Laodicean

The young lady who won the Scrips National Spelling Bee last night won by correctly spelling Laodicean. Charlie Charles Gibson on ABC News just did a thirty second spot on the winner, saying many, including he himself, had never heard the word before. It means lukewarm or indifferent.

It's fairly apparent Charlie Charles has never read his Bible.

Laodicean is the adjective version of the word for an inhabitant of the city of Laodicea. The church in that city is one of the seven churches specifically addressed by Jesus in the book of Revelation. The city was well known for - and took a great deal of pride in - their wealth, the thriving textile industry and the expanding medical community, specializing in dealing with blindness. Jesus plays on these accomplishments as He rebukes them.

The sin for which He condemns them? Being lukewarm in their faith.

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Revelation 3:14 - 22

So now you know, Charlie Charles.