Loaded language and double-speak

Loaded language and double-speak
There is a prevalent use of loaded language and double-speak used by the evangelical movement. There are many terms used by them that are used to not only isolate themselves from non-believers but also to subjugate an other by using a vocabulary that is known only to those who are evangelicals.

This is known in some circles as "Christianese".

But what is it you ask?

Loaded language are words or phrases which have strong emotional overtones or connotations and which evoke strongly positive (or negative) reactions far beyond the specific meaning of the word which is listed in the dictionary.

As for Doublespeak, it is language deliberately constructed to disguise or distort its actual meaning, often resulting in a communication bypass. Such language is often associated with governmental, military, and corporate institutions and its deliberate use by these is what distinguishes it from other euphemisms.

In the case of the evangelical movement, it will be religious and will use terms that are derived from their mythology or practices. They, will then use such terms to overlay them over an non-believer's ideology to attempt to assimilate his thinking into is own.

I will give you some examples of loaded language that you will encounter. They come in three distinct categories.

Category #1: The religious equivalent overlay.

This category shows how the evangelist will use terminology that is related to his practices and will try to demonstrate that his ways are really your ways too, only his are better. It is mixed with the disdain and pathos that they have towards unbelievers.

Example:

- "You seem to feel the need to jump in and guide your flock."

- "You have made this your God. My God says..."

- "You may not believe this, but those are Christian values."

Category #2: The patriarchal overlay

The Judeo-Christian religions are based in a patriarchal structure. And so, they will use an imposed filial piety upon their target and they expect their target to see them as a father-figure.

Example:

- "My friend/my child..."

- "I have a special burden for group/faction/religion."

- "God can help you with your sin/condition."

Category #3: The hyper-masculinization overlay

This one is quite prevalent in American society, where it is encouraged among those circles to push the male gender to ridiculous extremes. Proofs of manhood and testosterone-laced ideals are for the most part pushed. They expect you to see them as the Ubermensch for Jesus. In many cases they will try to push the idea on you via boasts and taunts.

Example:

- "God gave us the law, so we can appreciate the gospel."

- "God loves you."

- "I challenge you to read/listen to the Bible, and then decide."

- "I care about you and want you to be informed, please do the research for yourself."