Name-calling?

Name-calling?

I flinch at hearing “evangelical” used as short-hand for theologically sloppy, mega-church oriented worship and wince at hearing “Reformed” used to mean abstract doctrinal complexity. But some of my best friends do one or the other. And all of them now probably feel cross at me. I will admit that there is some truth in the negative associations ascribed to each label, yet bristle at those who focus on the worst features. If we insist on using these labels in the most critical and least charitable forms, surely we will shred ourselves to death.