PROTEST: To affirm with solemnity; to make a solemn declaration of a fact or opinion; as, I protest to you, I have no knowledge of the transaction.
RIOT: In a general sense, tumult; uproar; hence technically, in law, a riotous assembling of twelve persons or more, and not dispersing upon proclamation.
Two very different definitions. Yet, recently these two words have been used interchangeably. Making any connection with and between them is up to the user. Understanding the clear definitions and making our own application is necessary.
If there is any confusion around words, all we need to do is go to the dictionary. For this purpose, definitions here are from the 1828 version of Webster’s dictionary, as words also tend to be watered down and lose their true value and/or meaning over time.
So, the same could hold true for other words… Let’s turn to some others:
VICTIM: A living being sacrificed to some deity, or in the performance of a religious rite; usually, some beast slain in sacrifice; but human beings have been slain by some nations, for the purpose of appeasing the wrath or conciliating the favor of some deity.
VICTOR: One who wins, or gains the advantage.
FACT: Any thing done, or that comes to pass; an act; a deed; an effect produced or achieved; an event.
TRUTH: Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be. The truth of history constitutes its whole value.
In light of more true definitions of these and some other words that we have been taught to freely use in discourse without full understanding, we may seek to use differently from now on.
For instance, perhaps the term ‘peaceful protest’ shouldn’t have to be said but a protest could be assumed peaceful. Or how about using the word ‘riot‘ after a group of individuals has ignored the proclamation to disperse. There are several words to use after these of course, and for each word there is a just response.
What of the word victim? Many of us like to use this one… as in ‘victim mentality,’ particularly in reference to someone else. Maybe the next time we use this word towards another, we will consider the deeper meaning and possibility of the spiritual implications. (Matthew 5:22).
Finally, the all encompassing word truth. Quite different from a fact. Facts as it were have been verified or solidified. Truth however still possesses the ultimate element of what “shall be.” Indeed, there’s no one word that can really hold up to that… but there is one Person that does.
Source: http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/truth
Related posts: Searching for Strength, The Missing Truth
