The other day I posted an ” innocent” question on my Facebook status: Is it ok for Christians to cuss? Unaware of the controversy it would spark I found myself in the middle of a serious debate between one side claiming that certain words were not supposed to be said at all against another side who claimed that words mean nothing without context.
The question came up because of something our pastor said this past Sunday about not watching movies or tv with cuss words (especially taking the Lord’s name in vain). And I began to wonder whether refraining from saying or hearing particular words was essential to the gospel or a cultural stumbling block, an extra burden added to the gospel. I will give my beliefs on the issue in the next post but for now let’s look at the relevant texts.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 ESV) The emphasis here is on how we talk. The words we use should be for building up and not tearing down.
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4 ESV) The context of this verse is Paul exhorting believers to avoid sexual immorality and in the greek all the words for speech in this verse refer to speech that in classical times were or could be considered sexually immoral. It is clear that followers of Christ must not use words to promote or endorse sexual immorality. They must be use words of thanksgiving for what we have and not to lust after what we don’t have
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. (Colossians 3:8 ESV) The word “obscene talk” refers to speech that brings about shame on the speaker
So from the relevant texts we can gather that cursing has more to do with the purpose and goal of our words than the words itself. Are they corrupting and tearing down or are they building up? Are they full of thanksgiving or lust? Are they honorable or shameful? Stay tuned for part 2 where we talk about the role of context, culture, and the bigger picture of the gospel
On one hand, ‘they will know we are Christians by our love’ not by which words we may or may not use. But on the other hand, can we love with s**t on out tongues?
Lol. That is probably the funniest comment I’ve ever received!
As someone who has been doing ministry on the hard streets of Baltimore, using the language of the streets has become a way past stereotypes and into real relationship with people who don’t even think of this as cussing. In fact, not cussing and using the language of the streets with them, sets you apart and makes it difficult to relate, and possibly beings shame upon them so that they close down with you.
Now, that’s not to say I haven’t unloaded a bomb or two with friends ever, because I have, so it isn’t just on the streets…but that’s something to consider!
That’s interesting that you brought up the relationship aspect. I have heard it from the opposite end of the spectrum: Cussing will make you appear more like those who are not followers of Christ and this is not good because we will lose our distinctiveness.
Yes, Steven brings up a good point that words are contextual and what is considered offensive is sometimes even arbitrary. I think a lot about Romans 14:12-23 in this context.
I am not sure if right or wrong, but I am disturbed when christians (and non-Christians) place weight on words (actions, opinions, etc.) which suggest an eternal damnation. It is disturbing for many reasons, some of which include: judgment, superiority, man created “commandments”, unconscious and conscious separation, condemnation, and a failure to see beyond the exterior of others. I look forward to reading your part 2.
I personally always find it a little silly when Christians cuss…
It’s really not a big deal, no one is gonna go to hell over it, and I have never taken an emphatic stance on it with my brothers or sisters when I hear it. They just sound childish when they do it. They don’t sound un-Christian, they don’t sound unholy, they just sound immature. They are people who lack the imagination and the creativity necessary to use real, grown-up words.
I guess its kinda like teenage boys talking about how many people they’ve beat up, when I know they would probably wet their pants if they ever got into a fight with anyone who knew what they were doing. Or teenage girls bragging about how much sex they’ve had, when I know they are about to find out what single mother-hood will be like. It’s silly, bordering on sad; reveling in what should be mourned.
Of course, maybe I feel this way cause it was such a struggle for me to change my language. It took me years to eradicate some of those words from my vocabulary…
“Of course, maybe I feel this way cause it was such a struggle for me to change my language. It took me years to eradicate some of those words from my vocabulary…”
Steve,
I think u touched on one of the most important issues in this conversation with these lines. I will expand on it in the next post