Is swearing/cussing okay? [Archive]

Bonhoffer

8th February 2004, 01:55 PM

NEVER take the Lords name is vain.

Try to avoid other swearing, especially in church or amongst Christians.

However the occasional swear when in the presence of non-Christians (who regulary swear) might be tactically useful because if all your language is clean then they won't take you seriously and you will build to gap between yourself and them. You need to bring bridges with the unsaved by showing that Christians are'nt a bunch of weirdos but real humans too!

Even so your overall language should be cleaner than theirs and you should NEVER take the Lords name in vain. (unless you are an actor and your character in a play takes the the lords name)

Staind

8th February 2004, 01:58 PM

In school you hear swear words all the time, especially when people enjoy mixing the "f" word in with every other word. I personally don't enjoy swearing, and I only do when furious. Although taking the Lord's name in vain, ie. oh my god, I think I do it too much just because as a child you're taught by public school teachers that it's OK. I've been trying to cut down on that too.

Wolflily

8th February 2004, 04:27 PM

With all the millions of expressive words in the human vocabulary (pick a language) - why do we revert to the most ignorant and offensive?

Find a new way to say what you have to say!

d0c markus

8th February 2004, 04:57 PM

i heard somewheres that the word dung can be translated in the more vulgar form of ****.

i will have to ask the guy down my hall.

d0c markus

8th February 2004, 05:20 PM

ah yes, Philipians 3:8 the word dung, has a very colorful meaning. i think the lexicon number is 4657.

missy9676

8th February 2004, 10:39 PM

nobody should ever swear!

jenny_demp

8th February 2004, 10:43 PM

I don't think using certain words can mean you're going against your faith what so ever.

Reader Nilus

8th February 2004, 11:26 PM

How did a dirty word become dirty? As d0c markus points out dung which is not beeped means the same as the s word which would be. I kindof like what Mark Twain said; he admired a man who could use profanity well.
Jeff the Finn

d0c markus

9th February 2004, 12:04 AM

i however do not condone swearing, i believe it to be unfruitful. Paul never used it in a derogatory sense to demean someone, and it works very well as just plain ol dung as well.

guess its subjective really.

When the bible says do not curse what does that mean?

Skunkboy

9th February 2004, 12:12 AM

I swear like a drunken sailor, of course I enjoy it and think it's okay. But I watch my tounge around certain company.

CRfan

9th February 2004, 12:52 AM

James 5:12 "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let your yes be yes, and your no, no; so that you may not fall under judgment."
As mentioned...one of the 10 commandments says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes his name in vain."
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person."
What you fill your mind with often comes out in your speech. Some people cannot help hearing some things or may have thoughts that come unbidden. You can choose however not to voice these and to use alternative vocabulary. It is very disappointing to hear "Christians" use God's name in vain so casually.
Where is your heart if you enjoy these things? Out of the heart the mouth speaks. Even if these words come into your mind, as a Christian you should reject them.
Just remember what you say goes to God's ears as well...it doesn't matter if no one else is around. We may all struggle in our minds because of what we hear, but no one should be proud of sinfulness who is a Christian. God knows our thoughts and our heart, and I believe it hurts Him. Whatever is true, honorable, lovely and those things we should work to think on.

Jeremiah the Bullfrog

9th February 2004, 01:23 AM

Cussing=rude

Swearing= blasphemy.

Use long verbiose statements to epitomize the emotions you are feeling about the situation. They can serve to lessen the tension.

Caedmon

9th February 2004, 02:04 AM

Profanity is subjective. Words only exhibit the emotional content that society assigns them. Connections between words and meanings are arbitrary. Most 'swear words' have lost much of their original meanings and are now mostly interjections that indicate varying levels of emotional content, carrying only a phantom of their original meaning. Most of the prohibition on 'dirty words' is a result of pietisitic social mores, which serve only to increase the frequency of usage as a form of rebellion against social control. But what the *bleep!* do I know...

DISCLAIMER: Don't use 'swear words' at CF, kiddies. It's against the rules.

Caedmon

9th February 2004, 02:40 AM

I voted "Yes, it's okay to say whatever you want to." First of all, I don't think that most examples of "cursing" are really black magick incantations/hexes. Secondly, I think that it's difficult to take the Lord's Name in vain. Where I live, lots of the good ol' baptist women gospel music singers say things like, "Lawwwwwwddddddd JEEE-suuusssss, have MER-cyyy awn ME!!" Now I doubt that their intention is to literally curse and reject the Judeo-Christian God, so I think that it's safe to say that their statement is virtually harmless. Furthermore, any judgment of their statements is to be left to God, and God alone. So I say, follow your conscience and say what you wish(except at CF where you must follow the rules on 'offensive language').

NoneyaBiznezz

9th February 2004, 02:45 AM

I am currently trying to breakmyself of this un-becoming habit. I have found that putting a rubber band around my wrist and snapping it everytime I swear to be rather effective. (I am not swearing 1/100 of what I used to) Everyone at work is really getting quite a show, slapping my hands and face whenever I swore was becoming quite distracting......lol... Swearing is a difficult habit to break when it is so acceptable in certain circles.

Any other ideas that have worked for you guys and gals?

J.A.I

9th February 2004, 03:00 AM

Caedmon

9th February 2004, 03:28 AM

Building bridges w/the unsaved by using profanity? That is not necessary..... Man, this post really got me going....Police officers sometimes use profanity to relate to delinquent youth in an effort to drive home the reality of their actions' serious, life-changing consequences. Young gang-bangers tend not to be affected by "goodness gracious!" You honor -- and command respect from -- someone by speaking their language.

growingupinhim

9th February 2004, 03:29 AM

:amen: James 5:12 "But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let your yes be yes, and your no, no; so that you may not fall under judgment."
As mentioned...one of the 10 commandments says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes his name in vain."
Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person."
What you fill your mind with often comes out in your speech. Some people cannot help hearing some things or may have thoughts that come unbidden. You can choose however not to voice these and to use alternative vocabulary. It is very disappointing to hear "Christians" use God's name in vain so casually.
Where is your heart if you enjoy these things? Out of the heart the mouth speaks. Even if these words come into your mind, as a Christian you should reject them.
Just remember what you say goes to God's ears as well...it doesn't matter if no one else is around. We may all struggle in our minds because of what we hear, but no one should be proud of sinfulness who is a Christian. God knows our thoughts and our heart, and I believe it hurts Him. Whatever is true, honorable, lovely and those things we should work to think on.

J.A.I

9th February 2004, 03:33 AM

Caedmon - Be not conformed to the ways of the world.. We don't need to use profanity to minister.. God will never go against His word!

Caedmon

9th February 2004, 03:49 AM

Hmmm... I'll leave you with some of Jesus' more emotionally-charged comments:

"You fools and blind men! Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold?. . . Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. . . You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?
- Matthew 23:17,27,33. NASB. bolding mine.

Wow...

J.A.I

9th February 2004, 03:53 AM

Jesus still didn't profane.. You'd never catch my Lord cursing someone out. So those scriptures don't apply.

pugsypug

9th February 2004, 04:25 AM

I voted you should not swear at all !!! I can't not stand to hear any swear words it literally drives me bonkers tonight at a restrarunt this couple every other word they spoke was a swear I guess if you gotta do it it shouldn't be done in public!

Jet Black

9th February 2004, 04:28 AM

I think we should all swear as much as possible. then the words will become utterly meaningless and no-one will be offended by them anymore. words only have power when we let them.

BAChristian

9th February 2004, 04:38 AM

Up until about the age of twenty-five, cursing was a big problem for me. I wasn't close to God at the time either.

So when I re-dedicated my life to God, I asked Him to help me stop the two biggest things that would hurt my spiritual life:

a) cursing
b) tobacco usage

For four years now, I can count on one hand how many times I've said a curse word. And in the last four years, I think I've used tobacco twice.

The Lord has really worked in my life. He's literally took the "want" to curse out of the picture. And I thank Him every day...

MediocrityInAction

9th February 2004, 09:09 AM

Personally, I'm of the opinion that a moderate degree of relatively minor expletive usage can be useful and constructive. It allows emphatic meaning to be added, and also serves as a minor catharsis. By this, I mean such uses as '****, I left my hammer at home', or the resultant stream of expletives derived from mashing your thumb with the aforementioned hammer.
But when used gratuitously and with great regularity, as in those people whose sentences are composed roughly half of 'f' words, it is unacceptable. It also depends greatly on your audience. It is often acceptable to use minor expletives when in the company of those you are already familiar with, as you will already have an idea of their tolerances on the subject, while it is inadvisable to use any with those who might take offense, or whose views you have yet to fathom.

Kathryn

9th February 2004, 11:50 AM

DXRocker73

9th February 2004, 01:00 PM

Cussing isn't a sin, taking the Lord's name in vain is however. Any references to bad communication in the Bible are messages against lying, not cussing. Say what you will, just don't take God's name in vain.

Kathryn

9th February 2004, 01:10 PM

Any references to bad communication in the Bible are messages against lying, not cussing.

