Churchianity

offering
benediction
doxolgy
fellowship hall
narthex
coffee hour

As a regular chuch-goer, I am a part of a semiotic domain that employs its own symbols and its own codes. For me, following these symbols and codes is a natural thing (I have acheived "fluency"). For some, however, stepping into a church is extremely awkward simply because they are not familiar with the implicit and explicit codes that exist.

For example, in some churches the pastor says, "This is the Word of the Lord" and the congregation replies with "Thanks be to God." This is not written anywhere, not explained--unless someone is already familiar with the code, they wouldn't know to say it.

Which book is the hymnal? Why are there candles up front? How do you know when to sit and when to stand? What am I expected to do during communion? How does everyone know the words to this prayer?! And the list goes on...

I can understand why so many people feel like outsiders when they come to church. A congregation is an affinity group with certain rules and standards. Of course everyone is welcome (technically), but how is a person supposed to feel welcome when their lack of knowledge of the codes the church follows makes them feel like an outsider?

As a Christian who has grown up in the church, I believe it is so important to realize that, yes, Churchianity is it's own semiotic domain, and to be sensitive to the fact that this can be intimidating and confusing to those who have not attended church all their lives.