Capital Letters

Throughout my posts you will notice that I use capital letters to denote two different meanings of the same word. For example, being a follower of Christ, I identify two different uses of the word "church."  The first is the generic church:

"I went to church."
"I think church was good today."
"What church do you go to?"

The second definition is Christ's Church - that group of believers that He calls his own.  Not to be confused with the United Methodist Church, or the Catholic Church, or the Lutheran Church.  The reference is to all of Christ's followers - past, present and future - not just a denomination or particular congregation.  I refer to this as the capital-C Church.

Another such word is "believe."  "I believe that I live in the United States."  "I believe that I live in a great city."  That belief can be either objective or subjective.  Capital-B Belief, however, refers to the type of belief where I have something at great risk in believing it.  The automobile driver Believes that his car will stop at the stop light when he brakes.  The martial arts practitioner Believes he can break the boards.  Commitment is involved in Believing something.  No commitment is required to just believe something.

In reference to the Christian faith, some people believe in Christ, and others Believe in Christ.  The difference is commitment and if anything is put at risk.  Trust is required.  I am of the opinion that the words of John 3:16 should read, "... that whoever Believes in him shall not perish..."

And that is what I mean when I use words with capital letters that are not normally capitalized.