That's In The Bible?
Scripture's User-Friendly Impact on Everyday Conversation
by
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Introduction
That's in the Bible?
Scripture's User-Friendly Impact on Everyday Conversation
User-friendly? I can well imagine your skepticism. This overused term is often met with doubt. Created by some zealous computer manufacturer, this phrase attempts to lure doubting neophytes into the computer and Internet age. “C’mon, it’s so easy to use,” they promise. Suspiciously, most cringe upon hearing it, passing it off as marketing hype. Byte, hard disk, floppy disk, processor, World Wide Web—these words sound anything but friendly! And there are still those holdouts who fear being ensnared in the web of technology! Quite naturally, then, when yet another “user-friendly” claim hits the street, especially related to the Bible, skepticism is understandable.
But consider those “user-friendly” claims and those strange Internet technology terms for a moment. As with anything new, comfort zones expand with exposure and practice. Today, these and many other techno-terms are the familiar language of the workplace, the school, and even the home. Despite the skeptics, the computer has not only become a household word but an increasingly popular household item. And the Internet appears to be redefining the way our world shops, learns, and even chats! Perhaps it is “user-friendly” after all.
The Bible is another common household item. And though many consider it difficult to read or understand, people actually use it every day, often quoting the Bible in friendly, casual conversations. It is, in fact, so “user-friendly,” most don’t even recognize they are quoting scripture. Fewer still recognize the great number of “Bible-ese” terms and phrases that have become part of our everyday colloquial vocabulary. Ironically, many of these slang expressions and phrases come verbatim from the King James Version, often maligned as the most “unfriendly” translation of all.
Truthfully, it can be difficult to comprehend some biblical passages. But, as you read on, you’ll discover it contains many familiar phrases, more than you might initially expect. You will encounter a surprising number of colloquial expressions that originate from its pages, sayings you hear every day and perhaps use every day. While familiar with these phrases, it may be that you’re not as comfortable with their source. As you read each one, I trust the Bible’s “user-unfriendly” reputation will fade and skepticism will give way to an enthusiastic desire to search its pages. Each phrase is offered in three sections:
Today’s Phrase: Examines how the expression is used in popular form today.
Biblical Background: Explains the context and usage of the phrase during Bible times.
Bible Byte: Offers a brief “byte” of information or an application of the phrase from a spiritual perspective.
The Bible has indeed had a tremendous influence on our culture and our everyday language. It can also have a tremendous influence on you. May you become increasingly comfortable with it through daily exposure and practice. And, when you hear someone use a casual phrase contained in this book, take the opportunity to direct them to the source, the greatest book ever written—the Bible.
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About the Book
That's In The Bible? illustrates the significant impact the Bible has had on our everyday conversational language. Throughout history, written and verbal language has been seasoned with hundreds of colorful expressions lifted directly from its pages. This is no less true in our modern language - newspapers unknowingly use catchy phrases as headlines that are actually derived from biblical texts. Advertisers lure customers with limited time offers, such as "Don't Miss the Boat!" - a direct reference to Noah and the Ark. And people use familiar colloquial expressions casually in everyday speech perhaps without even being aware of the fact that they are using an expression originally penned in Scripture.
This book explores many such phrases - everyday expressions - voiced from the corporate boardroom to the schoolyard playground. Each phrase is traced to its original biblical roots. The study of word and phrase origins is known as etymology - from the Greek words etymon meaning "true sense" and logos meaning "word". This book presents the "true sense" of the word and promotes Bible discovery, readership, and witnessing. It is intended to illustrate the Bible as a genuinely user-friendly resource.
About the Author
Bill Mayo is a former Vice President of Caterpillar Inc, retiring in 2008. He joined Caterpillar in July 1979, after serving nine years in the US Navy. He has held a wide variety of positions during his Caterpillar career primarily in Marketing & Sales, both domestically and in Europe. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy; completed the Executive Education Program at Tuck Business School, Dartmouth College, and has his MA degree in English Studies with a writing emphasis from Bradley University. Bill currently serves on numerous coporate boards and is a member of the Leader Group of Gerson Lehrman's global consulting practice. He teaches leadership at Eureka College, and is co-founder of Fullsail Leadership – a personal development company focusing on servant leadership. He is married, with five children, eleven grandchildren, and resides in Morton, Illinois.