By Adam Faughn
A city in the Canadian province of Quebec is trying to change its name but is having trouble coming up with suitable replacements. The plan is to put forward a few choices (they prefer four) to the city for a vote, but they are struggling to come up with four choices that are popular enough to put before voters.
But, why would the city want to change its name in the first place? The city was named for a local industry that helped it stay strong economically, even if it was never a large city (in the 2011 Canadian census, the population was slightly over 7,000). They were proud of their industry, until recent years, as the material they mined has been linked to many physical problems, including cancer. So, for a few years, the city government has been trying to figure out a way to change the name. They settled on the voting plan, which was paused due to Covid-19, but now they are struggling to come up with a suitable list of replacement names to put before the town voters.
So, what is the name of this small city in Quebec that is trying to change its name? Asbestos.
It might be a good idea to change such a name because of the link between that substance and cancer (and other issues). It just seems like something that would be wise to do.
However, that city's decision is also another reminder of the power of names. When we name a child, we think about it seriously. Names are chosen based upon family history or a favorite person from the Bible or some other factor. When companies choose a name, they will spend hours (and often thousands of dollars) to think about just the right name for themselves, one that will be memorable and will reflect their brand. Recently, Seattle named its expansion NHL franchise, and there were all sorts of buzz about it, as they tried to choose something that was "cool" and also fitting of the city/region and the sport. (They settled on the Seattle Kraken.)
Names mean things and are very important to us. They reflect something, and that is also true in religion. Recently, I was driving by a denominational church building, and on the marquee outside, they proudly proclaimed what type of church they are. No less than five descriptive words were given to try to distinguish themselves as a denomination. Several years ago, I remember driving through a rural part of Alabama on the way to a speaking engagement. As I drove, I passed a tiny church house. The name of that church (if I remember correctly) was the "Pentecostal House of Apostolic Holy Praise in Jesus," and that name was followed by some letters to distinguish it even further!
When people ask you about where you worship, how do you answer? Are you proud to simply say, "I'm a Christian?" Are you grateful that you can say, "I belong to Jesus?" Do you say, "I attend the Church of Christ," and do so with thanksgiving in your heart?
In the New Testament, there were not long, convoluted names for the church. "Churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16); "Church of the Firstborn" (Hebrews 12:23); "The Way" (Acts 9:2; cf. John 14:6); "The Church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 3:5). These and a handful of other simple names show us what Jesus desires for His people to focus on in our name. The only distinguishing "addition" was their location (e.g., Corinth, Rome, Crete, Laodicea, etc.).
It is not some other person in Scripture like John or outside of Scripture like Luther. It is not some particular doc-trine like baptism or church organization. It is not even how apostolic or holy or filled with praise we might be. And it is not some physical distinction, such as the majority race or ethnicity of the members.
We are Christians. And that is a name we never have to change, alter, add to, detract from, or be ashamed of. It re-ally is enough to simply belong to Him and to enjoy the privilege of wearing His name.
A city in the Canadian province of Quebec is trying to change its name but is having trouble coming up with suitable replacements. The plan is to put forward a few choices (they prefer four) to the city for a vote, but they are struggling to come up with four choices that are popular enough to put before voters.
But, why would the city want to change its name in the first place? The city was named for a local industry that helped it stay strong economically, even if it was never a large city (in the 2011 Canadian census, the population was slightly over 7,000). They were proud of their industry, until recent years, as the material they mined has been linked to many physical problems, including cancer. So, for a few years, the city government has been trying to figure out a way to change the name. They settled on the voting plan, which was paused due to Covid-19, but now they are struggling to come up with a suitable list of replacement names to put before the town voters.
So, what is the name of this small city in Quebec that is trying to change its name? Asbestos.
It might be a good idea to change such a name because of the link between that substance and cancer (and other issues). It just seems like something that would be wise to do.
However, that city's decision is also another reminder of the power of names. When we name a child, we think about it seriously. Names are chosen based upon family history or a favorite person from the Bible or some other factor. When companies choose a name, they will spend hours (and often thousands of dollars) to think about just the right name for themselves, one that will be memorable and will reflect their brand. Recently, Seattle named its expansion NHL franchise, and there were all sorts of buzz about it, as they tried to choose something that was "cool" and also fitting of the city/region and the sport. (They settled on the Seattle Kraken.)
Names mean things and are very important to us. They reflect something, and that is also true in religion. Recently, I was driving by a denominational church building, and on the marquee outside, they proudly proclaimed what type of church they are. No less than five descriptive words were given to try to distinguish themselves as a denomination. Several years ago, I remember driving through a rural part of Alabama on the way to a speaking engagement. As I drove, I passed a tiny church house. The name of that church (if I remember correctly) was the "Pentecostal House of Apostolic Holy Praise in Jesus," and that name was followed by some letters to distinguish it even further!
When people ask you about where you worship, how do you answer? Are you proud to simply say, "I'm a Christian?" Are you grateful that you can say, "I belong to Jesus?" Do you say, "I attend the Church of Christ," and do so with thanksgiving in your heart?
In the New Testament, there were not long, convoluted names for the church. "Churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16); "Church of the Firstborn" (Hebrews 12:23); "The Way" (Acts 9:2; cf. John 14:6); "The Church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 3:5). These and a handful of other simple names show us what Jesus desires for His people to focus on in our name. The only distinguishing "addition" was their location (e.g., Corinth, Rome, Crete, Laodicea, etc.).
It is not some other person in Scripture like John or outside of Scripture like Luther. It is not some particular doc-trine like baptism or church organization. It is not even how apostolic or holy or filled with praise we might be. And it is not some physical distinction, such as the majority race or ethnicity of the members.
We are Christians. And that is a name we never have to change, alter, add to, detract from, or be ashamed of. It re-ally is enough to simply belong to Him and to enjoy the privilege of wearing His name.
- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of
Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org
Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith.
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