And where do you come up with that? That looks like a guess on your part but it is not factual, unless you have some proof that I have missed. I'd be happy to hear it.

ChristsChick

9th February 2004, 01:16 PM

I don't think that swearing or cussing as a Christian is okay, but I have to admit that when I get really worked out about something they still slip out. Luckily I've cut down most of the major ones, like f*** and s***, now it's mostly just like **** and stuff, unless I'm REALLY upset about something.

Kathryn

9th February 2004, 01:42 PM

We could all use more self-control. I will pray for you ChristsChick! We're all still growing the best we can.

LonesomeCry

9th February 2004, 02:46 PM

No, I am totally against it...and I don't like being around people who curse. Makes you feel very uncomfortable.

HiredGoon

9th February 2004, 03:58 PM

I think it's interesting that before the Victorians, cussing was more common even amongst Christians. If you look at old maps made before the Victorians cleaned them up you find colorful names like "f**king creek," etc. Also some of the most prominent Christians of the past cussed quite often in their writings. Thomas More who Catholics recognize as a saint, used some language many modern Christians would find quite offensive. Social standards change over time.

"The world is an a**hole, and I am its ripe s**t." - Martin Luther

Reader Nilus

9th February 2004, 04:27 PM

Jesus still didn't profane.. You'd never catch my Lord cursing someone out. So those scriptures don't apply.Caedmon's quote of Our Lord was very profane to Our Lord's hearers. Brood of vipers does not come across in our idiom as a curse, but it was. Translating such phases is difficult from any language because the same phase in a different language does not carry the impact of the source language. It would have the same meaning if the translators were interested in giving the impact of the statement on the hearers by translating it as S*** o* B******.
Jeff the Finn

d0c markus

9th February 2004, 05:08 PM

anomaly

9th February 2004, 05:24 PM

I would be in favor, tremendously of free will. That is those that choose to do something, do it for their free will. How can I judge their free will what gives me that right to judge their free will? No one does. Although I can judge a christian and what he/she chooses to do. A christian represents themselves as one that has gone through the word of god and practices the teachings of god. So a christian should minimize or try to resist the urge and or temptation to curse/swear. I myself find no need to swear, I can use word's that might have consensus on swearing but their meaning is only to illustrate the meaning and or point im trying ot get across.

Cusing/swearing is utterly pointless. It either degrades the level of conversation, turns it into a stunt show, or is used as letting go of frustration. For those that choose to let word's get the better of them shows you how someone get's involved with a situation.

Also surrounding yourself with an environment (TV may it be, or a particular crowd) does enhance or increase your chances of using curse words, even without you having bad intentions.

So watch what you say, christians can make and do make small faults, but always try to minimize your faults and try to follow the word of god.

his excellence

9th February 2004, 05:24 PM

We are all human , part of being human is slippage of the tongue. I do believe what matters though is our ability to recognize the wrong and repent and ask to be forgiven, God wants us to openly admit our faults and ask for forgiveness.

We are instructed to love our neighbor, cussing them out really doesnt show love. Asking for forgiveness from them after admitting our wrong will bring on a much different response than hatred though. They will expect a fight not for us to come out and say you know when I said blah blah blah , I never should have said that , im sure it highly offended you and for that I am deeply sorry, can you forgive me for that?

When we offend one of God's Children we do offend him as well.

crystalpc

9th February 2004, 06:17 PM

Right the bible should have been the end of it. Although I think that this is even clearer, we are to minister grace to our hearers. Swearing cussing or other indecent vulgarities does not minister grace to me, they turn my stomach. Think about that when you want to get down and dirty are you ministering grace?
Eph 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Thanantos

9th February 2004, 06:25 PM

I think it is ok as long as the company you are with are ok with it. As long as it doesn't offend them then I do not see it as a "sin".

donutman_jr

9th February 2004, 06:49 PM

Well I dont think swearing is acceptible but every now and again they slipout by accident so i dont think that is too wrong but you should never take the lords name in vain NEVER

katylees

9th February 2004, 07:21 PM

i think its bad to swear, its doesnt sound nice either, occasionally i say sumthing but i know its friends influence cus at school its hard with so many ppl swearing :( but yer otherwise i try not to... it sounds common lol

Palatka44

9th February 2004, 08:31 PM

his excellence

9th February 2004, 08:38 PM

AMEN and AMEN

UberLutheran

9th February 2004, 08:42 PM

I'm told I let loose with a few "choice ones".

I do remember wanting to slap the **** out of the nurse who kept slapping me on the face in the recovery room, telling me to "wake up"!!!

his excellence

9th February 2004, 08:45 PM

daydreamergurl15

9th February 2004, 09:01 PM

No, swearing is not okay.

crystalpc

9th February 2004, 10:13 PM

Well I sorta remember the same thing happening when they wouldnt pump me full of more morphine waking up from major surgery a couple years back. Oy I musta gotten nasty the nurses steered clear of me unless absolutely necessary for about a good day or so.

I did appologize though before leaving the hospital , they said no problem when you are on drugs like morphine for pain and with all you had done we didnt doubt you were in Massive pain. I said NO it does not excuse my abusive language, Im sorry.Good post! Even the Lord can understand this!
One of the things I remember most about my grandmother, was that during the time she was dying, and although she was in pain so badly at times, from bone and brain cancer. She did not swear one time. It was from a life well spent, swearing was never a part of her vocabulary, and would have been as foriegn to her as speaking chinese.

his excellence

9th February 2004, 10:31 PM

The Father does understand when we slip with out tongue, the most important thing though is admitting our wrongs and asking for forgiveness, not only from the Father but also those whom we offended.

mscht

9th February 2004, 10:41 PM

Actually, I found this site to be an exile of sorts from the world around me. I have been known to have a potty mouth before and I am not proud of such, but we are human.

When I come here, I certainly don't expect to see such. I also let my 14 y/o log on here. I don't let her use the other public forums though. I hope this forum maintains the integrity I found here.

LadyBird

9th February 2004, 11:28 PM

The only word I consider a swear word is when one says the Lord's name in vain. All the others, to me, I consider foul (and offensive) language. But we shouldn't say either I think.

tech.racer

9th February 2004, 11:30 PM

godkilla

10th February 2004, 04:19 AM

your all a bunch of *** liking jesus farkin, jesus dreamin anal farking mother farking hor rooooting cuunts

BAChristian

10th February 2004, 04:32 AM

We do not live in a perfect world. We are forced at times to make compromises.
I kindly disagree.

Christ is the same today as he was yesterday. He didn't make compromises did he?

Kathryn

10th February 2004, 12:59 PM

"The world is an a**hole, and I am its ripe s**t." - Martin Luther

Luther was a man with many flaws. He was still a powerful agent of Christ, but his personal attitudes toward certain people was deplorable. Just goes to show that God can use us in spite of us, but he is no role model in his personal life. It had nothing to do with the times other than our capacity for understanding. Letting our circumstances determine our level of obedience is defeatist and faithless. God overcomes the world, He has never followed it.

crystalpc

10th February 2004, 07:14 PM

I tend to agree with this statement.....Up until the bit about the actor.
We do not live in a perfect world. We are forced at times to make compromises. I would be prepared to speak a word that was not representive of my heart in order for a greater good to prevail.I worked in a man's job dealing with trucker's, repairmen, delivery etc. I never told them not to swear, or did I condemn anyone for swearing. I didn't even tell them I was a christian other than they knew I went to church. NOT ONE of them would swear in my building. The one time a new man who came in did swear, THEY LOOKED at him horrified. He never swore again.
It is how you carry yourself in this world, whether you are going to get respect from others, or whether you won't. All of these men swore in front of other women at work when they went to their buildings, but all the other women swore too.

tech.racer

10th February 2004, 08:25 PM

I kindly disagree.

Christ is the same today as he was yesterday. He didn't make compromises did he?
Jesus performed the greatest display of compromise ever!
HIS LIFE FOR OUR SINS.

Scripture denoting the importance of relation:

Corinthians

14:2 "Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because noone understands them."

14:4 "Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim Gods message help the whole church."

14:5 "I would like all of you to speak in strange tongues but i would rather you had the gift of proclaiming gods message. For the person who proclaims Gods message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues unless there is someone present who can explain what is said so that the whole church maybe helped."

14:13 "The person who speaks in strange tongues then must pray for the gift to explain what is said."

BlackRose16

10th February 2004, 09:17 PM

I think it's wrong to curse. One of the ways I see it, (I didn't look at all the posts so forgive me if this has already been said.) is that the person is too lazy to pick out another word for a conversation. There are tons of words in the English vocab, so why a curse word? I see no point in them, and then again, they're wrong to use. It makes God unhappy. I'm pleased though, I've been doing real well, and I haven't cursed in a longg time. :D

BAChristian

10th February 2004, 10:58 PM

Jesus performed the greatest display of compromise ever!
HIS LIFE FOR OUR SINS.

