A Note from Barry - Happy New Year

We made it to 2021. Granted with a limp. Some of us suffered great loss and withstood great anxiety. As we look ahead, let’s do it with grace and dignity. Carl Wilton, a contributor to Homiletics, noted something I found interesting in the following phrases:

“I do take this woman to be my lawful wedded wife.”

“I name this ship the ‘Queen Elizabeth.’”

“I give and bequeath my watch to my brother.”

“I bet you sixpence it will rain tomorrow.”

They’re all examples of “performative utterances,” according to philosopher of language, J. L. Austin. Sentences like these do not merely describe something; the words themselves bring about the reality they are describing: a marriage covenant, a ship christening, a bequest, a wager. These words create something of relational importance.

The Lord’s words, “Let there be light!” in Genesis 1:3 or “thy sins are forgiven” in Mark 2:5 are performative utterances on a massive scale. When Jesus speaks, reality is created.  Our words are not near so performative unless they are coupled with God’s will.

So, here is a new year's resolution suggestion: Whereas, We believe in the dignity of every person made in the image of God and understanding the impact of  sin which makes us cautious to trust everyone; and whereas, we can speak in truth and with respect in relationships; and whereas, we can honor others by seeing them with non-partial eyes and treating them with the dignity God intends upon them even in disagreement;and whereas, we understand this to be good will toward them and loving kindness...  We resolve to speak in accordance with His known will when it comes to performative language. 

In some cases, this will heal instead of hurt because it is in accordance with His ways. “Swear neither by heaven nor earth...let your ‘yes be yes,’” Matthew 5:33-37.

Happy New Year,

Barry

—J. L. Austin, How to Do Things with Words (Oxford: Clarendon Press), 1962, 5.