Deconstructing Language to Reconstruct our Faith – Part 3

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In this third installment of the No More Silos series, Dr. Erika Santiago continues her exploration of how language shapes every facet of our faith journey—from Bible translations to cultural and social identity. She examines how the words we use and the ways we think critically about them influence how we process new information, and why language matters so much in both personal and spiritual development.

Key Topics:

• How language informs Bible translations, impacting our understanding of scripture
• The connection between language, cultural identity, and critical thinking
• The Bible as an emancipating text and how cultural interpretations can sometimes obscure that freedom
• The early Christians’ view of following “the way” as irresistible, compared to modern interpretations of faith
• A reflection on how the language Christians use, especially around marriage, can mirror harmful patterns, which may unintentionally mislead future generations
• Misalignment between modern terminology and the original scriptural context due to English translations

Books & Resources:

• A quote is shared about the language Christians use regarding marriage, and the episode challenges listeners to consider the impact of their words versus their behavior.
• Dr. Santiago highlights the online marriage course Relatable, a coaching resource for couples seeking guidance in their relationships.

Important Discussion Points:

• The nuances of terminology in scripture and the ways modern English translations can sometimes distort the original meaning.
• How the language we use, especially in Christian contexts, has real-world consequences on how others—particularly our children—perceive and internalize spiritual teachings.

Dr. Santiago offers a compelling case for why words matter, urging listeners to be more intentional in how they approach both scripture and everyday language. Don't miss this insightful episode as we dive deeper into the power of language in shaping our faith.

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