I believe it is, but a week or two ago one of my friends tried convincing me that it depends on how you cuss. For example, if you were to say "Oh, look at that f-ing sidewalk" (stupid example, I know) then it is not a sin. However, if you say "F-word you!" to somebody, then it is a sin. I'm not sold on this idea at all. What are you opinions?
The heart condition that causes you to want to degrade someone is very much a sin.
You can own that sin without any foul speech whatsoever.
Let's put it this way. "Raca" or empty head or modern: dummy is a mild insult. And in times past nothing was done about it. Name calling someone a Fool though could get charges brought against you and you would find yourself before the Sanhidrin answering those charges. So when Jesus called the Pharisees "You brood of vipers" or equivalent of "you all are Satan's " (their worst epithet) He wasn't going to get himself elected "Rabbi of the Year" by any means.
Coarse speech is not something that should be free flowing from your mouth. It really degrades you and not them. But being so pure of speech that you can't say "booger" is an extreme that will keep you on the "outside" of others willing to trust you either.
Oh yeah. One other thing.
1st and 2nd Samuel is a limryc that is rather coarse at times.
"Profanity is the effort of a simple mind trying to express itself forcefully." Author unknown--by me anyway.
I quit using profanity of any kind when I was 16 and found I had no more need for it. I never used it all that much anyway since neither of my parents did. I consider profanity (crass or offensive words) to be needed only by people with weak minds and a limited vocabulary in order to fill in where they lack the words.
Being part British, I do use the word "bloody", and I suppose that could be considered profanity or at least offensive to some.
I once knew a woman who said to her son when he called someone a "dummy", "Don't cuss." I have a nephew who told me that the word "backside", referring to one's posterior, was offensive to him. It seems that no matter what words you use, someone is going to be offended.
However, we are told not to take God's name in vain. If we're not praising His name in word or song or witnessing, then using His name would be sin. I find the use of "God", "Jesus", Christ", or "Jesus Christ" as profanity to be very offensive, and the "f" word runs a very close second to those--especially when "mother" is attached to it.
Why is such language necessary for some people? It has become such a habit for them that they use it without realizing they are. I've known people who, if you removed the profanity from their vocabulary, they would have very little to say. Some people might use profanity when they're angry, but others use it constantly--hardly saying a sentence with it. I have no desire to be around such people.
: Jon-Marc Fri Jun 01, 2012 - 16:52:11
"Profanity is the effort of a simple mind trying to express itself forcefully." Author unknown--by me anyway.
And I was taught (or at least they TRIED to teach me) that profanity was a sign of a limited vocabulary. Anyone with that thought never met my grandfather. He had a bigger cussing vocabulary than most people I knew had regular ones. He often said he was just trying to keep up with his own dad who could cuss 90 miles an hour for 5 minutes without repeating himself. That man was long gone before I was born so I do not know how accurate that was. And my grandad was anything but "simple."
Anyway, what sin means is that it misses the mark or target of God's will. In that sense even the mental intent behind the words are as important as what actual words we use. So if someone (like my grandfather) just uses them as filler or adjectives I am sure it would not be as grave as someone using proper english words and having a ton of malice behind them.
: wolflet7 Tue May 22, 2012 - 14:43:08
I believe it is, but a week or two ago one of my friends tried convincing me that it depends on how you cuss. For example, if you were to say "Oh, look at that f-ing sidewalk" (stupid example, I know) then it is not a sin. However, if you say "F-word you!" to somebody, then it is a sin. I'm not sold on this idea at all. What are you opinions?
Although I very, very seldom use it, profanity can be okay, and it can be sinful. I tend to agree with your friend, but would add one cautionary requirement: it there is any possibility that it may be overheard by one that may be offended, don't do it.
I would even excuse the example given where your friend categorized it as a sin, if there is no malice intended or received.
A perhaps entertaining anecdote:
I had a rather educating experience in college on the difference between profanity and swearing. One prof a few weeks in shocked the entire class. Many had not done the assignment as we did not take it upon ourselves to read the outline.
At the end of class, the prof got one of us to read the outline, and he said, "Now what does that mean?
Do the (profanity removed)ing assignment!!!" (He was less concerned with with my cautionary requirement ::giggle::)
There were gasps and then you could hear a pin drop. The prof smiled, and from that point on we were often given displays of his penchant for profanity.
