The Importance of Words in Christianity

At its core, Christianity revolves around the idea that words matter deeply. They are central to understanding God’s intentions and actions in the world, from creation to salvation and restoration. In Genesis 1, we see that God spoke the world into existence, showcasing His power through His words, turning them into reality.

So, while postmodern thinkers argue that language shapes our reality, they often overlook who is behind those words and the stories they narrate. It’s through a Christian lens that we can truly grasp the essence and purpose of language. Consider this: can you imagine living in a world devoid of wheels? Though it seems simple, wheels are among the most pivotal inventions that have shaped our industrial landscape.

When LIFE magazine took a look back at the last millennium, Johannes Gutenberg topped the list. His 1455 printing of the Bible using a movable type press is pivotal. Why does the written word carry such monumental cultural weight, far beyond our advanced technologies?

Joel J. Miller explores this in his book, Idea Machines: How Books Built Our World and Shaped Our Future. He discusses how the evolution of books continues to influence culture, even as the prevalence of literacy might be on the decline.

Miller posits that books serve as both hardware and software. They are a tangible format designed for human connection and knowledge sharing—a means of disseminating ideas across history and geography. From ancient scrolls to modern codexes, the written word has played a vital role in shaping our societies. He notes:

A book is a portable collection of written ideas designed to elevate the human spirit beyond the natural limits of experience, memory, distance, and time. They are vessels for numbers, stories, laws, and lyrics. These promote history, politics, philosophy, religion, science, and self-discovery. They value tradition while providing direction for change and growth. They inform the ignorant, remind the knowledgeable, travel far, and cheat death.

Particularly within Christianity, books have been viewed as tools for cultural renewal. As N. T. Wright emphasizes, the essence of the Bible lies not merely in its words; it’s about how God chose those words to reveal Himself. The language of inspired authors—poets, storytellers, and correspondents—is intricately woven with divine purpose.

This motivation drove early Christians to innovate in the realm of book creation. Their commitment to spreading the Gospel spurred advancements in form and production. Miller notes that the “sheer bookishness of the early believers” propelled the evolution of books, aiming to share the good news.

The Gospel of John reveals that our Savior, Jesus Christ, embodies the Word itself. The initial verses declare, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” Despite frequent claims that visual media will eventually overtake the written word, the reality seems otherwise. Images must play a supportive role to words, rather than the other way around.

Additionally, Colossians 1 teaches us that Christ, the Word, is the one who maintains the fabric of the universe. This notion underscores the significance of books: they reflect our ability to convey truth and influence culture, echoing but never replacing the Creator.

These scriptures represent a compilation of texts forming the Revealed Word of God, viewed by believers as divinely inspired and infallible. Jesus stated that His words will “never pass away” and Peter assured us that “the words of the Lord remain forever.”

While wheels have facilitated geographic and industrial advancements, it is books that have expanded our intellect and offered hope to countless souls. Words are the primary means by which God reveals Himself, integral to His ordered creation. In today’s world, where even a book collecting dust can ignite fresh perspectives, it’s crucial to recognize how artificial intelligence—focusing merely on reorganization and replication—cannot match this creative potential.

Like Augustine encouraged, we ought to “pick up and read” and also take a pen to write. Engaging in both actions stands as some of the most honorable and restorative contributions Christians can make to society.

This commentary is co-authored with Andrew Carrico.