Stewart 5

note: this post comes from a running conversation at Pangani, fueled particularly by Dallas Willard’s translation and treatment of the Lord’s Prayer in The Divine Conspiracy.

Do you know the meaning of the word, “Amen”?  Dictionary.com defines it this way: it is so; so be it (used after a prayer, creed, or other formal statement to express solemn ratification or agreement).  Basically, it is a term of agreement and affirmation.  But you knew that.

Of course, nearly everyone uses the actual word “amen” rather than any synonym that would mean the same thing.  Have you ever wondered why?  Theoretically, couldn’t we say nearly anything that expresses our concurrence?  Well, we think so and we created a short list of words/phrases that can be used in place of “amen.”  Would love your thoughts, comments, and suggestions..

• oh, yeah.
• whoopee (this is from Dallas Willard and not endorsed by our group.)
• that’s just the way we want it (also from Willard, less lame that whoopee)
• so be it (we used this one at the Bridge in Ventura)
• that’s what he/she said
• that’s what i’m talkin’ about
• if you know what i mean
• can i get a witness?
• let’s do this thing!

Any of the following could be used instead of “amen.”  maybe give one a try today, but try not to laugh.  I do even when reading most of these.