Then one day in his office I made the mistake of swearing, using Hell out of context, if you will. I thought nothing of it given the prof's foul mouth.
For the next ten minutes I got the lecture of my life, colorfully impregnated with profanity on the evils of swearing. ::blushing::
Hard to believe someone with such a foul mouth could be so spiritually pure. I learned something that day.
Cheers,
Carey.
: wolflet7 Tue May 22, 2012 - 14:43:08
I believe it is, but a week or two ago one of my friends tried convincing me that it depends on how you cuss. For example, if you were to say "Oh, look at that f-ing sidewalk" (stupid example, I know) then it is not a sin. However, if you say "F-word you!" to somebody, then it is a sin. I'm not sold on this idea at all. What are you opinions?
Sounds like your friend is trying to bring excuses for a poor habit of his. Yes, profanity is a sin.
Cussing? There's nothing that says so in the Bible. It usually makes you look dumb, though.
The Bible does say you shouldn't swear oaths or place curses on people, though.
Jarrod
Matthew 12:34-36: "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
"With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way
Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
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.
I think Man_Of_Honor brings up some very good points with those verses. Imo, cussing is a sin, no matter what context it is used in. Think of it this way; what would Jesus do? I doubt he replied to the Pharisees with "I am the f***ing Son of God." Doesn't seem like His swag.
Cussing does not equal Cursing.
Cussing is saying something crude.
Cursing is when you actively wish ill on someone.
See the difference?
: Wycliffes_Shillelagh Thu Jun 07, 2012 - 12:03:27
Cussing does not equal Cursing.
Cussing is saying something crude.
Cursing is when you actively wish ill on someone.
See the difference?
In your opinion.
"Cussing is saying something crude"
In the Bible it tells us to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths.
Hmm... ::pondering::
But does the term "Unwholesome talk" mean the same thing to us that it did to the first century audience? If not then it is not really applicable.
As I said before, would Jesus say it? If He was sitting right next to you?
I also like to think about it this way; how will my words/actions benefit others? The second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to love your neighbor as yourself. Now we would all like to be treated in different ways; for example, the way I would like to be treated might not be the way you would like to be treated, therefore I treat other people how THEY would like to be treated.
In a nutshell, would Jesus say it, and how will this benefit others?
: Wycliffes_Shillelagh Wed Jun 06, 2012 - 16:15:43
Cussing? There's nothing that says so in the Bible. It usually makes you look dumb, though.
The Bible does say you shouldn't swear oaths or place curses on people, though.
Jarrod
It also says "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Ex. 20:7
I hear that so very much, and it's the one thing that offends me more than anything else. However, I've found that all it does when I ask people not to use God's name in that way is to anger them, and too often they cuss even worse just to spite me.
"Cussing" is a cultural construct.
In most of the world, the word sh i t is simply a term used for excrement. I have heard pastors from Uganda use it while they were preaching. But if you said "bloody" to them, they would think you were coarse and vulgar.
Speech that takes the Lord's name in vain, or speech that condemns others is wrong.
Anything else - depends on the culture.
Stumbled upon this this morning:
From Chaplains and Presidents of Colleges, in almost every case, author Tony Campola received letters, not one mentioning world Hunger.
What motivated these letters was this excerpt from his speak on a circuit of Christian College Campuses:
"The United Nations reports that over ten thousand people starve to death each day, and most of you don't give a Sh--! However, what is even more tragic is that most of you are more concerned about the fact that I just said a bad word..."
So perhaps I am willing to relax my earlier caution of not speaking profane when those that may be offended may hear, the power of the profane may indeed be used appropriately on occasion.
Carey.
: Jon-Marc Sat Jun 09, 2012 - 20:05:33
It also says "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Ex. 20:7
I hear that so very much, and it's the one thing that offends me more than anything else. However, I've found that all it does when I ask people not to use God's name in that way is to anger them, and too often they cuss even worse just to spite me.
I would submit that someone saying "jc" this or "gd" that is NOT what was meant by that command.
It was saying that something was God's will or spoken by God when it was not.
Kinda like the people who justify divorcing a spouse and marrying another saying that "That was the wife/husband God wanted me to have from the beginning..."
