Which terms carry Roman baggage, and how do we free them?
Introduction: When words carry history
Many terms we use in religious, social or even state language carry an invisible weight. They come from a time when Rome was not only a city, but an empire, with hierarchy, control, infallibility and imperial claim.
➡️ These terms were tied to theological power over centuries, and still echo today. But those who untangle language can also free thought and faith.
The aim of this reflection is not accusation, but understanding: how do we get back to the original sense, to freedom in Christ, to the truth behind the word?
1. "Church" (Gr. kyriakē, belonging to the Lord / Lat. ecclesia)
- Originally in the NT: Ekklesia = "those called out", a living organism of believers, not a building.
- Romanized by: institutionalization, sacred building, power structure.
- How to free it? Rediscover church as community, not as power apparatus.
Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Matthew 18:20
2. "Office" (Lat. officium, service, later: hierarchical function)
- In the NT: Diakonia = service, voluntary devotion, without claim to power.
- Roman: title, rank, official hierarchy, transferred onto church and administration.
- How to free it? Back to servant leadership, after the example of Jesus (John 13).
Let the greatest among you be like the youngest, and the leader like the one who serves.
Luke 22:26
3. "Father" (Lat. papa = pope)
- Originally: God as Father, relationship, source of life.
- Distorted: title of ecclesial leaders (pope = "holy father").
- How to free it? Recognize God alone as source of spiritual authority.
Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.
Matthew 23:9
4. "Holiness" (Lat. sanctus)
- Originally: qadosh (Heb.) = set apart, belonging to God.
- Roman: honorary title, untouchability, exclusion.
- How to free it? Holiness is not distance, but closeness to God in Christ.
... be holy yourselves in all your conduct ... since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
1 Peter 1:15-16
5. "Canon" (Gr. κανών, measuring rod)
- Originally: the measure of faith, Christ.
- Roman: church laws, dogmas, conciliar decisions as unshakeable norm.
- How to free it? Recognize Christ again as the measure of all things, not church statute.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
6. "Law" (Lat. ius / canon law / Roman civil law)
- Originally: righteousness from God, not through works.
- Roman: ecclesial jurisdiction, condemnation, burden of law.
- How to free it? Turn law back into righteousness, in the Spirit and not in the letter.
... the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 3:6
Closing thought
Language shapes thinking. And thinking shapes how we see God, and how we meet one another. Whoever questions terms often discovers not new theories, but old truths.
➡️ We relieve the terms by bringing them back to their origin, into the light of Christ. For there Rome loses its power, and the kingdom of God becomes visible.
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32