Those of us who thought that Chartism was an early 19th century movement for democratic reform involving universal male suffrage and annual parliaments must now think again. Our language has moved on. That’s what language does. Chartism is now – wait for it – a matter of saucer bases, double bottoms and pullbacks. In other words, economists have now re-styled the word. The jargon tells us that chartism is now a strategy for trading and investment. It does not involve shop-keepers and customers. Instead it relies on charts and screens. To detect patterns and predict trends it is necessary to watch screens rather than talk to people.
New chartism is tempting but not everybody in the investment game is tempted. That does not stop the changing vocabulary being a matter of general interest. It should particularly intrigue those of us who have not noticed that some of our favourite words have acquired new meanings. There are chameleons in our midst.
‘Canon’ has a history of being an umbrella word. It can be an honorary title for a seasoned member of the clergy, a prominent section of the Catholic Mass, a portfolio of church law, and a list of authentic Scriptures. It has also branched out to describe a high quality listing of works of literature, so people speak of ‘the Western canon’ involving Shakespeare, Dante etc. The word has become useful beyond the Christian community where it was very much at home. In the process it has lost what was its customary content and acquired new territory.
‘Charismatic’ is commonly serving today as a commendatory word meaning compellingly attractive or charming. It describes natural leaders, actors and demagogues. A specialised meaning is in use when it is applied to a Christian movement enjoying gifts such as tongues, healing, prophecy and exorcism. 1 Corinthians 12-14 are chapters to consult, with faith, hope and charity being in the middle of the sandwich.
‘Catholic’ is a word of variable significance, depending on who claims it. With a basic meaning of ‘universal’ it has effectively become the property of Christianity owing allegiance to the Pope. The word elicits qualified enthusiasm from Christians of other persuasions. The Orthodox prefer their own title, meaning ‘correct teaching’. The Church of England is not alone in finding the word something of a curate’s egg. Used with discrimination, it is perfectly acceptable but the general usage suggests an inevitable reference to the Papacy which makes for restricted general approval.
The same process is at work in familiar items in the homely Christian vocabulary, where words are often out of step with current usage. The word ’Evangelical’ has lost much of its 19th century distinctiveness. Sabbatarianism, adventism, assurance, separatism, philistinism, the priesthood of all believers are hardly ever in the frame. An itch to bolster a valued understanding of biblical infallibility has led it into the indefensible use of the formula ‘as originally given’. This bolts and bars the door against enlightened discussion. The qualification of the word by adjectives such as ‘open’, ‘charismatic’ or ‘conservative’ suggests that the bare word has lost its usefulness.
‘A Basic Church Dictionary’ by Tony Meakin may be found helpful, though it has little time for the word ‘Evangelical’. Crossword fans will notice the initial sequence.
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