Or saying that xxx is a sin when God nowhere calls it a sin. The wesleyans used to insist that
any use of alcohol is a sin, owning a deck of cards is a sin and attending a movie (even "Fireproof" or "Left Behind") is a sin. Church of Christ folk determined that using a musical instrument during congregational worship was a sin. I could go on and on. These are all examples of taking God's name in vain. Prophecying "Thus saith the Lord...." when God is NOT speaking is yet another example.
: DaveW Mon Jun 11, 2012 - 13:02:51
: Jon-Marc Sat Jun 09, 2012 - 20:05:33
It also says "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Ex. 20:7
I hear that so very much, and it's the one thing that offends me more than anything else. However, I've found that all it does when I ask people not to use God's name in that way is to anger them, and too often they cuss even worse just to spite me.
I would submit that someone saying "jc" this or "gd" that is NOT what was meant by that command.
It was saying that something was God's will or spoken by God when it was not.
Kinda like the people who justify divorcing a spouse and marrying another saying that "That was the wife/husband God wanted me to have from the beginning..."
Or saying that xxx is a sin when God nowhere calls it a sin. The wesleyans used to insist that any use of alcohol is a sin, owning a deck of cards is a sin and attending a movie (even "Fireproof" or "Left Behind") is a sin. Church of Christ folk determined that using a musical instrument during congregational worship was a sin. I could go on and on. These are all examples of taking God's name in vain. Prophecying "Thus saith the Lord...." when God is NOT speaking is yet another example.
I don't exactly agree with your interpretation of taking the Lord's Name in vain, DaveW. However, there are some people with crazy logic out there, such as some you have mentioned. That I agree with you in that their interpretation is wrong/misconstrued.
Let's break this down. If I were to say "GD", otherwise known as "God" and then "D****t", I am first using the Name of God. In this phrase, God would be the noun. Now for "D*****t", I am using a command, telling the noun, otherwise known as God, to send something to hell. For example, a rough-around-the-edges co-worker of mine at the local Subway dropped a couple sil-pats that were used to bake the bread on. When she did so, she said, "God d*****t!" First of all, she was saying it out of anger. I believe the Bible says to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. Second of all, she was commanding God to send those poor sil-pats to hell, which we shouldn't be commanding God to do anything, but instead ask for His help and guidance.
As for "JC", every time I've heard the phrase, it has been used in anger. Also, it has the underlying meaning of being somewhat sarcastic. Instead of saying, "JC" in anger, as if Jesus would help us then, we should pray for His help instead of saying it in a sarcastic manner.
: wolflet7 Mon Jun 11, 2012 - 14:12:16
: DaveW Mon Jun 11, 2012 - 13:02:51
: Jon-Marc Sat Jun 09, 2012 - 20:05:33
It also says "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Ex. 20:7
I hear that so very much, and it's the one thing that offends me more than anything else. However, I've found that all it does when I ask people not to use God's name in that way is to anger them, and too often they cuss even worse just to spite me.
I would submit that someone saying "jc" this or "gd" that is NOT what was meant by that command.
It was saying that something was God's will or spoken by God when it was not.
Kinda like the people who justify divorcing a spouse and marrying another saying that "That was the wife/husband God wanted me to have from the beginning..."
Or saying that xxx is a sin when God nowhere calls it a sin. The wesleyans used to insist that any use of alcohol is a sin, owning a deck of cards is a sin and attending a movie (even "Fireproof" or "Left Behind") is a sin. Church of Christ folk determined that using a musical instrument during congregational worship was a sin. I could go on and on. These are all examples of taking God's name in vain. Prophecying "Thus saith the Lord...." when God is NOT speaking is yet another example.
I don't exactly agree with your interpretation of taking the Lord's Name in vain, DaveW. However, there are some people with crazy logic out there, such as some you have mentioned. That I agree with you in that their interpretation is wrong/misconstrued.
Let's break this down. If I were to say "GD", otherwise known as "God" and then "D****t", I am first using the Name of God. In this phrase, God would be the noun. Now for "D*****t", I am using a command, telling the noun, otherwise known as God, to send something to hell. For example, a rough-around-the-edges co-worker of mine at the local Subway dropped a couple sil-pats that were used to bake the bread on. When she did so, she said, "God d*****t!" First of all, she was saying it out of anger. I believe the Bible says to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. Second of all, she was commanding God to send those poor sil-pats to hell, which we shouldn't be commanding God to do anything, but instead ask for His help and guidance.
