Is it okay for a Christian to cuss? January 25, 2006
Posted by JP in Scripture, Uncategorized.trackback
This question is harder to answer than it initially seems. On the surface one could easily say that passages of scripture like James 1:26 and Ephesians 5:4 indicate that it is not okay for Christians to use profanity.
One could easily stop with these two verses and say ‘no, Christians should not cuss’, but truly that is only scratching at the topsoil of this topic. We have further, deeper considerations when we look at the subject, such as:
“What is profanity and who determines if something is profane?” And “What of Christian liberty?”
What is profanity?
I have been asked: If the group I hang out with uses profanity and does not think there is anything wrong with it, is it really profane?
One young man tells me that he and his buddies (Christians all, I believe) regularly cuss amongst themselves, they do not view it as profane so obviously in this context, using the ‘F’ word certainly must be okay…
One writer on the use of profanity said this:
The fact is the evidence that cussing is a sin just isn’t there. Or at least if it is, I haven’t been able to find it. So I say this with as little sarcasm as I can muster: will someone please direct me to the list of forbidden cuss words in the Bible?
To be sure, scripture does not give us a list of words which it considers profane. The venerable comedian, George Carlin however, in his own fashion, did give us such a list. In his bit about the ‘7 Words You Can Never Say On Television’, he demonstrated clearly that certain words are considered profane by society. In this day and age, that list is the most concrete example of unacceptable words which we have.
Language is a fluid and living thing, words change over time, meanings change over time. What would have been considered a cuss word in Jesus’ day, may not be in use today, or has taken on different meanings.
Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving …
What is it that defines filthiness or foolish talk or crude joking? The culture we are living in, without a doubt. No matter how commonplace profanity is, it’s always pretty clear what words are profane, and what words aren’t. We all know this and intuitively understand it even if we do not have the academic training in linguistics or sociology to voice our understanding. We know instinctively what is considered profane by society and our culture. We then are faced with the example I stated above.
If my immediate culture (sub-culture) accepts certain words and their use, then they must be fine…
I can only say this: If you would not use those words when speaking to your mother or father, in church, in a job interview, or when speaking with someone you have just met, then they are clearly inappropriate for use, regardless of one’s immediate company.
It has been shared with me that some congregations (Emergent and Progressive Churches, for example) use and accept the use of profanity, and that they consider this as part of their ‘witness’, a way to reach those who may be put off by ‘religious’ people. In fact, it seems to be a more and more prevalent course in many churches today to become worldlier in order to reach the masses.
This is hogwash. Christians are not Chameleons, changing colors to blend into their immediate surroundings. We are to be lights in the world, noticed, and set apart, through our word and our actions.
Additionally, Christians need to always be aware of how their speech is going to be understood by those around them. As it is, the message of the Gospel is going to offend many – our use of language should not offend them.
One indictment of Christians that I’ve heard is that “Oh, he says he’s a Christian, but listen to him talk. Swears like a sailor… I Wonder if he talks that way in church on Sunday” or something similar. We can, and should, make our points clear without resorting to profanity. Matthew Henry said this:
Filthy words proceed from corruption in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds and manners of those who hear them: Christians should beware of all such discourse. It is the duty of Christians to seek, by the blessing of God, to bring persons to think seriously, and to encourage and warn believers by their conversation.
What of Christian Liberty?
I’m troubled by the immature view of liberty amongst Christians today. The idea of Christian liberty is becoming one of liberty as freedom from something (i.e., the Law) rather than freedom to something. The truth is: We were not freed in order that we might do as we please. We were freed so that we could finally be able to become like Christ.
Phil 2:4-5 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Although the Law should never be replaced with an updated form of legalism, we should also not fall for its opposite error. ‘Christian Liberty’, as thought of by many today is simply a form of ‘reverse legalism’.
Legalism basically asserts that ‘the bible says you cannot do this or that and you must do this and that, in order to be righteous, or demonstrate your righteousness’. Misconstrued liberty, reverse legalism says: ‘we are saved by grace, not of works, so anything I do which is not specifically denounced by scripture is okay’.
