of using it is to intensify the message communicated.

As a pastor I rely on the power of words and images in worship, teaching and pastoral care.

In worship words are not only in the sermon, but words invoke the very presence of God as we pray, commune and baptize. From cross and flame to water, bread and cup, symbols convey the spiritual reality of God active in our midst and in our lives.

I teach people to attend carefully to the words of Scripture and use metaphor and experience to illuminate their meaning. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) In Genesis God speaks the creation into being and pronounces it good.

Jesus often spoke the transformative words in one form or another, “You faith has healed you. Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.” Jesus often conveyed his love and power through a touch. From hospital room to prayer in crisis, the clasp of hands signals the release of God’s power.

Coming so soon in the wake of a vitriolic election cycle, the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday, January 8, 2011 has surfaced vigorous and divisive discussions of several volatile issues from gun rights and care for the mentally ill to political language and national security. These are important issues that call for serious consideration, whether they have anything to do with the Tucson tragedy or not. I for one, would welcome a toning down the intensity political discourse. I’m not one to suggest censorship, but would appeal to those aspiring to the public trust to handle their communication with respect and restraint.

But I would suggest an even deeper issue that I believe should be of concern to serious Christians. That is, that we recognize the profound power of language and metaphors. Poets and artists realize this every time they use their tools of words and images to capture and convey a reality beyond a bare description but seek to evoke emotion, insight and reality beyond the empirical.

When the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11) says not to take the name of the Lord your God in vain (modern translations say something like "misuse") it is not talking about what we generally consider vulgar language (cussing) but recognizes there is power in speaking the name of God, and to pronounce the name of God as though it was meaningless (empty, vain) is not only an insult to God but a denial of the power of words. To invoke God's name is to expect God to be involved, to act.