“…it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians'” (Acts 11:26c, New Revised Standard Version).
Grammar matters. I cringe when subjects and verbs disagree in number or participles dangle. I credit my appreciation for proper grammar to my seventh grade English teacher. I remember lining up at the chalkboard with fellow students on either side, poised to diagram a sentence in front of the rest of the class. The first student with the correct diagram won, i.e., got to sit down. The secret to completing the task correctly and quickly was to determine the various parts of speech in the sentence first. Placing the words in the diagram was simple after that.
I never outgrew these grammatical roots. I met a beautiful English major in college and married her. Our daughter has become a highly respected journalist and editor. My wife’s mother was a high school English teacher. Our family actually has dinner conversations about verb tenses. Our son lightens the grammatical intensity by suggesting that the English language is always evolving. (Him and me don’t agree on that one!)
The difference between parts of speech is actually critical in matters of faith. Is “Christian” a noun or an adjective? The answer to that question may determine more than we think. Technically, “Christian” can be both.
As a noun, “Christian” describes someone that a person has become. Evangelicals know this use of the word well. I am Baptist by tradition, of the “once saved always saved” variety. To accept Christ as Lord and Savior makes one a Christian forever. People use the designation as a title, position, status, and label all in one. Through church hallways, over political airwaves, and around company water coolers, “I am a Christian” is bantered about rather freely.
As an adjective, we have some work to do. In this form, “Christian” describes a pattern of behavior. We might say, “She lives a Christian life,” or “He makes Christian decisions.” When used as an adjective, “Christian” characterizes actions that are in line with the teachings of Christ. Sadly, this use of the word is not as prevalent as its noun counterpart.
Which is correct, noun or adjective? The answer is both. The world needs Christians (noun) who make Christian (adjective) decisions. The world needs Christians who walk the Christian walk. The world needs Christians in churches who live the Christian faith.
A name is only a noun. An adjective is a way of life. Grammar matters.
On Second Thought 
Welcome back!! I’ve missed your blog post the past few weeks. Thanks for always challenging me.
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Thanks, Ann.
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You is sew rite about the wrong using of those words. Thank you four continuing too encouragalize ourselves.
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Love it!
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I was so happy to get this on my phone. I have missed you. I also married an English major. I love your writings. I feel that you are close by. Think of you every day. You are always in my prayers.
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Thank you, Hannah.
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We have missed your work! I hope we can live by both noun and adjective…
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Thank you so much, Tom. Hope you and your family are doing great!
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I have missed you and your challenging and enlightening words.. miss your face 🙂 Praying daily for you and your family. May Peace and Joy encourage you each day.
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Blessings to you, Tere. Thank you.
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So glad to see you writing again! As a daughter of an English teacher and a journalist also, I really appreciated the subject. I cannot help automatically proofreading everything I read.
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Thanks for reading, Mary. It’s great to hear from you.
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I look forward to reading these and they’re always a good mixture of wisdom and humor. Good stuff!
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Thank you, Adam. Hope the Yeager clan is well.
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I am another English teacher, and loved to diagram! I have always appreciated the clarity it brings, just as you have always brought such clarity to your writings and sermons. I continue to learn so much about my faith from what you say and how you say it! Allen, I pray that God continues to hold you and your family in his arms. Please continue your writings because I still need to grow! Blessings to you,
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What kind words! Thank you, Joyce.
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i believe there are many who profess to be Christians but don’t know the love of Christ. For them, they will say, I believe in God, however don’t know the love Christ brings. The noun without the adjective leaves a huge void. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
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Precisely. Thanks for your thoughts, Pam.
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Oh Allen I love this and have missed reading your blog! I’m sending this to my girlfriend from college who was also an English major. Praying for you, Allen!
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Thank you so much, Vonda.
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So glad to have you as a fellow blogger! Looking forward to learning from you as I get to read more of these! Prayers continue..
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Thank you, Hannah. Hope you are well.
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Every time I read your posts, it feels like a breath of fresh air!! I pray you know how much we all appreciate just how blessed we are to learn under your teachings! Many prayers and much love.
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Thank you so very much, Allison. You are a blessing to my family and me.
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