Kairos in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the saints use a very different language in their congregations in comparison to how they speak ordinarily. Most speak in accordance with their culture in their regular activities and even inside the meeting houses, but when they pray, give a talk, or teach a lesson their language suddenly becomes more formal. Words like “admonished,” “epistles,” and “cease” are used rather than “got mad at,” “letters,” and “stop.”

Growing Up in the Church of Jesus Christ

The Bible, Book of Mormon and other religious books were written in ancient times and, as would be expected, they were written in ways that reflect those times. Members of the Church have grown up hearing people read these works and teach from them, and teachers habitually use the same phrases and words that are used in the scriptures when they elaborate on what was said. Because of this, it is natural for a member of the Church to automatically revert to speaking with these same terms and expressions when religious topics arise because that is how they have heard people speak about those subjects.

“Kairos” is an ancient term that encompasses the fact that people will alter what they have to say and how they say it based on the time, place and audience. Members of the Church undoubtedly implement the particular words and sentence structures they use because of these same reasons. When they do this, they are able to convey the messages they want to their fellow members, and all understand them.

Image credit: lds.org