Scripture denoting the importance of relation:

Corinthians

14:2 "Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because noone understands them."

14:4 "Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim Gods message help the whole church."

14:5 "I would like all of you to speak in strange tongues but i would rather you had the gift of proclaiming gods message. For the person who proclaims Gods message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues unless there is someone present who can explain what is said so that the whole church maybe helped."

14:13 "The person who speaks in strange tongues then must pray for the gift to explain what is said."
Those passages have nothing to do with compromising one's moral values...and using curse words has nothing to do with speaking out of tongues. I believe you are totally taking that out of context. You should read those verses and the book of Acts much more closely.

Christ's death wasn't a "compromise" to me.

We will have to agree to disagree.

Job24

10th February 2004, 11:15 PM

swearing is just plain wrong and against God's will...this is almost a superflous question when asking this on a Christian website

tech.racer

11th February 2004, 12:57 AM

tech.racer

11th February 2004, 12:59 AM

Those passages have nothing to do with compromising one's moral values...and using curse words has nothing to do with speaking out of tongues. I believe you are totally taking that out of context. You should read those verses and the book of Acts much more closely.

Christ's death wasn't a "compromise" to me.

We will have to agree to disagree.
Actually i just wanted to show the importance of being able to relate, the importance of being able to explain God to someone who is not a christian.

I consider Jesus's death to be a compromise because his importance on earth was great. Jesus put the greater good of mankind before that good which he could have continued to do in life had he not taken mans sins' to the crucifix.

My opinion, that's all. I agree to agree to disagree.

marduke

11th February 2004, 01:24 AM

However the occasional swear when in the presence of non-Christians (who regulary swear) might be tactically useful because if all your language is clean then they won't take you seriously and you will build to gap between yourself and them. You need to bring bridges with the unsaved by showing that Christians are'nt a bunch of weirdos but real humans too!

i find what you said very ineteresting, as i have tried this (without going over the top, just using the milder words) and it doesnt make a difference wether i was swearing or not... you dont need to swear to bridge gaps

jesusismyhomeboy

12th February 2004, 01:12 AM

its ok if you hurt yourself or someone cuts you off while driving. that really annoys me

his excellence

12th February 2004, 02:19 AM

My pastor brought up a good point in one of his sermons. Said it takes a whole lot more to muster up a God Bless You when someone cuts you off than to yell at them or signal them unkindly.

Same with if you get hurt it is automatic to want to cuss up a storm, instead take a deep breath and say something like ..... Oh Man that really smarted.

his excellence

12th February 2004, 02:20 AM

Now I have used antics in crowds that would expect me to cuss like..... get all red faced, then calmly say something like ....thought I was goona cuss huh? they have not a clue how to respond other than to possibly laugh.

Bonhoffer

12th February 2004, 02:14 PM

Bonhoffer - Um, there is no compromise to the Word of God!!! God will never use tactics that go against His Word, such as profanity! And as far as actresses.. no job, no NOTHING should EVER compromise your faith! NEVER! That is straddling the fence and not being true to our Lord and Savior. If God says no, He says NO!

Building bridges w/the unsaved by using profanity? That is not necessary..... Man, this post really got me going....

I'm really sorry if I upset you, but I still don't agree!!

I have evidence of God using tactics that appear contridictory to his Word. His word states that evolution never happened and yet it was one Christian telling me about the existence of 'theistic evolutionary' theory which brought me a step closer to being saved. I could stomach theistic evolutionary theory more at the time than I could creationism (which seemed stupid). As it happens I am now a firm creationist, but if it hadnt been for the existance of 'Christian evolutionary theory' then I would probably still be unsaved.

I have also heard about a man who attended church only because he wanted to get one of the congregation into bed. But as it happened he went to church and found he liked something else about it. Within a couple of months he had found Jesus and become a Christian.

So I am affraid to say that I have both experienced and heard of something ungodly bringing people closer to God. I am not saying God encouraged the lust in this mans heart, but he did plan for it to be a church going Christian girl that he would lust after. Its quite funny that God has used Satan to help his cause even though Satan never intended for this man to be saved when he planted lustful desires in this mans heart for the christian girl.

The Lord does move in mysterous ways!!

As for the 'Lords Name in Vain' thing is concerned consider the main place where we hear about this. Moses etc..... He wasnt going to say "dont say 'Oh my G0d' except if you are playing a part in a play" because it wouldnt be important enough for a mention when speaking to all those Isrealites.

My advice to the actress would be to pray about it, and when it comes to saying that line they should secretly say it with reverence (and think Holy) although it may appear as though they are saying it without reference to him.

Also, dont get me wrong; God never makes mistakes but he does change his mind in a sense. He tells the Jews "thy must not kill" and yet later on instructs them to kill the Caanites. This is fine because God can do whatever he likes, but it does show that he gives exceptions to his rules in certain cases.

Sorry if this has annoyed you, but I do think this issue is more complex than it first appears. If we agree to disagree and if I am wrong then it is me who will be punished.

God Bless you

J.A.I

12th February 2004, 02:18 PM

If God did something that went against His Word, that would make Him a liar, and God cannot lie............

Bonhoffer

12th February 2004, 02:33 PM

If God did something that went against His Word, that would make Him a liar, and God cannot lie............
True!! But I am certain that if it hadnt been for the unbiblical 'theistic evolution' theory I wouldnt have found Him. Obviously what has gone on there is something too big for human logic to understand. It would 'appear' that hes lying, but he wont be. It will just be something too big to understand. Maybe in my case God hijacked evolutionary theory(a lie of the devil lets say), so the theistic part was him, but the evolution wasnt!!

And in this mans case the lust was from the devil, but God directed it towards a church-goer. This is the only way it can make sense in a human logic sense.

Of course God doesnt do evil (he is good and Holy) however he does in a sense cause people to suffer!! (the flood etc!!)

bloomin eck my mind has just burnt out!

faith177

12th February 2004, 03:08 PM

I am very offended when people are cussing around me, not really the occassional but when it is every second word it bothers me, there was a time not too long ago I think, when men would not cuss around women I wish it was like that again.

Epiphany

12th February 2004, 03:10 PM

Have you ever felt the desire to swear? To lash out with the 'f' or 's' word? Is only taking the Lord's name in vain swearing in you eyes? Is swearing altogether out? What are your thoughts?

To Life Immortal

I never did use many bad words. The strongest word I say is schijt. I say it sometimes when I am very frustrated or angry. I really don't consider it a curse, but I don't say it in front of some people. I don't like the English f word. It is bad word for sex and not nice. I hear people call others names for sexual body parts; that sounds stupid to me. In Netherlands, people curse by putting diseases on people, like calling people cancer infected person or plague carrier. I don't do that; it's not nice.

It is always wrong to take the Lord's name in vain. I don't do that. Lord Jesus name is very special and should not be made small.

Peace and Long Life
~*~ Epiphany ~*~

Duende

12th February 2004, 05:25 PM

Would Christ swear and cuss? If not, you should not do so either.

God bless.

Cozmo

12th February 2004, 05:57 PM

I think swearing/cussing is not befitting for a Christian. First off, I live and work in the world and hear it all day long. It's not necessarily offensive to me but a little disheartening because it seems as a whole it's becoming a need to communicate in that manner. I however, do not want it part of my vocabulary. It's horrible as a silent witness and doesn't bring any edification to yourself or others. No, I don't believe it's a sin unto death, just detremental to your witness.

There are however, certain words that don't mean the same from one country to the next. Or at least, not offensive. I remember once, when I was working as a missionary, one of the guys who came from another country (I think New Zealand, but I'm not sure) whenever he would need to go use the bathroom, he'd say "I'm going to go take a sh*t". He never once thought he was offending anybody and didn't know that this particular word is considered a cuss word in America. When he found out he stopped saying it. We never got offended because we knew that was part of his vocabulary from his country. Other countries will be horribly offended if you call them a dingleberry.

Worst is taking the Lords name in vain and unfortunately, they do that all over TV and films as well as in real life. That just breaks a believers heart.

:angel:

Kathryn

12th February 2004, 06:15 PM

renaistre

13th February 2004, 06:21 AM

We are supposed to be different! If we aren't different from the world what is the evidence of Christ's work in our lives? You can tell a Christian by their fruit. No fruit means we're not following Him.

I'm glad I read all of the posts first, because I was about to write something very similar to this. We are called to be different, and having clean speech really gets noticed in the world.

I don't know if "minor" bad language is okay or not, but I try not to use it at all (and I'm pretty close to being 100% there). I've also tried to stop using the "sound-alike" versions of some of the words, like "darn" which I sort of grew up with. I just think it's a good idea to be able to control what I say.

One thing, though, for those of you who have been using the James 5 reference: read the next verse. He's not talking about swearing in the foul language sense. He means swearing as in taking an oath that you will do something. This is a completely different issue. You are holding the correct position. Don't weaken it by using out-of-context verses. Sorry if I'm ranting. Things like this just bother me.

