A Brand new book by David J Knight
Christianese
OUT NOW
When Words Lead People Astray
What if some of the phrases Christians repeat most often are not as biblical as we think?
Across churches, pulpits, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and social media, certain words and expressions are repeated again and again. They sound spiritual. They feel familiar. They are passed on without question. But many believers have never stopped to ask: Did God actually say this?
In Christianese, David J Knight, author of What It Means to Be a Christian, examines familiar words and phrases that have crept into the church and become part of everyday Christian speech. With clarity, conviction, and a firm commitment to Scripture, he asks whether the language we use is helping people understand the truth, or quietly reshaping it.
To think biblically, we must also learn to read the Bible in its proper context. Scripture was not written as a collection of isolated phrases to be lifted, repeated, and reshaped to suit our modern culture.
Every word belongs within a passage, every passage within a book, and every book within the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan. When we ignore context, we do not merely misunderstand verses. We risk putting words into God’s mouth that He never spoke.
This book is not written to nit-pick, but to awaken discernment. Words matter. Doctrine matters. The gospel matters.
For Christians who want to think clearly, speak faithfully, and test everything by the Word of God, Christianese is a much-needed call back to biblical language in an age of spiritual confusion.
We offer special bulk pricing for churches, ministries, and study groups who would like to use Christianese for teaching, discipleship, or outreach.
Whether you’re running a course, equipping new believers, or giving books to visitors, we’d love to support your church with discounted bulk orders.
Please email book@exposittheword.com for more information or to request church pricing.
Breaking Down Christianese
The words we use matter, and the premise of this book is an examination of some of the familiar idioms and Christian shorthand often used in Christian circles without much consideration of doctrinal clarity or biblical truth. What do we convey to brothers and sisters as well as unbelieving neighbors by the language we use? Especially when the language we employ presumes to convey a truth about God or His Word. Words matter.
The tone of the book is straightforward and pastoral rather than overly academic and adversarial. Mr. Knight successfully navigates the ditches on either side of important doctrinal truths in a way that is easily understood while simultaneously prompting deeper thought. And most importantly, all claims and assertions are based not on the author’s own preferences or biases but rather on solid biblical exposition of scripture in context. To put it simply, Mr. Knight has successfully spoken truth in love.
This book should be mandatory reading for new believers and seasoned saints alike. My personal story is that I grew up deeply involved in a highly charismatic church, as a teen I began to see major holes in the theology and walked away to enthusiastically chase all that the world had to offer. Later, after I married and started a family I once again returned to the church but I was the very definition of a “cultural christian.” I did all the things, sang all the songs, spent most Sundays in church, and used all the correct jargon. In fact, growing up in church allowed me to use the correct words to hide the fact that my heart was far from God. Fast forward to today…I’m rapidly approaching 50 and over the past few years God has begun something inside of me. I have a hunger for His Word and want to know Him more deeply. I have a desire to obey Him, not to earn favor but to bring glory to the name of Christ.
I share all of that to say this: this book is exactly what I’ve been feeling and learning over the past few years. Words matter! Especially the words we use to speak about God. I wish I had read this book 20 years ago. Mr. Knight has used his gifting to create a book that I believe brings glory to God and will edify the Church for years to come. I know that it has convicted me, challenged me, and built me up in the faith. It will no doubt do the same for many others."
Soli Deo Gloria
David’s book “Christianese, when words lead people astray” is this exact wise principle applied to the most vital and essential of all subjects: the matter of The Saviour Jesus Christ, and your eternal soul. In today’s increasingly complex world knowledge is naturally and genuinely sought, but the path trodden can mislead through misused or misguided words. Yet, the Gospel is indeed Good News and it is a gift from God for those that Believe in Christ and a gift that we cannot earn. So, may I humbly ask you to read this book and, may I additionally suggest that you keep this book readily to hand to reread it many times. Wisdom based on truth does not fade with time."
Podcast & Interview Enquiries
David is available for podcasts, interviews, and speaking engagements to discuss his book Christianese, as well as topics such as the gospel, discipleship, and the dangers of cultural Christianity.
If you would like to invite David onto your podcast, please email book@exposittheword.com