As for "JC", every time I've heard the phrase, it has been used in anger. Also, it has the underlying meaning of being somewhat sarcastic. Instead of saying, "JC" in anger, as if Jesus would help us then, we should pray for His help instead of saying it in a sarcastic manner.
I think phrases like "oh my God' really came from the fact that sometimes you really do say those things in sincerity.
Sometimes when I've been alarmed I've talked to God with urgency and it probably sounded a lot like "taking the Lord's name in vain," except I wasn't. I was actually talking to God with urgency.
You'd argue that an unbeliever is not talking to God, but think about it, sometimes even the atheist panics and starts saying a prayer in distress.
Other times, yes, people want to be offensive.
those are just my thoughts.
: Cally Tue Jun 12, 2012 - 00:22:06
I think phrases like "oh my God' really came from the fact that sometimes you really do say those things in sincerity.
Sometimes when I've been alarmed I've talked to God with urgency and it probably sounded a lot like "taking the Lord's name in vain," except I wasn't. I was actually talking to God with urgency.
You'd argue that an unbeliever is not talking to God, but think about it, sometimes even the atheist panics and starts saying a prayer in distress.
Other times, yes, people want to be offensive.
those are just my thoughts.
In those cases, it is understandable, yes.
: wolflet7 Mon Jun 11, 2012 - 14:12:16: DaveW
I would submit that someone saying "jc" this or "gd" that is NOT what was meant by that command.
It was saying that something was God's will or spoken by God when it was not.
Kinda like the people who justify divorcing a spouse and marrying another saying that "That was the wife/husband God wanted me to have from the beginning..."
Or saying that xxx is a sin when God nowhere calls it a sin. The wesleyans used to insist that any use of alcohol is a sin, owning a deck of cards is a sin and attending a movie (even "Fireproof" or "Left Behind") is a sin. Church of Christ folk determined that using a musical instrument during congregational worship was a sin. I could go on and on. These are all examples of taking God's name in vain. Prophecying "Thus saith the Lord...." when God is NOT speaking is yet another example.
I don't exactly agree with your interpretation of taking the Lord's Name in vain, DaveW. However, there are some people with crazy logic out there, such as some you have mentioned. That I agree with you in that their interpretation is wrong/misconstrued.
Let's break this down. If I were to say "GD", otherwise known as "God" and then "D****t", I am first using the Name of God. In this phrase, God would be the noun. Now for "D*****t", I am using a command, telling the noun, otherwise known as God, to send something to hell. For example, a rough-around-the-edges co-worker of mine at the local Subway dropped a couple sil-pats that were used to bake the bread on. When she did so, she said, "God d*****t!" First of all, she was saying it out of anger. I believe the Bible says to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. Second of all, she was commanding God to send those poor sil-pats to hell, which we shouldn't be commanding God to do anything, but instead ask for His help and guidance.
As for "JC", every time I've heard the phrase, it has been used in anger. Also, it has the underlying meaning of being somewhat sarcastic. Instead of saying, "JC" in anger, as if Jesus would help us then, we should pray for His help instead of saying it in a sarcastic manner.
What you are talking about is a product of modern western culture. That kind of expression did not exist in the culture to which the decalogue was given.
I am not saying that those expressions are good. I am not saying that those expressions are not violations of that command.
I AM saying that if we look ONLY at those expressions as violations of taking the Lord's Name in vain, we miss what the primary meaning was. Those expressions are secondary to what I wrote.
Has anyone ever heard the double live album "To the Bride" by Barry McGuire, The 2nd Chapter of Acts and A Band called David?
McGuire is talking about a conversation he had before becoming a believer on the use of "jc." He asked his friends why the always used that term instead of someone else.
"You drop your books in the mud and cry out "JC!! Why do we say THAT, man?" "There was muted nervous laughter.
Then as the alternative he says "You drop a big rock on your toe and cry out "OH BUDDAH!!" " Lots of laughter.
His theory was it was a devilish ploy to rob the name of Our Lord of its power and majesty by making it common.
: DaveW Tue Jun 12, 2012 - 07:32:38
His theory was it was a devilish ploy to rob the name of Our Lord of its power and majesty by making it common.