-Evan

Dracil

13th February 2004, 06:34 AM

Slippery slope time. When do we stop from not saying the F-word to not saying "Rats!" to not saying "Doh!" (Homer Simpson) to not making a groaning sound?

Somewhere, somehow, we're gonna need some word (whether or not it is an actual word in a language) form of emotional release.

And WHO gets to decide just what exactly is swearing? There are some words that I don't consider any more a swear words than "Doh" or "Rats" are, but I'm sure there are people here who would consider them swear words.

Blessed75

13th February 2004, 09:25 AM

I answered NO - swearing is NOT okay but I have a problem with doing it quite often..........

renaistre

13th February 2004, 04:30 PM

Slippery slope time. When do we stop from not saying the F-word to not saying "Rats!" to not saying "Doh!" (Homer Simpson) to not making a groaning sound?.

I think it's more of an issue of trying to do your best to keep your speech clean, not an issue of "saying this word is a sin" or "this one is ok."

-Evan

Godzman

13th February 2004, 04:31 PM

I think as christians we need to be willing to understand that some things are just rude to say like the f word and we should not disrespect who someone is like calling homosexuals a name or people of another race.

renaistre

13th February 2004, 04:50 PM

I just remembered something I think is kind of funny. I have a cousin who is around my age, and whenever he gets mad or hits his finger with a hammer, or something like that, he yells out "They invented words for this sort of thing," but he never swears of cusses. We humans sure are interesting, aren't we?

-Evan

Dracil

13th February 2004, 05:26 PM

I think it's more of an issue of trying to do your best to keep your speech clean, not an issue of "saying this word is a sin" or "this one is ok."

-Evan
But then you haven't really answerd the question. So what is it that makes a word, or rather, the sound, clean or not?

NiemandheißtBoshaftigkeit

13th February 2004, 05:37 PM

I believe swearing is perfectly fine. It is not the word that is malicious or offensive, it is the idea and how the word is used.

lady in waiting

13th February 2004, 05:41 PM

I think that cussing is wrong. I try my hardest to avoied it. I have even talked to my friends about not cussing in front of me.^_^ :kiss:

renaistre

13th February 2004, 05:57 PM

But then you haven't really answerd the question. So what is it that makes a word, or rather, the sound, clean or not?

It depends on which catagory of language you're talking about. On the one hand you have words or expressions refering to God, which I think are easy to separate out.

On the other hand, some words are just crude or gross or inappropriate. I think the second catagory is more subjective and tied to individual cultures, which is why I don't think it is productive to just make a list of "ok" or "not ok" words.

An other way to look at it is this: We are supposed to think in certains ways (i.e. the famous list "whatever is true, whatever is ..."). I don't remember the whole passage word for word, but I know that true, pure, lovely, admirable, right, and noble are in there (depending on the translation). If, in our language, certain words mean things that don't fall into that list, we shouldn't use them.

-Evan

Dracil

13th February 2004, 06:22 PM

It depends on which catagory of language you're talking about. On the one hand you have words or expressions refering to God, which I think are easy to separate out.

On the other hand, some words are just crude or gross or inappropriate. I think the second catagory is more subjective and tied to individual cultures, which is why I don't think it is productive to just make a list of "ok" or "not ok" words.

An other way to look at it is this: We are supposed to think in certains ways (i.e. the famous list "whatever is true, whatever is ..."). I don't remember the whole passage word for word, but I know that true, pure, lovely, admirable, right, and noble are in there (depending on the translation). If, in our language, certain words mean things that don't fall into that list, we shouldn't use them.

-Evan
I would agree with first category.

But the second category still has problems. For example, I mentioned that there are words I don't really find crude, gross, or inappropriate. Yet there are those here who do. So who gets to do the censoring?

daidhaid

14th February 2004, 12:14 AM

everyone should swear profusely and at every opportunity.
All varietys of curse words should be used as often as widely as possible.
after that swear words should be used gratuitously and interchanged freely with miscl. parts of speech.

Ultimately these words will loose their flavor and then their favor.
We the profane public will need some time to develop new better fresher more powerful curse words.
During that time you guys will get a break from profanity.
with any luck at all during this lull in swearing many will forget how.
either way you cant loose so start swearing today, a swear free future is just around the corner

MYMOM

14th February 2004, 03:32 AM

YES

his excellence

14th February 2004, 04:19 AM

Tangnefedd

14th February 2004, 05:21 AM

People who use a lot of swear words are usually not very articulate! Most of us let fly from time to time, especially if we hurt ourselves! A good old cussing session, occasionally, relieves the feelings and is good therapy, but always using swear words in general conversation is unpleasant and unnecessary.

daidhaid

14th February 2004, 02:24 PM

Nah just adopt alternative words like ..... If angry tell ppl you are buggered. If you want to say the S word say oh bloody instead, if you are upset , say your in a dither today LOL Take lessons from the UK and other areas.

Buggered as a substitue for a swear word?
The word is often used to describe cetain acts of sodomy.
You will provoke more humor from the masses when you go about announcing you are or have been buggered.

Bloody has some unpleasant connotations especialy in some cultures but will pass for slang in America.

Dither has a nice olde tyme sound to it like befuddled.

As good as these words are none will provide the release that a healthy outburst of swearing can give you.
I still recall the day when I first decided to cut loose. Riding my Huffy Tornado through a Tuscon alley shouting **** **** ****. It was exhilartating.
And the poetry of a Drill Sgt swearing at trainees.
Those are moments to treasure.

Caedmon

14th February 2004, 05:25 PM

If you want to say the S word say oh bloody instead"Bloody - " is akin to using "the Blood of Christ" as a profane interjection. In the time of Chaucer, invoking "His Arms," "His Legs," and other parts of Christ's Body was considered extremely profane.

his excellence

14th February 2004, 06:52 PM

Well that certainly is NOT how I intended the use of the word at all, nor is that how an englishman friend of mine uses the term to refer to anything.

daidhaid

14th February 2004, 07:28 PM

The English guy might want to look the word up.
I did. I was largely refering to it's slang British
uses. But it's not unheard of on this side of the pond.
Best advice, keep a close eye on the Englishman.
Watch him carefully.
To be sure that's fair and good advice to be using all the time.

Kathy

14th February 2004, 08:29 PM

Do I feel sometimes like swearing/cussing? YUP! But it is wrong to do so. (Im working on it) lol

Caedmon

15th February 2004, 02:23 AM

Well that certainly is NOT how I intended the use of the word at all, nor is that how an englishman friend of mine uses the term to refer to anything.Understood... and many people that use 'profane' language do not retain the original meanings of said words. For instance, I doubt that most people are refering to fecal matter when they say *bleep*.

Snowy

15th February 2004, 08:22 PM

its wrong!

forgivin

15th February 2004, 09:03 PM

I have only been a Christian for 2 years. I used to cuss all the time, cussing was a part of who I was. But when I became a Christian, I prayed a lot for God to help me. Then one day it came to me, if I can watch my mouth when in certain groups like church, some family gatherings, and so on. I realized I was capable of not cussing, so I prayed more and now it is a very rare occasion when one slips.

Oh yea, cussing is bad and should be avoided as much as possible. A trash mouth represents a trashy person.

ilovethelord

21st February 2004, 06:07 PM

Have you ever felt the desire to swear? To lash out with the 'f' or 's' word? Is only taking the Lord's name in vain swearing in you eyes? Is swearing altogether out? What are your thoughts

I love this I think anyone that says they have not is a liar .. but should you and is it ok ..No you should not and the bible says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth shall speak.. and let no unclean thing come out of your mouth..

In Christ Alone

21st February 2004, 11:50 PM

No. Not right at all. Even substitutes are bad because it's still the same motivation/emotion behind it.

But I will be realistic about this, I have used swear words on several occasions in my life. There was a time in high school that I would use them on a regular basis because it was 'cool.' When you realize you say swear words without thinking about it, it's a bit of a wake up call.

A few examples of words/phrases that have never really been accepted in my family: 'sucks' (Mom hates that one.), 'shut up', and even 'hate' was discriminated against. At one point when I was little I even remember my grandmother correcting me when I said, "Oh my gosh!" ... "Say 'oh my goodness'," she had corrected. I guess I went through stages where I would rebel against these rules and use them whether my family agreed or not. I'll still catch myself sometimes, doesn't feel good either. Not necessarily on the grounds that I'd use the words themselves, but the fact that I wasn't obeying my parents.

Besides that it's a useless and immature way to get your point across. I used to think it would demonstrate the intensity of the feeling, but now I think it just makes people look foolish. *shrugs*

GodBoy809

23rd February 2004, 06:04 PM

i think that swearing is wrong and should not be done!!!

msjones21

23rd February 2004, 10:22 PM

I swear all the time, so long as I'm not in mixed company, but I never take the Lord's name in vain.

godslilangel

23rd February 2004, 10:29 PM

[B]I don't think you should swear at all if you are Christian. You want to be salt and light to the world if you're a Christian, don't you? To be able to lead others to Christ, you need to be a good Christian example, or non-christians will just think that Christians are just the same as worldy people and we're not.

