“Awesome” is Christian culture’s favorite adjective for God. It is their default descriptor for him.

It is also their favorite adjective for their particular church, a challenge that their pastor gave, any assorted ministry, last night’s time of fellowship, the upcoming leadership conference, the annual men’s retreat, their new Hebrew tattoo (they’re working on a sleeve), the iPhone 4, and their spouse.

In contrast, this word is not thrown around by Catholics, Anglicans, or Protestants of the liturgical stripe. It’s one of the cultural divides. If it’s a “blessing” or somehow poignant, then Christian culture deems it awesome.