Words Matter: The "D" Word

Ready to go! This is the first in an on-going series exploring the unique use of certain words and phrases in the Church of God. Learn more about this series HERE

One of the most awkward moments that we in the Church of God experience is when someone refers to us using the “D” word. You know the word. The one that we feel comfortable using to describe other Christian groups, but fervently refuse to call ourselves. If it is used on us by someone from the outside or, God-forbid, by one of our own, we squirm and are quick to react and correct the accuser with the proper nomenclature.

In this series I am looking at words and expressions that carry their own special meaning and significance for our movement. Most of these we use frequently and in our own special way, but in some instances, they are words that carry negative connotations. We consider them an affront to our identity. The “D” word is one such case.

Let us consider this much feared and loathed word, and examine whether it deserves the malignment we assign to it.

To begin, it is fair to say that some Church of God folk are not put off by the word. Occasionally I hear, often with a sense of levity and in informal conversations, the abductive formula,

If it looks like a Duck, swims like a Duck, and quacks like a Duck, then it probably is a Duck.

The logic being that if we are honest, we must admit that ultimately by definition we meet the criteria. Not everyone, however, agrees or is willing to make that concession.

Of course, this is not about ducks or ornithology.

It’s the other “D” word: Denomination.

Are we a denomination? And does it matter?