Christianity and Foul Language

[WSUCougar]

Not picking a fight here, just curious.

On three separate occasions over the years here at FOFC I’ve seen references to the use of foul language by self-proclaimed Christians. One stated that using foul language “is just my way,” one stated that they were working on it (but the usage remains prevalent), and another basically blew it off as “just words.” It’s not my intent to embarrass or judge anyone, but these stances run counter to my own upbringing and understanding of Christianity and its related values. Of note is that these individuals made it a point to openly declare their faith (and all that entails).

What is your personal take on this? I was raised as a Lutheran but am no longer a regular church-goer. Have attitudes changed about this kind of thing?

Again, I’m not looking to tear anyone down for this. I’d just like to hear what others think about this topic.

[Bee]

fuck you and god bless

:D

[ISiddiqui]

I wonder why foul language even matters? It is, really, only words.

[LoneStarGirl]

fuck you and god bless

:D


You made me giggle

[Poli]

Again, I’m not looking to tear anyone down for this. I’d just like to hear what others think about this topic.
It's not something I enjoy doing. I use foul language around a few of my Navy buddies, but I've been trying to clean it up.

In all honesty, it's not something I want in my every day language/vocabulary. When I go home in two years, I don't want to even let any foul language "slip" out of my mouth. That happens from time to time when I go home now.

Blasted Navy.

[Joe]

is this because of Skydog's usage of the word faggoty?

[Raiders Army]

What do you mean by foul language? If someone says shit, fuck, cunt, etc., but they have a problem saying Jesus Fucking Christ, God damn it, Holy shit, etc., I can understand the distinction. Maybe it's just that some things are considered sacreligious. Just like someone may have a problem with Mary's vagina, but no problem with Christy Canyon's pussy.

[Hurst2112]

Swearing, like pooping comes naturally to me. I consider myself Christian yet, I believe God doesn't frown upon my swearing as much as he would if I used his name in vain...(doing something sinful in the name of God).

As somebody told me once: "You only swear because you aren't smart enough to find the right words."

Fucken eh, right!

[Hurst2112]

is this because of Skydog's usage of the word faggoty?


no no no...you're not turning this thread into a multi-page discussion on the sociological implications of using derogatory comments as a way to bash sexual preference.

get that shit out of here.

I couldn't resist. :D

[Ben E Lou]

My message board usage is pretty much identical to my face-to-face usage. That is to say that, for the most part, I try my best to avoid it, unless I'm quoting someone else. I don't see the need, for example, to type, "Dat boy run so good, it make your d*** hard." In face-to-face life, I wouldn't quote something like that in front of someone who I thought to be legalistic in their faith, unless I was specifically trying to tweak their legalism to make a point (which I've done more than once.)

I did use damn, for emphasis, when explaining myself regarding Fido's utility, ("I wanted the damn utility.") and, in character as the Alabama coach, I told Bob Lewandowski to "kiss my natural black ass" a couple of months ago. There may have been one or two other instances in non-quoting situations, but they're few and far between.

I don't personally have a huge problem with people who purport to follow Christ using swear words around me; I'd rather they be real with me than put up a front because I'm in vocational ministry. I do, however, think it can cause some people to be turned off from the faith...

[Franklinnoble]

I use foul language here that I certainly wouldn't use around my kids. I guess that makes me a hypocrite, but, honestly, I know I'm not the only one.

Salty language makes for a bad witness. I know this. But while the spirit is willing, the flesh is still weak, and I've got a long way to go.

[Franklinnoble]

Dola... and, like SkyDog said, I don't always clean it up when I'm around my "church buddies." I've drawn some pretty shocked glances at Bible study on more than one occassion.

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah...it's pretty funny. I'm *FAR* more likely to drop a quotation using the F-bomb at a Bible Study than I am hanging out in a sports bar after my men's league basketball game with a bunch of guys. Go figure. :p

[Wolfpack]

I admit to being a bit on the salty side, mostly when frustration happens and I let loose a few choice words. I know it's not good and I do occasionally stop myself in time. If being a Christian isn't enough incentive, then perhaps a 17-month-old is. :)

[korme]

i curse like a sailor

fuck is probably the most common word i use around my buddies. it's the most expressive word in the english language.

oh, and i'm not religious, so we will render this post moot.

[SFL Cat]

Even though I grew up in a religious home, I went through a long period of rebellion. When my friends and I were together, we used to cuss like sailors. Using bad language became a bit of a habit. When I came back to Christ as an adult, one of the things I felt convicted about was my language. End result, I am careful to watch what I say, especially around kids and more wholesome church folk who might be offended by some of the more colorful adjectives I've been known to use. I still let it fly at times, but I've found you can usually get your point across without dropping the f-bomb every other word.

[CamEdwards]

I admit to being a bit on the salty side, mostly when frustration happens and I let loose a few choice words. I know it's not good and I do occasionally stop myself in time. If being a Christian isn't enough incentive, then perhaps a 17-month-old is. :)

I'll never forget backing out of my driveway with my then 2-year old in the backseat of the car. I accidentally scraped my tire against the curb and very very VERY quietly said "shit".

From the backseat comes this little munchkin voice: "Don't say shit, Daddy. Shit is a bad word."

:redface:

[SFL Cat]

I'll never forget backing out of my driveway with my then 2-year old in the backseat of the car. I accidentally scraped my tire against the curb and very very VERY quietly said "shit".

From the backseat comes this little munchkin voice: "Don't say shit, Daddy. Shit is a bad word."