My point in a nutshell.
Just a little trivia....Back in the 1800's or so they used to ship manure that was to be converted into fertilizer in the lower cargo holds of ships, and every so often a ship would burst into flames or explode for no apparent reason. They eventually discovered that methane gas was being generated from the manure and once it built up to high enough levels with no adequate ventilation it would ignite causing the fires or explosions. So they eventually began shipping manure in the upper cargo holds in open containers with the letters S.H.I.T printed on them. Which stood for Ship High In Transport.....we eventually began referring to excrement or manure using those four letters.......which we then began to use as a "naughty" word to describe things in a negative manner. I guess ANY word could be used in a bad or vulgar manner....and its the intent behind them that makes them "curse" words....just my little contribution. But I still try not to use "naughty" words.. ::nodding::
Squirrel ::smile::
I understand what you mean Squirrel. I recall learning that the word f*** was used in medieval times (Fornification Under Consent of the King).
NOOooooo!!! You beat me to it!! ::doh::::frustrated:: that was my next one!! I'm at work and had to leave for a while...Oh well at least it is out ::tippinghat::
It is as especially using God's name in vain. As that is even more worse than any "regular" type of curse word.
: Squirrel Thu Jun 14, 2012 - 15:29:31
Just a little trivia....Back in the 1800's or so they used to ship manure that was to be converted into fertilizer in the lower cargo holds of ships, and every so often a ship would burst into flames or explode for no apparent reason. They eventually discovered that methane gas was being generated from the manure and once it built up to high enough levels with no adequate ventilation it would ignite causing the fires or explosions. So they eventually began shipping manure in the upper cargo holds in open containers with the letters S.H.I.T printed on them. Which stood for Ship High In Transport.....we eventually began referring to excrement or manure using those four letters.......which we then began to use as a "naughty" word to describe things in a negative manner. I guess ANY word could be used in a bad or vulgar manner....and its the intent behind them that makes them "curse" words....just my little contribution. But I still try not to use "naughty" words.. ::nodding::
Squirrel ::smile::
Sorry Squirrel, but that doesn't appear to be true.
Oops, the link has the bad word in it.
http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/s**t.asp
Claim: The word "s**t" comes from an acronym for "Ship High in Transit."
Status: False.
Origins: This sorry piece of codswallop about exploding ships appears to have begun its Internet life in February 2002. Its cousin, the "bad smelling steamship fuel" tale (second example quoted above) began its online life as an April 1999 post to the USENET discussion list rec.humor. Akin to the faux etymology of the word f***, a specious acronym has once again been claimed as the origin of yet another term beloved of potty-mouths everywhere.
We could launch into a long, involved discussion of ancient shipping practices, methane production and properties, and Internet leg-pulls, but we'll spare you all that, as the fanciful stories listed can easily be debunked as the product of someone's wild imaginings through linguistic means.
The word s**t entered the modern English language via having been derived from the Old English nouns scite and the Middle Low German schite, both meaning "dung," and the Old English noun scitte, meaning "diarrhea." Our most treasured cuss word has been with us a long time, showing up in written works both as a noun and as a verb as far back as the 14th century.
Scite can trace its roots back to the proto-Germanic root skit-, which brought us the German scheisse, Dutch schijten, Swedish skita, and Danish skide. Skit- comes from the Indo-European root skheid- for "split, divide, separate," thus **badword** is distantly related to schism and schist. (If you're wondering what a verb root for the act of separating one thing from another would have to do with excrement, it was in the sense of the body's eliminating its waste — "separating" from it, so to speak. Sort of the opposite of today's "getting one's s**t together.")
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl-s-word.htm
The Origin of the S-Word
Netlore Archive: In which we are told, and with a straight face, that the word 's**t' originated as the acronym of 'Ship High in Transit,' a supposed nautical phrase.
.
.
.
Finally, all these stories are reminiscent of another specimen of folk etymology claiming that the F-word (another good, old-fashioned, all-purpose, four-letter expletive) originated as the acronym of "Fornication Under Consent of the King," or, in another variant, "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge."
Suffice it to say, it's all C.R.A.P.
: DaveW Mon Jun 11, 2012 - 13:02:51
I would submit that someone saying "jc" this or "gd" that is NOT what was meant by that command.