ClickBox

24th February 2004, 02:10 AM

Using God's name in vain is wrong, no matter what. But the rest of the swear words are cultural. However, what comes out of your mouth is a very good indication of what's inside your heart and head.

Caedmon

24th February 2004, 05:08 AM

Using God's name in vain is wrong, no matter what. But the rest of the swear words are cultural. However, what comes out of your mouth is a very good indication of what's inside your heart and head.So if someone uses "swear words," what is in her "heart and head"?

daidhaid

24th February 2004, 11:40 AM

swearing properly done adds flavor and quality to speech.
done poorly it is like to much salt in a batch of ice cream.
my advice is to first write down all the swear words you are likely to use. talk to friends and people you meet collect a few more.
nowon your own in front of a mirror start inserting them into your speech.
as you become familiar and comfortable with them began to vary your rate of speech and frequency of curses.
modulate your voice adjust the volume.
some of the most effective curses are merely muttered.
Others achieve dimension only when shouted.
also pay attention to body language, sometimes a smile is inappropriate. other times it is essential.
other rules don't mix multiple dieties in one round of cursing.
stick to one diety per incident. otherwise you will diminish the effectiveness of the cursewords.
also use foreign swearwords sparingly, unless you are fluent in the language foreign swears come off flat.
if you have to use foreign swear words pronounce them carefully and watch for gender specific words.
a swear can completely loose effectivness if you make that mistake.
be creative always try to make a word express multiple meanings.
thjese shadows and nuances will greatly aid you in expressing yourself with abusive and derisive speech.
also don't forget to use swearwords affectionatly everyone has a soft side.
don't be afraid to go there.

Caedmon

24th February 2004, 04:04 PM

swearing properly done adds flavor and quality to speech.
done poorly it is like to much salt in a batch of ice cream.Wow... :eek:... I bow before your simile. :bow:... ^_^

ClickBox

24th February 2004, 05:37 PM

So if someone uses "swear words," what is in her "heart and head"?

Exactly. It's not the words that are bad, it's the motivation behind them.

jive

24th February 2004, 09:08 PM

eveyones already posted most of what im goin to say, but i need post and blessings and reps:help: , ur not supposed to think hateful things, thats usually when i curse, but cursing is cursing, like if ur going to say "dang" to avoid saying "****" its pointless, cause its the meaning behind your words that causes the sin. if ever i say gd i use the lower case g, u know cursing the false gods and all ;)

daidhaid

24th February 2004, 10:50 PM

Wow... :eek:... I bow before your simile. :bow:... ^_^

thank you

mrversatile48

25th February 2004, 04:25 PM

Can anyone recall an academic study on the results of casual. conversational cussing?

It's worth quoting, as the kinda thing even unsaved folk take note of

Top professors said that, where cussing isn't strictly reserved for emergency ventillating, as a last resort, to avoid violence, that safety net is destroyed

Casual cussers are much more likely to lash out when angry

Witness the increase in violent crime

If you discipline your tongue, you can control your temper

Self control is a fruit of the Spirit

A good tactic, if you know guys who boast @ fights, is to discuss CCTV & jail conditions being so unpleasant

Especially if you read up on stress management & anger management

Or simply tell men who come to realise they must master their temper about how many commanders say that born-again Christians tend to make the best soldiers, policemen, security guards, etc

Proverbs has some real gems: "He who conquers his temper is greater than he who conquers a city"

If you can show the men of violence that self control is a great goal & a worthwhile achievement, they are most likely to be interested in the power to change & grow & mature

A good 1 liner: who is the most manly man ever?

Come see "The Passion of the Christ" & learn just how tough, yes?

Caedmon

25th February 2004, 06:32 PM

Exactly. It's not the words that are bad, it's the motivation behind them.So do you believe that it is acceptable for someone to use 'swear' words if they so desire?

Philip Babineaux

26th February 2004, 12:44 PM

and we will always continue to flirt with sin until one day we will realize all of our long hair is gone, and we have no more strength left (samson)... why?? because the presence of the Lord has departed from us... because where SIN is, the Father will not dwell...

Lady Jaina

26th February 2004, 01:48 PM

It says something in Ephesians, I think, about not using bad language. I'm not sure exactly where, it might be in the 4th chappy, but I could be wrong.

ClickBox

26th February 2004, 06:25 PM

So do you believe that it is acceptable for someone to use 'swear' words if they so desire?

Example: I live in America. The word "stuff" isn't a bad word here. It means "assorted things that I don't feel like identifying individually," or something similar. In Australia, however, the word has an entirely different meaning. That's what I meant when I said that most profanity is cultural. It's not the words themselves that are bad, but the meaning and motivation behind them. If someone constantly spews verbal diarrhea, then they've got a lot of bad "stuff" going on inside that needs to be cleaned up.

Ryan Bell

27th February 2004, 12:29 AM

KateBeckinsaleAdmirer

28th February 2004, 02:07 AM

No.

daidhaid

28th February 2004, 10:23 PM

Most people just cut loose and swear in front of children. That' wrong.
Children should be taught when it is time to swear and what words fit which occasions.
That's why swear words loose their flavor when they are used without considering the various nuances involved.
Children need to be taught and shown proper swearing techniques.

crystalpc

28th February 2004, 11:29 PM

Children need to be taught and shown proper swearing techniques. Ridiculous! I once had a teacher who said that swearing was a way for the uneducated ignorant to express themselves! I have to agree with her a hundred percent! I always wanted something better for my children than the ignorance of gutter language! As I have for myself. If people cannot make themselves understood in polite language, maybe they should learn to keep their mouths shut!

daidhaid

28th February 2004, 11:44 PM

Ridiculous! I once had a teacher who said that swearing was a way for the uneducated ignorant to express themselves! I have to agree with her a hundred percent! I always wanted something better for my children than the ignorance of gutter language! As I have for myself. If people cannot make themselves understood in polite language, maybe they should learn to keep their mouths shut!

Swearing and cursing are like poetry. Bad swearing is pretty, hard to endure.
But good swearing is beyond compare. Children have to be shown how to swear, afterall no one is born knowing how to curse creatively.
It is a shame that cursing has such a bad reputation.
It is imperative that adults shoulder the burden and as individuals take responsibilty for cursing properly in front of kids.
Furthermore children need guidance from their parents on effective profanity.
Otherwise they will just learn how to swear on the streets.
That will result in fewer less colorful and less creative curses.

crystalpc

28th February 2004, 11:58 PM

Children do not need guidance on swearing they need to be educated, to lift them out of the gutter not to put them in!

ClickBox

29th February 2004, 02:10 AM

Swearing and cursing are like poetry. Bad swearing is pretty, hard to endure.
But good swearing is beyond compare. Children have to be shown how to swear, afterall no one is born knowing how to curse creatively.
It is a shame that cursing has such a bad reputation.
It is imperative that adults shoulder the burden and as individuals take responsibilty for cursing properly in front of kids.
Furthermore children need guidance from their parents on effective profanity.
Otherwise they will just learn how to swear on the streets.
That will result in fewer less colorful and less creative curses.

Are you serious?

Newly Blessed

29th February 2004, 02:14 AM

I don't see any need for anyone to use profanity. There's certainly no shortage of non-cuss words that could be used instead. That said, I still slip up now and then and say a couple of the more minor ones. Usually though it's when I'm at home with my DH and I'm frustrated and things just aren't going right. Nonetheless, I make it a conscious effort to try not to swear because I tell my kids not to swear and they'll learn by example.

Newly Blessed

29th February 2004, 02:35 AM

No. Not right at all. Even substitutes are bad because it's still the same motivation/emotion behind it.

A few examples of words/phrases that have never really been accepted in my family: 'sucks' (Mom hates that one.), 'shut up', and even 'hate' was discriminated against. At one point when I was little I even remember my grandmother correcting me when I said, "Oh my gosh!" ... "Say 'oh my goodness'," she had corrected.
I dont' think there's anything wrong with using a substitute. There are just some situations where you've got to say SOMETHING and 'dang it' is a lot better than other things I've heard in some situations.

There are definately "bad words" in our household too. 'Shut up' is never allowed, not even to the animals. Even my DH gets chastized for that one. 'Stupid' and 'idiot' are only allowed if it's in reference to an inanimate object and believe me, my kids are very much aware of what happens if Mom catches them using it on a person.

Here's a question though. Would 'd*** it all to H***' be considered as profane?

Caedmon

29th February 2004, 04:30 AM

You can be profane without using a single "swear word." Profanity constitutes the conveyance of emotional content. Profane interjections serve a function, as do non-profane interjections or the omission of softening flavor particles/phrases.
There is a difference between:
"Shut the door."
and
"Why don't you shut the door?"
and
"It's quite noisy in the hallway."
All of the statements convey the same essential message, but the first statement is slightly more profane than the second. And the third statement uses an even higher level of context. Swearing could be defined as low context language in most cases. Then again, swearing can constitute quite intricate profane diction. I have never seen someone swear more elegantly than Shakespeare, for example. It all depends on how blunt you wish to be, in which manner you wish to speak.

superbear02

29th February 2004, 03:49 PM

always pay attention to who is around you, making sure to not offend them!