Grace and conscience should not be used as covers with which we justify any sort of questionable behavior we don’t want to give up. When it comes to the issue of swearing we must be guided by the Word of God, our conscience, and the Spirit. But if you claim that the Holy Spirit is leading you in your “freedom” to use such language don’t be surprised when your fellow Christians respond by asking, “What the @*&# are you talking about?”
“well in the proper context, my Christian liberty affords me the position of enjoying these things”?
Have we really begun to take Scripture so lightly, that suddenly it’s okay to go right back to those things that we once did, said, or thought?
Eph 2:1-5 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to this worldly age, according to the ruler of the atmospheric domain, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and by nature we were children under wrath, as the others were also. But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved!
Look at verse 2: “in which you previously walked according to this worldly age,” What does it mean to have once walked according to this worldly age? I believe the context of this verse spells it out pretty clear when we keep reading in verse 3: “We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts”
If that’s not clear enough, let’s look at a few more verses:
Ephesians 4: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
1 Peter 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries
Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Have we really strayed so far from holy living, that it’s now okay for Christians to go right back to the former ways, and use the grace of God as our security blanket? To abuse our liberty to say, and do, whatever we feel like saying and doing, no matter who it offends? Someone once said “Christian liberty is not the freedom to do whatever we wish, it’s the power to live to please God.”
Does profane speech, please God? Let’s see:
2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (have we seen an increase?)
1Co 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (are we seeing what was once good, now corrupt?)
I believe the answer is quite clear that cussing, swearing, using vulgar speech does NOT please God in any way. It’s the communication of the world, which we are told again and again, to have no part of. And yet we desire to be “culturally relevant” and “progressive” and “connect” with the culture around us… adopt this speech, and think everything’s fine, “for the cause of the gospel”.
Modern Christianity may teach us this method is just fine, but Scripture has a higher standard. The real question in all this, would be: does the following attitude reflect the modern attitude? Or, does the the consideration of the use of profanity as acceptable align itself with the overwhelming admonitions of scripture?
1Th 2:1 FOR YOU yourselves know, brethren, that our coming among you was not useless and fruitless. But though we had already suffered and been outrageously treated at Philippi, as you know, yet in [the strength of] our God we summoned courage to proclaim to you unfalteringly the good news (the Gospel) with earnest contention and much conflict and great opposition. For our appeal [in preaching] does not [originate] from delusion or error or impure purpose or motive, nor in fraud or deceit. But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the glad tidings (the Gospel), so we speak not to please men but to please God, Who tests our hearts [expecting them to be approved].
Eph 4:29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
1Co 15:33 Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.
1Co 15:34 Awake [from your drunken stupor and return] to sober sense and your right minds, and sin no more. For some of you have not the knowledge of God [you are utterly and willfully and disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, lacking the sense of God's presence and all true knowledge of Him]. I say this to your shame.
Mat 7:16 You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration].
Mat 12:36 But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak.
Mat 12:37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced.
Pro 10:19 In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
Col 4:5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.
Col 4:6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].
I hope this message encourages, convicts, and brings fruit. If you have read this a wish to defend the use of cuss words, as a believer, please reconsider what the Scriptures teach us on these things. The only “proper context” for using such language, is from the lips of a man at enmity with God, walking according to the lusts of the flesh, according to the ways of this world, defending his pride. It has no place coming from the mouth of a man or woman, professing to love Christ.
Right on, Rev! I could not agree with you more whole-heartedly on this!
Thank you! I’m expecting a rash of comments to the contrary, however, that presupposes the idea that anyone actually reads my blog…
you’re the man! CHRISTian liberty is often abused. JESUS said we’d be held accountable for any and all idle word.
all my friends cuss and i try and tell them that it is wrong but they wont listen im gonna tell them about this site! thank u so much!!!!! christians rule!!!!
tis funny cuz i always thought it was kinda a given. it’s one of those things you just don’t do. and if you do then you have some heart issues that need to be dealt with. cuz what you say tends to display whats in yer heart loud and clear. and if trash is comin out of eyr mouth..then what does that say abouit whats in eyr heart?
Thank you for this website.
Its a blessing. Thank you for highlighting the relevant scriptures for supporting the statement you made.