Whether or not it offends God, it certainly offends me. I have no idea what God mean by "the name of the Lord thy God" since I'm not sure what His name is. Anyway, while I don't think that "God" is His name, that doesn't make it OK to use it as profanity--or to use Jesus Christ as profanity. The earth name of God's Son is Jesus, and I do believe it is wrong to use that as profanity. Why do so many people think that profanity is necessary? I haven't used it in the last 50 years since I was 16 and an unbeliever.
This sorry piece of codswallop about exploding ships appears to have begun its Internet life in February 2002.
Suffice it to say, it's all C.R.A.P.
Wow.....I may be taking the tone of your post wrong but you sure seem to be an angry sort with
that post......I never claimed that it was true but
TRIVIA.....but no matter its origins I said..
I guess ANY word could be used in a bad or vulgar manner....and its the intent behind them that makes them "curse" words....just my little contribution. But I still try not to use "naughty" words..
If it was not your intent to come across as how it seemed to me then I apologize..
Squirrel
: wolflet7 Thu Jun 14, 2012 - 15:47:45
I understand what you mean Squirrel. I recall learning that the word f*** was used in medieval times (Fornification Under Consent of the King).
Wrong. It was used in the English court system for Fore Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.
: franwspac Thu Jun 21, 2012 - 06:14:29
Not at all not in any sense cussing is a sin...If cussing would be a sin,we all would go into the hell despite of enjoying(don't know about future).So,be happy and don't worry...
Did Jesus cuss?
And the Bible doesn't say masturbation is a sin. Does that make it right?
: franwspac Fri Jun 22, 2012 - 06:42:22
See this is all nature of human no one is going to punish you for this(except doing it in public).If you can name someone who is punished for such sort of stuff..... ::smile::
Public or not, your guilt is still on notice.
: wolflet7 Thu Jun 21, 2012 - 17:16:58
Did Jesus cuss?
If calling someone a whitewashed tomb or a brood of vipers was considered cussing in that language and culture then yes.
And the Bible doesn't say masturbation is a sin. Does that make it right?
OFF TOPIC.
See the appropriate threads for that answer.
: DaveW Fri Jun 22, 2012 - 07:46:35
: wolflet7 Thu Jun 21, 2012 - 17:16:58
Did Jesus cuss?
If calling someone a whitewashed tomb or a brood of vipers was considered cussing in that language and culture then yes.
And the Bible doesn't say masturbation is a sin. Does that make it right?
OFF TOPIC.
See the appropriate threads for that answer.
Hmm...that is a good point. But was it because Jesus was stating that they weren't doing God's work and instead practically doing satan's work?
The masturbation thing wasn't off topic. It doesn't say cussing is a sin in the Bible and I was giving an example of something that wasn't considered a sin in the Bible. Not off topic.
Valid point but still off topic as it could hijack the thread into another direction, and there are already several threads in other folders discussing that topic.
To explain my point even more and to provide better evidence...
http://carm.org/cursing
Look at it this way: If Jesus was standing and talking with you, would you use cuss words with Him? If you don't use them around the preacher, why use them at all?
When I was 16, I realized that I turned my cussing off around adults and on around teens, I was afraid that I would use it around the pastor, or worse yet, around my dad who would have knocked me into next week. Neither of my parents used it, and I did it only to be accepted by other teens. So at age 16 I turned off all use of profanity and haven't used it since for 50 years.
Do you use it when (and if) you pray? If you think there's nothing wrong with cuss words (as some "Christians" claim), then why don't you use it around the pastor or while praying? Perhaps that's because you're not convinced it's pleasing to God.
: Jon-Marc Mon Jul 16, 2012 - 16:38:52
Look at it this way: If Jesus was standing and talking with you, would you use cuss words with Him? If you don't use them around the preacher, why use them at all?
When I was 16, I realized that I turned my cussing off around adults and on around teens, I was afraid that I would use it around the pastor, or worse yet, around my dad who would have knocked me into next week. Neither of my parents used it, and I did it only to be accepted by other teens. So at age 16 I turned off all use of profanity and haven't used it since for 50 years.
Do you use it when (and if) you pray? If you think there's nothing wrong with cuss words (as some "Christians" claim), then why don't you use it around the pastor or while praying? Perhaps that's because you're not convinced it's pleasing to God.
+1. Well said!
