Still more ways to talk of God

Good morning God,

I've been thinking about the many ways in which we humans can communicate and talk about you. From hugs and small acts of service, conversation face to face over coffee or tea, or in seminaries, plenaries, workshops, or in Church through sermons, hymns, talks and prayers etc through to magazines, newsletters, journals, books, face-book updates, tweets, blogs and txts - you seem to make sure that there's no shortage of opportunities for us to talk about and even with you God.

In spite of all these opportunities, I've noticed its still not easy for people to find a way to open up the conversation so that you can be included in. Even those of us who do like to talk about you and to you God are still inclined to use a favourite punch-line or quote from a book (maybe even a good book!) or a scene from film as a starter.

This is where the digital revolution really comes into its own. I just love some of the ways in which the new electronic revolution has changed our language about you.

One of my favourites is this tweet posted to @God on the ten commandments

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.
2. dnt wrshp pix/idols
3. no omg's
4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
5. pos ok - ur m&d r cool
6. dnt kill ppl
7. :-X only w/ m8
8. dnt steal
9. dnt lie re: bf
10. dnt ogle ur bf's m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.
ttyl, JHWH.
ps. wwjd?

I dont know what tickles me the most here, the language or the interpretation - but if it persuades a new generation to look again at an alternative way to live - I'm all for it.

The entire Bible has been translated into SMS format by the Bible Society in Australia. The latest version of the Bible enables 31,171 verses in the abbreviated text style to be sent direct to mobile phones. The verses are available free of charge on the internet.

The text versions include, verses such as “In da Bginnin God cre8d da heavens & da earth, & da earth was barren, wit no 4m of life” and "We luv coz God luvd us 1st".

Another deliberate attempt to re-think language is happening on the Women in Theology group on Facebook where, as a means of trying to combat academic-speak about God, women are encouraged to do their theology using words of only one syllable

Pamela Luxon wrote:

God is in us
God is with us
God loves us
We are His
No ill can touch us
When we know these facts are true

Ok, ok, it's not quite what you will find in the mind-body-spirit section of the Saturday Times, but it does get the point across.

All these things persuade me that talking about you really isn't difficult to do - and can actually be fun - and who knows God, perhaps when the whole world is blogging or gossiping, txting or writing, browsing or conversing about you, we might find more laughter, lightness and love in the world.