God Bless and Increase you
wow thanks 4 helping me out…i was trying 2 find where exactly it says bout this subject cuz i have a friend that “enjoys” cussing and i told him the bible says that cussing is wrong and then i stumbled across ur page…wow i even learned something
i hope your friend doesn’t claim to be a christian…
Amen. AMEN. I couldn’t agree more. I have always been a firm believer that Christians shouldn’t cuss, and had the verses, or, some of them, but after reading this I feel so thoroughly equipped.
I live in Germany as a Pastor’s daughter, and one of my best friends in America changed churches and I met many of her friends there, all claiming to be Christians. I have/had little other contact to other Christian youth my age, and I was SHOCKED when they ALL considered cussing, getting drunk (being underage on top of it), and even casual sex as normal acceptable Christian behavior. I was left thinking “what is Christianity coming to?”, but reading this and the responses… I feel very much encouraged. Thank you so so much and keep up the good work.
In the words of Dr. J Vernon McGee “Don’t blame me….these aren’t my words, its just my job to tell you what scripture has said”. Thank you for giving solid food.
The one thing that all apologetic site I’ve been to that they didn’t have was a talk on cussing. I’m so glad you made this because i have heard so many people talk about how words don’t hurt people and it doesn’t matter to cuss (and most of these people were Christian). God bless you for this.
Okay…this is what I have to say…to anyone that cusses…you wouldn’t hear Jesus going around saying the F word every other sentence or saying God’s name in vain, so why would you cuss..it’s not the matter of why shouldn’t you cuss..Why Should You? I stumbled upon this site…I dunno how…but it was a real good topic..thanx for sharing…God Bless.
Thanks for bringing this issue to the forefront for other Christians to read. You put forth some very strong arguments, so much so, that any Spirit filled Christian who rationalizes using foul language for whatever reason, will definitely have something to ponder. It’s my belief that, as Christians, we are to live in the world, but not be part of it. And this not only has to do with behaviors, philosophies, attitudes, or perspectives that the world deems acceptable - it also has to do with linguistics. The words we use in our daily language are a reflection of how much world we’ve allowed to seep into our christian walk. And I would like to challenge all Christians who read this article to clean out their language banks so to speak, and reflect upon who they are supposed to be reflecting when the take on the identity of a Christian. A flame is meant to shine light - and as believers of Christ, we are living in a world of darkness. Brothers and sisters of the faith, let’s keep our language clean!
hey man. i like this article a lot. i have a guy whos about 4 years older than me who is an older brother figure for me. He is like a mentor and is always challenging me in my walk with God. His most recent challenge was for me to find out why cussing is wrong. He asked me why its wrong to cuss… and i honestly could not give him an answer. This really gave me something to think about..and he told me to write a paper on the issue, and i plan to use some of what you said. I do have a question though. The profane words that are censored off of TV are deemed inexcusable for Christians to use. What about the iffy words that are substitued for cuss words. Words that aren’t cussing, but aren’t really necessary either. Words such as crap, dang it, shoot, etc. I’ve always wondered about this. If you could just send me an email I’d really appreciate it buddy.
Has anyone checked out the contexts and the situations of the verses that are posted in this blog? 1 Cor 15:33 is talking about those being misled by the sadducees who were teaching the resurrection was not true. Paul was warning the people to stay away from false teachings.
2 Timothy 2:16 is also talking about teachings of false doctrine, not against cultural cuss words.
If I wanted to, I could use 2 Timothy 2:14 for my argument: “Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” But then I also would be taking that verse out of context.
J, what’s your point?
My points are that people shouldn’t take verses out of it’s context to conform to their argument and that saying, “Shit” or “Damn” is not a sin unless those words cause a person to have impure thoughts and stray from the Lord. Words mean so many different things to different people and substitutes like “darnit” or “crap” can very much offend someone as well. I’m not going to go say some words in public because people may become offended or stumble.
Some of you believe that cussing is a sin though you may slip on a few words but you felt bad so you started using the substitutionary words…why would that be better than using the original word? Does it make you feel unclean inside when you use the word “crap”? It does to me so I would appreciate it if you don’t use that word around me. But if you wanna express a pain you just had by saying “Shit!”. I won’t be offended one bit nor will it make me think of anything impure. People make words impure.
There is nothing in the Bible that narrows it down enough for us on which words we are and aren’t allowed to use. It states though that if it causes are brothers to sin then we should take in regard to that and refrain from using certain words they struggle with.
