steeplejacking
n.— «Let me now explain “steeplejacking.” This is what happens when mainstream denominational churches lose their congregational members to a nearby evangelical church. In very simple terms this is where members are wooed away from their churches by members of evangelical extremists, and/or their churches are literally taken over in place. There is a great book available on Steeplejacking written by two ministers, Sheldon Culver and John C. Dorhauer of the United Church of Christ—Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right is Hijacking Mainstream Religion.» —“Has Your Church Been Steeplejacked?” Theopalinism Aug. 2, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when people disagreed over the best word to use when answering the phone. Alexander Graham Bell suggested answering with ahoy! but Thomas Edison was partial to hello! A fascinating new book about...
The language of guided meditation prompts a call from Laura Davidson of San Jose, California. Is there a special reason those leading a guided meditation or yoga class so often speak in present participles, using phrases like sitting comfortably and...