:redface:

out of the mouth of babes.... :)

I had a real "Christmas Story" moment with one of my kids. I heard him say sh*t when he messed up something he was working on. Naturally, I read him the riot act and asked him where he had heard that? the reply, "From you, Daddy," :o

[Poli]

I'll never forget backing out of my driveway with my then 2-year old in the backseat of the car. I accidentally scraped my tire against the curb and very very VERY quietly said "shit".

From the backseat comes this little munchkin voice: "Don't say shit, Daddy. Shit is a bad word."

:redface:
You forgot, "EARMUFFS!"

[WSUCougar]

Swearing, like pooping comes naturally to me. I consider myself Christian yet, I believe God doesn't frown upon my swearing as much as he would if I used his name in vain...(doing something sinful in the name of God).
I would place myself in the "above average" group for foul mouths, but I still feel a bit naughty about it sometimes due to my upbringing. Maybe it's a generational thing, too.

As for swearing around children, my three-year-old recently asked what "f'in" meant. D'oh!

[Fritz]

I am unclear of the link between "foul" language and Christianity

[CamEdwards]

You forgot, "EARMUFFS!"

he was in the backseat. my arms aren't that long :)

[Franklinnoble]

You forgot, "EARMUFFS!" :D

[ntndeacon]

I have no trouble using course language most of the time. I am one of those who would rather hear a f*** than a GD or a JC. Of course, when I am around those that would be offended by that type of salty language, I try to curtail it. And I definately do not say anything that could be offensive either around children or when I am around my students.

[sabotai]

I've always wondered about this. Exactly where in the Bible does it say using foul language is a bad thing? (Not implying it doesn't). I hear Christians say that certain things should not be done (premarital sex, gambling, swearing, etc.) and have always wondered where they get it from. If the Bible really does say not to do those things.

[FrogMan]

I am unclear of the link between "foul" language and Christianity
In French in Quebec, pretty much all the curse/swearing words are derived from bible words... Christ, calice, tabernac, sacrament...

FM

[dacman]

A couple off the top of my head...



James 3

Taming the Tongue

<SUP id=en-NIV-30305>1</SUP>Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. <SUP id=en-NIV-30306>2</SUP>We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

<SUP id=en-NIV-30307>3</SUP>When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. <SUP id=en-NIV-30308>4</SUP>Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. <SUP id=en-NIV-30309>5</SUP>Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. <SUP id=en-NIV-30310>6</SUP>The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.



Ephesians 5



<SUP id=en-NIV-29290>1</SUP>Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children <SUP id=en-NIV-29291>2</SUP>and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. <SUP id=en-NIV-29292>3</SUP>But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. <SUP id=en-NIV-29293>4</SUP>Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. <SUP id=en-NIV-29294>5</SUP>For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

[Ksyrup]

I'll never forget backing out of my driveway with my then 2-year old in the backseat of the car. I accidentally scraped my tire against the curb and very very VERY quietly said "shit".

From the backseat comes this little munchkin voice: "Don't say shit, Daddy. Shit is a bad word."

:redface:

Last week, instead of saying crap, I said 'carp' in front of my 5 year old, and she said, "Didn't you meant to say crap?"

Am I the only one who takes kids words and substitutes them for cuss words? Dammit has become Velma's 'Jinkies!', sonovabitch is 'snufalufagus', etc. Works well; when I stub my toe and hop around yelling snufalufagus, they seem to enjoy it.

[Ben E Lou]

Actually, dacman, a more direct reference would be a verse or two earlier in Ephesians. 4:29, I think.

[gstelmack]

I've always wondered about this. Exactly where in the Bible does it say using foul language is a bad thing? (Not implying it doesn't). I hear Christians say that certain things should not be done (premarital sex, gambling, swearing, etc.) and have always wondered where they get it from. If the Bible really does say not to do those things.
Commandment #3: "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."

You then extrapolate from G-D to the more modern swear words.

[bossfan2000]

I grew up Catholic (though I am not anymore)..

When i was 7 or so..my brother and I rode to a Braves game with the pastor of our church. Needless to say, we were both a little surprised to hear the F bombs the Father dropped once we reached the rush hour traffic. At our age, that made quite an impression...

[sabotai]

Commandment #3: "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."

You then extrapolate from G-D to the more modern swear words.


So when I say "fuck", I'm taking the Lord's name in vain? I think that's a pretty big leap there. The Ephesians 5 example from dacman was pretty clear, though.

[Swaggs]

I've drawn some pretty shocked glances at Bible study on more than one occassion.

Franklinnoble in Bible study class sounds like the makings of a great sitcom. At the very least, I will have to try this the next time I play Hollywood Mogul.

[dacman]

Actually, dacman, a more direct reference would be a verse or two earlier in Ephesians. 4:29, I think.
"unwholesome talk" vs. "obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking" -- I find the Eph. 5:4 reference more direct myself.

[Anthony]

I grew up Catholic (though I am not anymore)..

When i was 7 or so..my brother and I rode to a Braves game with the pastor of our church. Needless to say, we were both a little surprised to hear the F bombs the Father dropped once we reached the rush hour traffic. At our age, that made quite an impression...

you just count your lucky fucking stars that he didn't make quite an impression in other ways.

[bossfan2000]

you just count your lucky fucking stars that he didn't make quite an impression in other ways.

yeah, i thought about throwing that joke in there, but chickened out :)

[Fritz]

I don't see where any of those passages applies to words like fuck, shit, applesauce, or drat.

[Easy Mac]

I guess this is why we don't see bracelets with WTFWJD? or is that just too long?

[Buccaneer]

Heh, it's just becomes part of the culture we are in. I tend not to be legalistic about many things.