“How do you pronounce it?” is an article from Dr. Gordon H. Clark’s papers. Both the original scan and a transcribed document are here made available. If you notice any typos on the typed document please email the administrator at douglasdouma@yahoo.com.
**Items from the unpublished papers of Dr. Gordon H. Clark should not be considered his definitive statement on the particular topic addressed. These papers are being provided for educational value. For Dr. Clark’s official positions consult his published writings.**
Unpublished 64. How do you pronounce it? (original)
Unpublished 64. How do you pronounce it? (typed)
Notes: From the papers of Dr. Gordon H. Clark from The Home Evangel.
How do you pronounce it?
Years ago several Swedish families, immigrants, settled in the same locality and organized a church. After some time they substituted English for Swedish in the preaching services, and even came to speak English in their homes – fluently, but with an accent. Their accent and their love for things Swedish were matters of good natured joking among themselves and with their American friends.
Among the younger generation born in this country, was a little girl, age eight, who had heard her mother joking about her father’s strong accent. With a giggle she told a friend, “My father says, Shickens.” “And how do you say it,” asked the friend. “Oh,” answered the little girl, conscious of her American superiority, “I say, Shickens.”
There are many Christians, completely naturalized, or even born in Christian homes that still speak Christian with an accent. They know the language; no one doubts their citizenship; but the manner of worldly thought clings to their speech. They are not interested in foreign missions; they attend more suppers than evangelistic meetings; they think a dollar a Sunday is a handsome contribution to the church – if they happen to come. They have absorbed the secular culture of the age, and though they think they say “Chickens,” in reality they still say, “Shickens.”
We all need constantly to compare our speech with the Bible and to correct ourselves by its standards. Think a moment: How do you pronounce Christianity in your thought and conduct?
G.H.C