Isn't God always around and don't swears offend God?

daidhaid

29th February 2004, 04:47 PM

Are you serious?

**** yes of course I am serious...
why do you ask..?

ILY

29th February 2004, 06:13 PM

Peace all,
I am sure at one time or another everyone slips, but it is still wrong.

InHim
ILJ

jive

1st March 2004, 05:22 AM

its not the word its self but the thought that is the sin, bottom line.

Psycho_Josh

1st March 2004, 09:24 AM

crystalpc

2nd March 2004, 02:29 AM

The Mouth is a very powerful tool, God used his mouth to create the universe and if we are in his image, Blasphamy is a no no, but swearing even minor swearing are speaking death into a situation, whether used out of anger or excitement. it seems to build a hate inside you and deep down we know we shouldn't anywhere we go, i agree with you WolflilyPeople don't understand that when Jesus said you are going to stand Judgement for every idle word, he meant you are going to stand judgement! What part of Judgement is not understandable? You are right, there is no excuse for swearing at all, in fact it does not minister grace to the hearer, that should have settled it for any Christian right there!
God will hold us accountable for our words.

MyRedeemerLives

2nd March 2004, 02:35 AM

swearing isnt ok whether others use them are not the bible says not to use gods name in vein nor swear doesnt it?

MyRedeemerLives

2nd March 2004, 02:35 AM

???

jive

2nd March 2004, 02:54 AM

the sin behind cursing comes from ur hart. thats where the sin is, not in the word itself. if u tell somebody to "come on"! in hatefull way its just like saying allt he four letter famous "curse words".

Droobie

2nd March 2004, 03:23 AM

Okay... perhaps we should be more specific... is it okay for a Christian to swear?

TrustNo1

2nd March 2004, 10:36 AM

I believe there is nothing wrong with swearing except the Lord's name in vain swearing. Some people swear in an inoffencive way. They have no intent of offending anyone. If swearing does have the intent to offend anyone then it is bad but generally people swear in normal sentences.

GinooKo

9th March 2004, 02:31 AM

There is ABSOLUTELY no swearing in my household especially taking the Lord's name in vain. Even the words "shut **" and "stupi*" are not allowed.

sandal_lover

9th March 2004, 08:50 AM

Listen to me, my beloved bretheran. Even if one wereto take the Lord's name in vain, the Lord would surely forgive us, for He is redemption! :bow:

wood162001

9th March 2004, 09:09 PM

Police officers sometimes use profanity to relate to delinquent youth in an effort to drive home the reality of their actions' serious, life-changing consequences. Young gang-bangers tend not to be affected by "goodness gracious!" You honor -- and command respect from -- someone by speaking their language.
Good example

I think we should all swear as much as possible. then the words will become utterly meaningless and no-one will be offended by them anymore.

Erm, I thought we have already been doing this for hundreds of years, seem's it still has an impact on most people.

AmeriLovesJesus

9th March 2004, 09:44 PM

DONT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN!!!

I hear it all the time.. at work and at home.. My mom knows how I feel about it.. but she still does it.. actually she does it more.. now that she knows.. It makes me upset.. I know Im not perfect.. Im no better then anyone.. or her.. I just don't like hearing it.. He is my everything.. and to use his name in such a bad.. makes me feel very upset.. its affects just as it would effect me.. when someone would talk bad about someone I love.. Jesus is my best friend.. and it hurts to hear such words like that...

Then I get call Hollier then thou... when I ask them to stop.. and then get treated like.. Im wrong for telling.. them what to do..

When I was young.. I was all into.. the bad things.. the devil.. all kinds of stuff.. I dont think I ever worshiped him or anything.. I knew I always loved Jesus.. but wasnt very much understanding.. about him.. I went through a depression.. wore black.. obsessed with death.. terrified of it.. and my Mom.. was always.. so into Jesus.. and always told me about how what I was doing was the devils work.. now when Im all about him.. shes all against it..

I guess I can never win with her.. but hey.. no matter what she does.. this time.. she wont take my faith away.. and my love for Jesus...

Everytime she says those words though.. it makes me so mad

Jack_Racz

9th March 2004, 11:13 PM

DONT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN!!!

Well, you have to remember what it means to take the Lord's name in vain. It's not cussing (although I don't codone it). It's really hard to describe what it means... don't use his name frivolously. Like saying, "I haven't been to class, but since we are best buds and all... can you teach me the course, tonight."

You know what... I can't describe what I am trying to say. Sorry.

Caedmon

10th March 2004, 12:20 AM

Well, you have to remember what it means to take the Lord's name in vain. It's not cussing (although I don't codone it). It's really hard to describe what it means... don't use his name frivolously. Like saying, "I haven't been to class, but since we are best buds and all... can you teach me the course, tonight."

You know what... I can't describe what I am trying to say. Sorry.I think I know what you're trying to say. I don't interpret "taking God's name in vain" as being "cussing," such as the "G" "D" phrase, or others. I see it as taking advantage of God's love, like doing things that work against God's love. You're right... it is hard to describe.

Bullheadangel811

10th March 2004, 12:56 AM

no becasue this such language is very offensive.

AmeriLovesJesus

10th March 2004, 12:58 AM

Well, you have to remember what it means to take the Lord's name in vain. It's not cussing (although I don't codone it). It's really hard to describe what it means... don't use his name frivolously. Like saying, "I haven't been to class, but since we are best buds and all... can you teach me the course, tonight."

You know what... I can't describe what I am trying to say. Sorry.

I think I might get what you are saying.. What I was saying.. some people out of anger.. say the Lord's name with a cuss word at the end.. the G D thing... I dont like that.. and when they are made they say Jesus Christ..

Thats mainly what I was talking about!!! Was that what you were talking about?

Jack_Racz

10th March 2004, 01:06 AM

No, like becoming soo comfortable with God that you no longer respect his authority.

Like you become soo familar with him that you think he owes you something.

AmeriLovesJesus

10th March 2004, 01:21 AM

No, like becoming soo comfortable with God that you no longer respect his authority.

Like you become soo familar with him that you think he owes you something.

OOOOOOO!!! :eek: ...

Jack_Racz

10th March 2004, 11:29 AM

OOOOOOO!!! :eek: ...

Yeah, pretty deep huh?
I always used to wonder why God would use one of the ten commandments on cussing... seemed really odd. Then my pastor explained that He didn't, it just gets interpreted like that.

GlowingFirefly

11th March 2004, 05:46 PM

Cursing is completly wrong in any way shape or form. I do it occationally and I kick myself when I do. It's terrible and offensive, especially when one takes the Lord's name in vain. :(

sammipher

11th March 2004, 06:26 PM

I dont think you should swear at all esp if your a christian..what kind of example would that be for those who are not saved. :angel:

mesue

12th March 2004, 01:03 AM

Is it okay to swear/curse?

No! @*#+ it!
j/k lol

Jack_Racz

12th March 2004, 02:10 AM

Swearing is not a good thing, it makes you look immature.

It's terrible and offensive, especially when one takes the Lord's name in vain. :(

I hate to keep stating this, but taking the Lord's name means more than cussing...

TrustNo1

13th March 2004, 05:55 AM

ok in vain means

Idiom:
in vain
To no avail; without success: Our labor was in vain.
In an irreverent or disrespectful manner: took the Lord's name in vain.

so saying "God is stupid" is in vain but would saying "Oh my God" be in vain? i dont think it is unless you intend it to be. i dont know how you could intend it to be disrespectful when you say "Oh my God." anyone elses thoughts?

atony

23rd March 2004, 12:46 AM

This is as best as I can give you.

Leviticus 19:12
" 'Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD .

Ephesians 4:29 " 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."

Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Why use profanity anyway? It's useless and it certainly isn't wholesome.

Big C

23rd March 2004, 11:57 AM

Cursing and swearing were just part of my vocab before CHRIST so even now I slip now and then...only there's conviction within my spirit now. The bible says "to let no corupt communication proceed from your mouth...only that which is good for edification" What's edifying about "mother f@@@", or "sh@@", or..well, you get my point. We bring life or death through our tounge. My opinion...try not to.

jeffs_girl_2004

23rd March 2004, 11:59 AM

no it is not ok.

†Neil†

25th March 2004, 04:32 AM

Swearing is defined as? If its just saying the word with no intent then it's fine. If it is intended to offend someone then it is bad. Taking the Lord's name in vain is obvious.

daidhaid

26th March 2004, 01:14 AM

swearing and cursing are like herbs and spices you just have to know how to use it properly.
Parents need to teach kids how to swear otherwise swearing just gets sloppy and disorganized.

tasherrill22

26th March 2004, 09:32 PM

That's a good poll

Caissie

26th March 2004, 10:32 PM

Yes, but here is a question for you....