: Jon-Marc Mon Jul 16, 2012 - 16:38:52
Look at it this way: If Jesus was standing and talking with you, would you use cuss words with Him? If you don't use them around the preacher, why use them at all?
When I was 16, I realized that I turned my cussing off around adults and on around teens, I was afraid that I would use it around the pastor, or worse yet, around my dad who would have knocked me into next week. Neither of my parents used it, and I did it only to be accepted by other teens. So at age 16 I turned off all use of profanity and haven't used it since for 50 years.
Do you use it when (and if) you pray? If you think there's nothing wrong with cuss words (as some "Christians" claim), then why don't you use it around the pastor or while praying? Perhaps that's because you're not convinced it's pleasing to God.
I completely agree with you on that!
Language is subjective. What word in one language is taboo is innoculous in another.
And languages are alive. Meaning that meanings shift and word usage is more traditional than definition based.
IOW what once may have been vulgar is now clean speech and what is now vulgar used to be clean speech.
Jesus clearly cussed out the Pharisees. So what if God cussed you out? Are you going to claim you are holier than God or that God sinned?
Coarse language of course shouldn't be part of your regular speech. "Unclean Speech" is more about degrading & tearing down people with or without the use of coarse language.
: JohnDB Tue Jul 17, 2012 - 05:09:46
Language is subjective. What word in one language is taboo is innoculous in another.
And languages are alive. Meaning that meanings shift and word usage is more traditional than definition based.
IOW what once may have been vulgar is now clean speech and what is now vulgar used to be clean speech.
Jesus clearly cussed out the Pharisees. So what if God cussed you out? Are you going to claim you are holier than God or that God sinned?
Coarse language of course shouldn't be part of your regular speech. "Unclean Speech" is more about degrading & tearing down people with or without the use of coarse language.
http://www.gotquestions.org/cussing-swearing.html (http://www.gotquestions.org/cussing-swearing.html)
Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." First Peter 3:10 declares, "For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech." James 3:9-12 summarizes the issue: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
James makes it clear that the lives of Christians—the "brothers"—should not be characterized by evil speech. By making the analogy of both salt water and fresh water coming from the same spring (which is uncharacteristic of springs), he makes the point that it is uncharacteristic for a believer to have both praise and cursing come from his/her mouth. Nor is it characteristic for us to praise God on one hand and curse our brothers on the other. This, too, is uncharacteristic of a true believer.
Jesus explained that what comes out of our mouths is that which fills our hearts. Sooner or later, the evil in the heart comes out through the mouth in curses and swearing. But when our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, praise for Him and love for others will pour forth. Our speech will always indicate what is in our hearts. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).
Why is it a sin to cuss / swear / curse? Sin is a condition of the heart, the mind, and "the inner man" (Romans 7:22), which is manifested in our thoughts, actions and words. When we swear and curse, we are giving evidence of the polluting sin in our hearts that must be confessed and repented of. Thankfully, our great God is "faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When this happens, we receive a new nature from God (2 Corinthians 5:17), our hearts are transformed, and our speech reflects the new nature God has created within us.
I dunno what it is that you are trying to say.
I have said as much before you posted.
What I am referring to is coarse language. There are certain words that are dictated solely by current traditions which are taboo. But I don't think that God considers them so taboo considering Jesus' behavior as quoted in scripture.
Why are you asking? Trying to see if you can get away with something you already know you don't need to be doing?
Think God's waiting behind a tree hoping He might hear you cuss so He can take your name off Heaven's role book?
What's the big deal between "A" specific sin, and sin? Didn't Jesus already cover ALL your sin? That's past, present, and future.
As a born again Christian I feel that cursing is a sin because when do you usually do it? When you are angry, frustrated, hateful, want to express something negatively, etc... You curse or snap for a minute or so and you portray someone who is not Christlike. What example are you being to others? They see this and think its ok to curse as well.
I know that God has changed me- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~2 Corinthians 5:17
So back in the day I use to curse and use foul language, I'm human so sometimes I slip but thanks to God I check myself and pray for forgiveness and the smarts to not do it again. Repition, practice, and prayer allows you to overcome this habit.
Be a positive example, check yourself, pray for forgiveness if you slip, and pray for a clean mind and tongue so you don't have to use foul words!
Be Blessed,
Jerome