Words Still Matter

Like many people, I tuned in to last night's debate from Cleveland State University. I didn't really learn anything new, but there was a moment during the proceedings that did catch my attention.

Sen. Obama mentioned that he "renounced" the endorsement of Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Sen. Clinton interjected that she would hope Sen. Obama would use a stronger word like "reject" in reference to the Nation of Islam's anti-Semitic teachings. After a moment of refelction, Sen. Obama declared that he both "renounced" and "rejected" such a point of view. It was one of the more human moments of the debate.

There was something intriguing about these two senators--one of which might be our nation's president--debating the meaning and nuance of words! Reject--or renounce? Which one says is best?

I have discovered that this is also what we do when we "do theology." Early on in my seminary training, I learned through experience that theology is all about precisely defining your terms. Just because you are using the same words as someone else does not mean you are talking about the same thing. Conversely, we may agree in principle, but we have different vocabularies that may lead us to believe we disagree when, in fact, we do not.

Actions speak louder than words. But this campaign reminds me that words still matter. Words drive actions. Sometimes words create actions. Words explain actions. Therefore we must take care with our words, and dedicate ourselves to careful study of the most important Word of all--the One who became flesh and 'tabernacled' among us.