Is saying "scr&w you" the same as saying "F@*# y%!" ?

I think the law is spiritual, so yes.

Neenie

26th March 2004, 10:36 PM

I think it depends on the situation

tech.racer

27th March 2004, 11:07 PM

"Oh my God" .....

I think the intentions of spoken words' give the true answer to this question.

The [M]essiah

29th March 2004, 05:00 AM

Taking the Lord's name in vain - Never acceptable.

Using sexual swear words - Unacceptable, and embarrassing to anyone who hears / sees.

Using lavatorial swear words - Unnecessary, but I certainly let them slip out on rare occasions when I'm angry, and I'd forgive another person for doing so, provided it wasn't in front of children.

Do you really think that people get embarrassed when they hear other people using swear words.

WhereDidGodgo?

29th March 2004, 05:32 AM

As I remember from religion class, using words such as ****, ****, etc. to express frustration are not sinful. Only when it is used against some one or when God's name is being used is it a sin.

Chakotay

29th March 2004, 08:49 PM

I don't believe swearing and cussing are okay. When I say (or even think) words I should not, I ask God's forgiveness and His help in overcoming those words. I don't even like to read them.

daidhaid

30th March 2004, 12:51 AM

it is very impolite to swear at foreigners only in our language.
Everyone should at least make some effort to learn a few curses
in other languages.
people all over the world have learned to swear in english.
it is pathetic that so few of us understand how to swear and curse
in their native tounges.
teachkidstoswearcorrectly.com is a not for profit source for uplifting profanity.
gimme an F

Walk in Faith

30th March 2004, 01:00 AM

I'm working on that..getting better :)

Glorianna

30th March 2004, 03:57 AM

I think that all swearing is bad, but taking the Lord's name in vain is the worst because it is one of the ten commandments.

mle

11th April 2004, 01:00 AM

swearing is not okay

oldrooster

11th April 2004, 04:46 AM

You should not swear at all, I am really working on that one.

Roxa

11th April 2004, 04:49 AM

I believe it is wrong

Soulikz

11th April 2004, 01:07 PM

Ephesians chap 4 verse 29 - basic trans: Swearing is a sin

Samueel

11th April 2004, 10:46 PM

Never should a Christian (or anyone) swear!! It doesn't matter if it's Holy Cow (nothing is holy except God), or Gee (add "sus" and you have Jesus; Gee basically sets it up!).

Samueel

11th April 2004, 10:48 PM

...But still interesting! Using your cursor highlight the smilie here :) and watch it turn into a sad face!

Rather funny!

Sam:cool:

toyjarta

12th April 2004, 08:21 PM

I feel as Christians we should avoid swearing at all. Of course, I find this easier said than done. As I child I use to never swear and mum would always threaten to wash our mouths out with soap if we did. I found it was duing my high school years that I started using the 's' word and even 'oh my god'. I never used them regulalry, just occasionally, particularly when around certain people. How easily we are influenced! I never use the 'f' word and hate it with a passion. Can't believe how freely it is used these days. I also can't believe how young children are using language that I didn't even now exsisted when I was their age!! Feel bad language is just accepted as the norm in movies these days which is influencing kids. I am trying very hard to stop using 'oh my god'. It just comes out and I am really making an effort to change it to gosh!! I liked what Wolflily said about using the many other expressive, less offensive words in our vocabulary!! There certainly are better ones out there.

porcupine

14th April 2004, 10:40 AM

Swearing is taking an oath. Jesus said not to do this but to let our "yea" be "yea" and our "nay" be "nay."

Cursing is to call down evil upon someone or something. We are not to do this either, except to warn people of those things God curses.

Using profane (or common) words such as sexual or excretory references leads to more ungodliness so we should avoid that as well. (2 Timothy 2:16, "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.")

jeshohaia

14th April 2004, 01:33 PM

Be beyond reproach. Enough said.

IamaStacieOrricofan081989

14th April 2004, 04:21 PM

I belivie it's wrong.

Niko

14th April 2004, 04:24 PM

would you swear at Jesus? Would you go up and say Hey F***er to him? I think not. Treat everyone like you would treat Christ (this is harder than it sounds).

Koey

12th May 2004, 10:24 PM

Some words that we consider swear words are just social custom. My father-in-law (a very devout Christian) was cleaning out the barn one day and asked me to help him shovel sh*t. Well, I was offended, until he explained that that is what they call it in the country. After thinking about it, I realized I was being too much of a Pharisee.

I investigated the origin of the word and found out it was from old Anglo-Saxon, whereas the more "polite" words like manure were from the French. Originally, they meant the exact same thing, but in different languages. It was only cultural prejudice by French speakers against Anglo-Saxons that made the one socially inferior.

Now if I use "cabbage" as an expletive, no one is offended. Yet many of my Christian friends say "shoot." So, is a euphemism any better? There are far more important issues for Christians to be concerned about. Blasphemy is a far more important issue.

weezyjenn

12th May 2004, 10:52 PM

It takes a bit of self control for me not to swear sometimes, even in my head. But my next door neighbor blurts out obsenities constantly and it is really offensive. So listening to him has made me realize how unattractive it really is...I pray for him daily!

Caedmon

12th May 2004, 11:23 PM

I investigated the origin of the word and found out it was from old Anglo-Saxon, whereas the more "polite" words like manure were from the French. Originally, they meant the exact same thing, but in different languages. It was only cultural prejudice by French speakers against Anglo-Saxons that made the one socially inferior.Bravo. You've made an excellent point.

Archivist

12th May 2004, 11:34 PM

So long as you are not taking the Lord's name in vain, it is not necessarily a violation of scripture. That still does not automatically make swaring acceptable. In large part it depends on the situation. There are some terms that I might occasionally use when I'm out fishing with the guys that I would not use in front of my grandmother.

Remember that the English language is constantly evolving. Words that were once considered perfectly acceptable are now considered vulger. Prior to the early 1800's the F word was considered acceptable. Now it is not. I once had a woman yell at me becasue I refered to her female dog as a *****--apparently she was not aware that that is the original, and it is still the official, meaning of the word. Until about 25 years ago we still had ******* proceedings here in Pennsylvania, ******* being the legal term for any child born out of wedlock. Today we use the term illegitimate children instead.

This thread brings to mind the old hymn "Once to Every Man and Nation." One of the lines in the hymn is "new occassions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth."

Archivist

12th May 2004, 11:38 PM

I just realized that my post was edited even though I did not use any of the words in a vulger context or in any manner that could be described as swearing. Interesting...

Kristi1

12th May 2004, 11:52 PM

I Voted No, it's NOT alright to curse or swear!!

Here's What I believe

The Bible says below
Ephesians
CHAPTER 4:29

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Holy Bible -- King James Version

"Blessings" \o/

KristiAnn

Unique

13th May 2004, 10:07 AM

My personal take on it is that you should be bright enough to use another vocabulary word. Of course I'm not always too bright. ;)

Kristi1

14th May 2004, 12:51 PM

My personal take on it is that you should be bright enough to use another vocabulary word. Of course I'm not always too bright. ;)

May I ask what other vocabulary word?! I really don't think I used anything out of context at all, at least I am sure I didn't.

"Praise Jesus for Today & Everyday!"

"Blessings"

KristiAnn

godismyjudge

14th May 2004, 02:28 PM

I think we should never swear. This implies that everytime we swear we condemn someone. Instead wouldn't it be better to bless someone?

guitargalmeg

14th May 2004, 06:10 PM

not at all...

bgoddenia

15th May 2004, 12:03 AM

Have you ever felt the desire to swear? To lash out with the 'f' or 's' word? Is only taking the Lord's name in vain swearing in you eyes? Is swearing altogether out? What are your thoughts?Bless You,;) We must fight those desires to swear it's not an addiction,
If the Scripture say do not take the Lord our Gods name in vain, We should be able to respect whats written.

sometimes I'll tell you the truth one might cures of so full of anger that's bottled up inside but that's ok as long we also put our part in fighting and succeeding the mojority time, for we ain't perfect.
curing it don't look right in anyones mouth we should be able to speak as and adult and not act as animals.

For it is also said that for out of the overflow of a mans heart his mouth speak.. And you know that with that same filth we want to Worship God!!
No good, no good,

Looking Unto Christ, Betsy

MQTA

15th May 2004, 12:21 AM

So one should never Swear to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help them God?

MQTA

15th May 2004, 12:28 AM

The people in these polls and threads are very special. I don't think I ever meet anyone like you all, in person. Where do you all hide?

bgoddenia

15th May 2004, 12:44 AM

The people in these polls and threads are very special. I don't think I ever meet anyone like you all, in person. Where do you all hide?
What are you trying to say?

Betsy

MQTA

15th May 2004, 12:53 AM

What are you trying to say?

Betsy

In reading this thread, and others, about various topics, I realize I don't know or meet people in the stores, the streets, at work, around town, near schools, while driving, who act in ways a great majority here would indicate how they are.