So what, exactly, are you stating that wasn’t already stated in the post?
Wasn’t it my closing paragraph which said:
“I hope this message encourages, convicts, and brings fruit. If you have read this a wish to defend the use of cuss words, as a believer, please reconsider what the Scriptures teach us on these things. The only “proper context” for using such language, is from the lips of a man at enmity with God, walking according to the lusts of the flesh, according to the ways of this world, defending his pride. It has no place coming from the mouth of a man or woman, professing to love Christ.”
1 Corinthians 8:8-13
8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Think about it. Even if doing something causes a brother to stumble or offend.. we should not do it.
I agree Joshua, which was the point of the post, was it not?
I may be considered one of those “brother’s in christ” who has a “weak conscience” because it shakes my whole being when Christians cuss among themselves, and a good friend of mine is an advocate of this mentality– in fact he sort of ridicules me for ever being offended by it, because cuss words are just words. Having been ridiculed recently (I don’t much like to use this word about my friend, but I think that is what he did) this forum has been very helpful to me, and very reassuring. It does seem that whenever I look to the Lord and his word for the answer to something, the result is that I find myself at peace. I mean only to say that I appreciate this post.
Thanks Kyle. Have your friend read it and give the matter a little thought.
I could not agree more with you. I am one of these young Christians that may be called socially liberal but on this issue I just do not see the justification. To me and apparently to you as well it is very clear that the instrument that God gave me for the specific purpose of sharing the gospel should not be used profanely. I do have some of those friends who say that they are being missional by speaking the way the unreached do. They will add that the Gospel is offensive. To which I reply that I can minister to both those who curse and those who do not without being shut out. They can not minister to those who do not. That is not a good exchange. As far as the offensive thing - the Gospel is always offensive but the method should not be.
Good post.
“As far as the offensive thing - the Gospel is always offensive but the method should not be.”
and all the people said: AMEN!
hmmmm….interesting stuff here. im not sure any of you can say for sure that cussing is wrong or right. you havent asked God about the issue. it could be either way. i’m not here to argue on one side. i just came to this to see if anyone had a good verse to point me in the right direction, but i didnt see one, just controversial verses left and right.
Matt - “just controversial verses left and right.” Matt, I would be interested to see what verses you consider ‘controversial’.
you havent asked God about the issue. Really? and you know this how exactly?
I’m wondering though, are you looking for a verse that says “Thou shalt not cuss” ?
or either looking for a verse that says, “thou can cuss”?…
It’s funny when I read this (I agree by the way, that cussing does not honor and glory to God) because I see so many pointless arguments. It is clear that cussing bothers people so with Philippians 2:4 in mind we must listen and if you agree that there is nothing wrong with cussing then you must look at 1 Corin 8:11-13 (implies anything that makes your brother stumble romans 14:19-23). To argue with someone only proves that there is somehting more hidden in that individuals life, and for those the saying by Joseph Dunninger is true: “For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, none will suffice.”
Thanks for this great article. My two boys (ages 20 & 16) have decided that since everyone else is cussing, they should be allowed to watch movies and play video games with cussing. Mom (me) and Dad (the pastor!) have said NO, but they need reasons, of course. Thanks for giving me lots of good reasons and for standing up for what is right.
This is exactly what I needed to refute and ‘Christian’ friend of mine who uses the whole progressive witness argument. Thanks for being intelligent, profound, and Godly.
JP, thank you for your thoughtful, well written post. I enjoyed it.
However, I want to pose a few ideas.
“What is it that defines filthiness or foolish talk or crude joking? The culture we are living in, without a doubt. No matter how commonplace profanity is, it’s always pretty clear what words are profane, and what words aren’t. We all know this and intuitively understand it even if we do not have the academic training in linguistics or sociology to voice our understanding. We know instinctively what is considered profane by society and our culture.”
If we look at the majority of American society, you could argue that profane words were distinguished by Christians. The word “profane” in itself means to be unholy or vulgar. What my point is is that I believe Christians initiated the split in what is good language and what is bad morally. This means that in America, we have defined what is correct Christian character.
I am not saying this is bad, for I believe that most cuss words are used in hateful and angry contexts, therefore there is a needed discernment between what is acceptable to say and what is not.
