Tongue in Church | A Liberating Primer on Christian Vocabulary

New this fall!

Christian condemnation continues to be a real mouthful for Jesus followers seeking to defend the faith (to themselves and others). So cleanse your palate with a fresh understanding of church language!

(Re)Learn Your Lingo

Religion is strongly shaped by—and demonstrated through—words. Prayerful words. Liturgical words. Sacred texts. Ancient creeds. 

Tongue in Church unveils the liberating origins of words commonly found in Christian vocabulary, and critiques the blunt misuse of church lingo to oppress and coerce believers. 

Samantha Bise brings deep scholarship and spirited writing to the examination of such vocabulary as:

• Lord
• repentance
• family values
• Word of God
• and so much more!

Keep Tongue in Church next to your Bible for bite-sized lessons in lingo. Bring Tongue in Church to your Sunday school class or book discussion group for lively examination of familiar vocab. Give Tongue in Church to new members as they join the congregation, especially if they are new to Christianity or identify as exvangelicals.

Advance Praise for Tongue in Church:

"Tongue in Church remind[s] us that familiar church words carry layers of history, struggle, and possibility rather than sitting frozen in dogma."

—Dr. James Damico, Professor of Literacy, Culture, and Language Education, Indiana University

"[Tongue in Church] offers a masterful examination of the nuances of Christian language and an enlightening perspective on the use and misuse of language in religion."

—Dr. Marcie Panutsos Rovan, English literature scholar
Editor, Lessons from Hogwarts

"Samantha Bise has created a thoughtful and accessible resource for anyone seeking deeper theological context behind common words and phrases found in scripture."

—Justin Douglas, community organizer and advocate
County Commissioner (Dauphine County, PA)

Preorder today, ships in August.

About the Author

Dr. Samantha Bise is a lover of words who studies the intersection of ancient religious language and contemporary liberation. Samantha co-hosts the Church Chatter podcast.

September 8, 2026
Paperback, 245 pages
The Pilgrim Press
ISBN 978-0-8298-0770-7