Koey

15th May 2004, 03:41 AM

So one should never Swear to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help them God?Now that is a misunderstanding of language. When courts use the word "swear" they are not using it in the same sense that Jesus did.

The following is taken from an article at http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/gospels/matt5.htm (http://www.wcg.org/lit/bible/gospels/matt5.htm)

Do not swear

"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, `Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord'" (v. 33). These principles are taught in Scripture (Num. 30:2; Deut. 23:31). But what the Torah clearly allowed, Jesus did not:

"But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King" (Matt. 5:34-35). Apparently the Jewish leaders allowed people to take oaths in these names, perhaps to avoid pronouncing the holy name of God.

"And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your `Yes' be `Yes,' and your `No,' `No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one" (vs. 36-37). The principle is simple: honesty—but the point is made in a startling way. Exceptions are allowed.

Jesus himself said more than Yes and No. He often said Amen, Amen. He said that heaven and earth would pass away, but his words would not. He called God as witness that what he was saying was true. Paul also wrote some oath-like affirmations, rather than simply saying Yes (Rom. 7:1, 2 Cor. 1:23).

So we see again that we should not take the bold statements of the Sermon on the Mount as prohibitions that must be enforced exactly as written. We should have simple honesty, but we can on occasion emphasize the truth of what we are saying.

In a court of law, to use a modern example, we are allowed to "swear" to tell the truth, and ask God to help us tell the truth. It is nitpicking to say that "affirm" is acceptable but "swear" is not. In a court of law, these words mean the same thing—and both are more than a simple Yes.

Tara

15th May 2004, 04:28 AM

No I don't believe it is right to swear.

caitlincares

15th May 2004, 01:05 PM

For myself NO.
But like everything we are given free will.
Taking the Lord's name in vain is absolutely wrong.

And remember what a "swear or curse" word is subjective.
I remember growing up just saying HELL was evil.
Hell is a real place we need to talk about.

I know folks even to this day when talking about Christian matters say
HE Hockey stick.
It is just a word. It is the context of using the word that makes it wrong.

Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and keeping us from HELL!

Addaperle

16th May 2004, 06:01 AM

I'm trying to get it all out of my system. Managed to replace [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth] with Oh my goodness instead... working on things one at a time... :prayer:

Neenie

16th May 2004, 07:24 AM

The people in these polls and threads are very special. I don't think I ever meet anyone like you all, in person. Where do you all hide?

They all hide In their bedrooms, In front of a computer. Including me! :D

We are very special! :clap::clap::clap:

Stormboy

16th May 2004, 07:52 AM

They all hide In their bedrooms, In front of a computer. Including me!

:notme:
:D

faithfulwarrior

17th May 2004, 04:03 AM

I do not think it is right or justifiable to swear. Yeah, we are all human and fall, occasionaly or frequently swearing, depending on who you are. But, no matter how angry we are, that does not make it right to swear.
The Bible talks about using our lips to 'speak words of kindness' and to 'glorify the Lord'.. We need to, as the Bible says, use our tongues to encourage people and not to slander them. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth" But rather, we should use our mouth to glorify the Lord and lift others up in the name of Jesus. We cannot do this whilst we are swearing and cursing people. Jesus did not go around doing it, and neither should we.
If any of you have problems swearing, give it to God and he will help you through it. I went through a stage quite a few years back where i would swear a lot when I got angry, but thankfully God helped me through it. It can be a very hard habit to break, but don't do it cause it's not glorifying God!
Godbless

MQTA

17th May 2004, 04:14 AM

What about when you smash your bare feet into a chair or a bed leg?

faithfulwarrior

17th May 2004, 05:52 AM

Lol, still doesn't justify it! (Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS)

Koey

17th May 2004, 06:47 AM

What about when you smash your bare feet into a chair or a bed leg?
I think one of the hardest words to say when you hit your finger with a hammer is "ouch!" LOL.

Using corrupt language is strongly discouraged in the Bible. However, what does that mean? I think we get so legalistic about making lists of words we can and cannot use, that we forget the intent. The intent of the Christian life is to show love. Some words offend some people, but those same words may fall into the category of becoming a Jew to the Jew or a Greek to the Greek in other circumstances.

I heard of a biker gang that was reached for Christ because a certain pastor spoke just like they did. I would not have been comfortable with the choice, but hey, how can I judge whether or not his words were "corrupt" under the circumstances?

Many legalistic preachers only talk about a choice between good and evil, but life is not like that. Sometimes we have a choice between two goods AND sometimes that worst of all choices: between two evils.

Maybe in such circumstances it is just like Rahab, who had the choice between two evils: to lie or turn in the spies. Perhaps that motorcylce preacher chose the lesser of two evils: either to say some bad words or leave a motorcylce gang unevangelized.

Mimi

17th May 2004, 06:59 AM

Sometimes it is hard to avoid, when I see injustice i.e. I can not always hold my breath....or when I hit my knee against the sharp corner of the table....F-words come out. But I do not try to swear in public and taking God's name in vain happens to me once in a while......but I SHOULD never do it. I always say: "Sorry God" in shame....if it happens. I getting better at it.....but I am only human.

Lotta love and sunshine,
Mimi

MQTA

17th May 2004, 09:08 AM

Well, I don't think He hasn't heard any of the words that have come through my mouth. I think He goes by intent, audience, and circumstance. Guess we'll find out some day.

Mr Tom

17th May 2004, 09:21 AM

I dont think that swearing is necessarily bad, only it doesnt always put across a good message about christians to non-christians. i mean, i do swear, sometimes too much, it has kinda become part of my language, but I only use it around specific people...after all you've gotta be careful when you work in a Hilton - it takes much self control lol! i use different language around different people, and i think everyone does to some extent. although He knows everything that I say. It isnt necessarily wrong, I think it become wrong when you use swear words to describe people, although I cant really say that i dont do it :(

MQTA

17th May 2004, 09:50 AM

When I see and hear people using all sorts of language, I don't try to figure out their religion. They're either speaking (volume, tone, context) in a relaxed free manor, or threatening and rude. But that's just me. The only language I find offensive are things like "stick 'em up", "you're gonna die", "gimme your money", things like that...

Caedmon

17th May 2004, 01:20 PM

If "cursing" is sinful, then why does Christ curse the Pharisees in Matthew 33 with phrases like "son of Hell," "blind guides," "fools," "blind men," "full of robbery and self indulgence," "whitewashed tombs," "full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness," "full of hypocrisy and lawlessness," "sons of those who murdered the prophets," "serpents," "brood of vipers"? Why didn't he just tell them that they were "wrong"?

yossi316

17th May 2004, 04:19 PM

The F word is becoming more socially acceptable. I believe that swearing makes a person sound less smart.

MQTA

17th May 2004, 04:26 PM

I guess I've seen a lot of PhD's, Masters, BA's and BS's who sound less smart.

UberLutheran

17th May 2004, 04:45 PM

...it falls under "all things are lawful, but all things are not helpful." (1 Corinthians 6:12).

True confessions: When I drove a nail completely through my foot, I cussed. In fact, I cussed a blue streak! In fact, I had a REAL good idea of what the Crucifixion must have felt like for Jesus!

When I woke up after having my elbow rebuilt (imagine hitting your funny bone, and then amplify that experience by a factor of nineteen!), and the nurse was slapping my face in the surgical recovery room -- I cussed.

When I woke up from another surgery to find out that the "appendicitis" I thought I had was a malignant tumor, and that a third of my colon and two feet of my small intestine were missing -- I cussed!

Past that, I normally don't do a lot of cussing.

rubberduckie

24th May 2004, 09:27 PM

Thanks for the True Confessions UberLutheran ;) I used to cuss a bit in middle school, when around my friends (non-Christians) or when mad at my Dad or sibs. But I have found, that it only kills me and others, and it's not necessary, there is no reason anyone ever has to cuss. And people usually don't make fun of me, at least, if I ask them not to cuss. And usually people will say, "I was going to say something, but Hilary is here, so I won't." It's kinda funny. But in math class, this guy I sat next to cussed all the time, and he did the same thing after a while, "I'm not going to cause she doesn't like it." So they can refrain. And I was talking to my friend, who used to be really close to me in eight grae, and we haven't talked for a while. But he cussed, and I said, *ahem, and he said "sorry, I forgot, I guess I haven't hng out with you in a while, but really I don't cuss that much." So, you know there's no excuse. But if you've got problems cussing, than ask the Lord to help you :).

RyanLJohnson1

28th May 2004, 03:50 PM

Has anybody mentioned Colossians 3:8?

Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."

I remember somebody in this thread mentioning that they only swear when they get angry.

Colossians 3:8 makes it perfectly clear that using filthy language is not acceptable. And neither is anger. Most of the time when I hear somebody swear, I hear it accompanied by anger. Actually, the swearing is used to vent the anger. So you should not only think twice about swearing... you should think twice about becoming angry.

Check out James 1:26 (NIV)

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."

And... James 3:3-12 (NIV)

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 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. Likewise the t