However, I believe that certain words that are deemed cuss words by this possible “Christian Collective” are too legalistic. Words such as “damn” or “ass” are automatically labeled as cuss words. When you get into the philosophy of words, I feel that context is the number one criteria that should be used in whether it is sinful to be using it or not.
If I said, “Oh boy, my butt hurts”, no one would care.
However, if I said, “Oh boy my ass hurts”, most Christians would be offended.
In this situation, I think that the second phrase would not be right to use not because it is “cuss word”, but because he offended other Christians. In a world where Christians accepted “ass”, there would be no offense taken and therefore it would be acceptable to say.
I believe, you should watch what you say wherever you go, but if I am with people who understand what I mean, I don’t feel convicted to not say “Oh by my ass hurts” around people who understand my theology.
My point is that certain words are in my opinion labeled cuss words by the “Christian collective” and that if someone uses it, they are automatically sinning. I disagree with this whole-heartedly. The context of your words are the criteria for if you are using it in an immoral way.
If I said, “You are an ass” to someone and meant it, it would be sinful because I cursed him out of anger. This would be a more better criteria to say why a cuss word is wrong.
I feel that if every Christian realized that dang and “damn”, butt and “ass”, and crap and “shit” were interchangeable, the automatic judgement of “you are sinning” would be completely different. That if every Christian realized that cuss words themselves are not immoral, but the context of their usage is what defines immorality, I definitely think Christians would be looked upon in a different light.
I think today’s stereotype of a Christian is someone who will judge you by your words. I am not advocating cuss words, I’m just advocating a new approach to viewing words and their actual meanings.
Also in response to this.
“I can only say this: If you would not use those words when speaking to your mother or father, in church, in a job interview, or when speaking with someone you have just met, then they are clearly inappropriate for use, regardless of one’s immediate company.”
I don’t regularly practice use of the f-word or b-word, but I do say “ass” and “damn” occasionally. However, I feel that your statement is inadequate because I believe its just being considerate when you don’t “cuss” around them. If they are offended, then don’t cuss out of consideration. It doesn’t mean its inappropriate. I say “ass” and “damn” around my mother and she understands me completely. I don’t use those words around others out of consideration. Just because someone else thinks it is inappropriate to say does not mean I should never use it.
In the workplace, I feel its just part of being professional. You should not cuss in the workplace because it is a taboo.
if my insomia was not wearing off…i would ask you do you honestly think societies that are not CHRISTian don’t have taboo and what is considered vulgar words?….they do and that alone makes your argument about it being some CHRISTian idea total irresponsible…
Wordsseldomsaid, are you referring to my post?
I think this is a great article, primarily because of the scriptures noted. However, I think the writer missed a very important aspect of why cursing is not acceptible for a Christian. If you focus on the emotion or motivation behind the cuss word, it becomes clearer. Typically when one is using a cuss word, he is complaining about something, either mildly or angrily. Scripture clearly indicates that we are not to complain. Ref: Philippians 2:14. Exodus 16:8. Therefore, even if we were to use “fudge” in place of the typical “F” word, fudge then becomes a curse word. If it were used in that manner consistently enough in our society, it would eventually be recognized as a regular curse word. Basically, anytime we complain, regardless of what words we use, we are complaining against God, because it is He who has allowed (not caused) this “thing” we are complaining about to come into our life, since everything that comes to us must come through Jesus first, even if it’s not His perfect will. Once we change the complaint (curse word or otherwise) into praise, we are putting the “problem” into God’s hands, rather than rejecting it completely. (Ref: Merlin Carothers Power in Praise), and He can then begin to use or change the circumstance we are not happy about) to our advantage.
I am stunned that we as Christians need to have this discussion. Are we not supposed to respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Are we not supposed to separate ourselves (our behavior) from that of the “World” around us?
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. DO NOT CONFORM ANY LONGER TO THE PATTERN OF THIS WORLD, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will” Romans 12 1-2(NIV).
