Subject: Should we redefine terms? |
Bible Note: Should we redefine terms? ..................... There have been a couple of ideas in recent posts from different members of our forum that have basically made statements using words to mean something different than normal. For instance, one member uses the word "rational" to mean something other than basic intelligence. Another member uses the word "worship" to mean only a specific form of expressing reverence towards God (in a prostrate position). The problem with this is that on a forum such as this, where we all are reading these posts in one language, English, we have to assume that people are using words similarly. Thus we can go by the dictionary definitions of words to interpret what a person posts. This doesn't work if the person posting has their own private definition of the words that they use. Do others see this as being a potential problem? Would it be a good idea for us all to point out when we do this ourselves? For instance, a person could write, "I don't believe that God cares for us. This is because my definition of care is to worry about someone's well-being, and God doesn't worry." This could prevent much misunderstanding in my opinion. What do you all think? |