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Use of Latin By Calvinists

Discussion in 'Calvinism & Arminianism Debate' started by Jerome, Oct 17, 2018.

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  1. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    Can someone explain why the penchant for using Latin? It's sola this, sola that, 24/7. Huh? Why not use English words, or whatever language you're trying to communicate in? Who reads Latin anymore, anyway?

    As an example, check out the 'Reformanda' website ("Reformanda Ministries maintains substantial agreement with the historic Reformed creeds, particularly the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith") featuring articles by 'Teaching Fellows.' Here's one by Owen Strachan:

    reformandamin.org/articles/2018/7/24/sola-fide-the-extent-of-faith

    Why put out something like that?
    I Cor. 14:9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
     
    #1 Jerome, Oct 17, 2018
  2. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    It's a matter of historical usage. IOW, the use of "sola" is a continuation of five hundred plus years of usage. Back in the day, Latin was used not just by the RCC in the mass. Latin was the language used by anybody doing any kind of academic work be they RCC or Protestant.
     
    #2 Squire Robertsson, Oct 17, 2018
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  3. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    Lorem ipsum dolor is often used as a placeholding text in graphic applications and is kind-of-but-not Latin, believed to have been pilfered from Cicero.. The actual text of the article has not been placed yet. The main page notes that the site is "coming soon."

    Lorem Ipsum – Generator, Origins and Meaning
     
    #3 rsr, Oct 18, 2018
  4. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    That was the language of theology back at the time of the reformation...
     
    #4 Yeshua1, Oct 18, 2018
  5. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    So?
    My question (again) for today's Calvinists: Why not use the English words, or whatever language you're trying to communicate in?
     
    #5 Jerome, Oct 18, 2018
  6. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    Because like any discipline, theology has its own dialect. The legal and medical professions are the same way. The key is knowing when to drop the Latin. Also, I've usually seen the term "the five Solas" used when theological types are talking among themselves. And the term's use is not restricted to the Cals. As a non-Cal, I can support the five, Only Scripture, Only Faith, Only Grace, Only Through Christ, Only Glory to God.
     
    #6 Squire Robertsson, Oct 18, 2018
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  7. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    How about, just drop the Latin lingo unless your audience is exclusively theological academics.

    As you did above. Thank you.
     
    #7 Jerome, Oct 18, 2018
  8. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    If one is discussing a discipline in an in-depth manner, then one uses the jargon of that discipline. In regards to Baptist Board, we have a real mix in our membership. So, get out the dictionaries.
     
    #8 Squire Robertsson, Oct 18, 2018
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  9. thatbrian

    thatbrian Well-Known Member
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    Because Calvinists, unlike most Evangelicals, are serious students of Church history. We understand that our faith traditions have roots. Using Latin terms, as the Reformers did, keeps a connection point with them. It's a way of identifying with, and anchoring to, the Reformation and all that means to the Church.
     
    #9 thatbrian, Nov 1, 2018
  10. Dave G

    Dave G Well-Known Member

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    What I can tell you, from my perspective, is that I prefer not to use "theological terms", but rather, Biblical terms.
    For example, you will never see me use words like, "supralapsarianism", "compatibilism", "desirative" or "decretive" unless I am referring to historical Reformed theological terms.
    You will see me using the terms "sola" with the appropriate ending, if I am describing, again, a historical term.
    I prefer plain English over anything else.

    Agreed.
    If one is discussing the particular disciplines, I think it's a good idea to become familiar with the terms, at least for "good to know" 's sake...
    Perhaps knowing what "Sola Fide" ( faith alone ) means could be informative.;)


    However, since I'm not "Reformed" in tradition, I have nothing to anchor myself to, except Jesus Christ and my understanding of His words.

    I'm very well acquainted with most Reformed terms and their meanings, but I choose not to use them.
    My opinion of them is that they over-complicate interaction and tend to leave the audience having to "translate" what the speaker is saying.
    My link to the Reformation itself is not one of theology, but is primarily one of sympathy with my brothers and sisters, who were persecuted and often times put to death at the hands of religious institutions and the governments of men as described in Foxe's Book of Martyrs and other historical sources.



    So, even though many here would probably call me a "Calvinist" ( as I agree with T.U.L.I.P ), the terms I use would not reflect what was adopted during the Reformation.
     
    #10 Dave G, Nov 4, 2018
  11. Squire Robertsson

    Squire Robertsson Administrator
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    Do you get upset when a recipe says, "Julienne 2 carrots and a stalk of celery, finely mince 1 small onion, while bringing 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to temperature in a saute pan. When the fat is at temperature add the vegetables and saute until soft." I draw your attention to the words julienne and saute both French.
     
    #11 Squire Robertsson, Nov 8, 2018
  12. Dave G

    Dave G Well-Known Member

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    No I don't.
    I go and find out the meaning of the words, "julienne" and "saute". :)
    "Julienne" = "of Jules", which is to cut into thin strips.
    "Saute" = "jumped", which is to fry quickly.

    Still, when it comes to God's word, I prefer to stick to the terms He uses, not the ones men have invented to describe something.




    May God bless you sir.
     
    #12 Dave G, Nov 9, 2018
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