Before Christ came into my life I had a terrible, terrible mouth. I could construct a full sentence of curse words and, sadly enough, the people around me were not offended. We as Christians have are to be changed from the inside-out. This means our motives which lead to our actions. People must know we are Christians by our methods and actions. Cursing as defined by “society” is a dangerous way to gauge whether or not you are sinning or not as it relates to language. The “7 words you cannot use on TV” is no longer applicable when on open-air TV stations they use some of those 7 words now days. Looking for a specific list of verses that identifies the actual words not to be used is, of course, non-existent. This issue is similar to drunkenness - “I can drink a lot but I cannot get drunk, that would be a sin”. Well, how much is “a lot”? What does the bible indicate as “drunk”? What does society say is “drunk”? The law gives us different indicators of what drunk is depending on the situation (driving vs walking around drunk - public intoxication). If you feel that your judgment is impaired at ALL then you are suffocating the Holy Spirit’s ability to communicate with you. This is dangerous as we then only have our own will and our measly means of self-control to guide us.
In the end, if we are in communication with God and are being led by the Holy Spirit then these decisions of what to say and what to do are simple. If you can say a word that you have internally justified to be “ok” but, regardless of appropriateness, offend other people, it is wrong. If you are in a situation where the temptation to curse or use vulgar language (could be a vulgar joke that does not even use cursing) is the norm then you are still not off the hook. You may be around other people (Non-believers or believers) who pay no attention to your use of cursing and therefore are not offended but if you are being led by the Holy Spirit in your life, you WILL feel the Holy Spirit prompting you, urging you, supporting you to be Holy, to be “different”, to be what God wants you to be - a witness that God’s power can change anyone from the inside-out - proving that you are no longer conforming to the pattern of this World.
Praise God!
Have a blessed day.
Why is it that this is one of the few issues in which a Christian must do what is considered or perceived virtuous by the world?
If non-Christians perceive an inconsistency in the “cussing Christian”
is that an indication that they (the ubelieving) in fact believe that it (cussing) is wrong or that it just seems to them that this is the contradicted object of Christian teaching? The problem with this issue is that there are a whole other slew of Christian teachings that are based on the premise of rejecting the moral insights that the world has to offer. If it were true that we offend a non-Christian and must blend with their insight in this area than every other offensive thing (even some of the things we cannot change without going into heresy…) must be modified so we do not “offend” them. Not saying i totally support cussing but I am also not saying we have a justifiable defense against it via the “Cultural Norms” argument.
In some countries there are cultural norms of forced abortion,tyrannical dictatorship,fascism,etc.etc….if therefore we must not “offend” someone… we suspend morality…This is why I believe there must be a better reason why cussing i bad.
The only other reason I can see cusssing as “unsalty” is that it takes intelligent word use out of conversations. But we may need to redo our whole language so there are no remaining double meanings.
[...] Bible Study/Reference, Discussion, Faith, Scripture. trackback In two earlier posts I discussed if it was okay for Christians to cuss and profanity and the Christian and I made no bones that I felt scripture makes it clear that the [...]
[...] other Christians about cussing, and other things of the sort. In an earlier post I had made called Is It Okay for Christians to Cuss I talk about my thoughts on the idea of cussing and the ‘perception of sin’ and its [...]
I don’t cuss normally, but on rare occasions and to those I have intimate relationships well enough they know my heart, I let one go because the particular word is the only one in our vocabulary that expresses my feelings/thoughts at that time. I only have done this around my closest brother and sisters in Christ and it’s only to express something vividly (not name call, etc). I would not do this around an unbeliever for the pure fact they don’t understand my thought process yet and may be turned away.
With all that said, what are your thoughts in this context?
Heather,
What can I say? People do what people do.
Do I think it is okay that you use ‘cuss’ words in particular circumstances? I cannot say anything about that beyond the truth that I feel it is unnecessary, ever. Certainly it happens, it happens to me, but that does not take away from the fact that I do not do so intentionally, nor do I feel Christians should do so.
I would challenge where you stated “because the particular word is the only one in our vocabulary that expresses my feelings/thoughts at that time.”
I think that this is a convenience for us, to use a word, or words, off the cuff because it seems to express what we feel at the moment, rather than take a moment to use other language that can, and will, express those feelings just as well. This is an argument from intellect and consideration. I ‘let one go’ from time to time simply because I am too lazy to do otherwise.
However, with all that being said, I think the main thing to consider here is the conceptual truth of foul language not bringing glory to the Lord and our role as Christians in that concept.