Judy wrote: > ... when I hear someone speak on that level with > understanding that can only come from God - I > listen. But when someone tries to impress with > big words and complicated semantics. Oh well! > To each his own.
I think what you said here identifies the root problem that exists when educated men speak and you are present. It seems to me that perhaps you are insecure with your own educational level. You surmise that when someone uses "big words" or "complicated semantics" that they are trying to impress someone. Most of the time, that is not at all the case. The reason that "big words" are used is simply because those who exercise themselves toward serious study begin to develop a larger vocabulary. Their knowledge of other scholars who have gone before them increases, and their knowledge of words increase. They use "big words" because such words better convey a meaning. Of course, if they knew ahead of time that such words were considered "big words" by their audience, they would not use them, or if they did, they would back up and define them first. What bothers me with your reaction to the educated among us is that it perpetuates a class system among us. Scholars invariably become more esoteric in their language and understanding. It is simply an artifact of serious study that goes beyond the level in which others engage. When I was a student in biology, there were very few people who I could talk with about biology. The only people I could talk with concerning my interests in biology were other professors and graduate students because nobody else could understand what I was talking about. They did not understand the words I used, and they did not understand the concepts. The further I progressed in my studies, the more lonely I became in regards to academic discussions. I would have to travel across the country to conventions with other scientists to present my research with those who would understand, and I would read journals that only scientists read, the titles of which most people had never heard and could not understand when I said them. "What are you reading?" I would reply, "Copies." They would say, "Huh?" I would say, "oh, just a scientific journal." "Oh, ok. So, what is the article about?" I would reply, "It is about the ontogenetic relationship between prey size and body size in Nerodia fasciata compressicauda." They would reply, "What?" I think you can see how tedious conversations became and why I might have a tendency to crawl into my own shell and be more of a hermit. My point is that I never wanted to impress anyone with big words or my knowledge. It is just that my studies took me into a realm that invariably separated me from others who did not pursue such studies. Believe me, I would do almost anything to be able to communicate with non-biologists about my own research and interests, but the nature of serious study simply separates scholars from non-scholars, both in language (words used) and in understanding. Now the same thing happens in theological discussions. I believe that in Christ, these natural barriers that separate the educated from the non-educated should come tumbling down. There are two sides to this. The one who is educated needs to tread a little more softly and try not to inundate others with big words and difficult material. On the other hand, those who are less educated should not marginalize those who are educated, nor should they have the attitude that everyone educated is arrogant or dismissive of the uneducated. Somehow, we need to be joined together, the educated with the uneducated, in a way that is peaceful and harmonious. I do not believe that the educated must cease from his studies, neither do I believe that the uneducated must marginalize the educated, in order for this to happen. What do you think, Judy? Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
