Cussing Christians?

[5 point Gillinist]

It seems that there has been a huge influx lately in what I would consider traditionally conservative churches, that are now becoming more lenient on cussing. I see nowhere in the bible where cussing is encouraged.

Typical arguments are Paul's use of "σκύβαλον" (skubalon meaning refuse) as justification for more derogatory/offensive terms for refuse.
Another justification is from I believe Isaiah where he likens Israel to being a harlot in some very scathing language.

I believe strong language is at times necessary, but strong language and swear words are (in my mind) two different things. In my opinion, this is another liberal trend that is attempting to blur the lines of clear scriptural truths.
What are your thoughts?

 

[Lodic]

I couldn't agree more. As followers of Christ, we are to be different from the world. Yet, how would anyone know we are different if we look and sound just like those in the world? In Ephesians 4:29-31, St. Paul instructs us to "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth", and to put away "evil speaking". In addition to cussing, I believe this also applies to off-color jokes and sarcasm.

I like to tell of an incident when I was in the Army. Soldiers are required to perform operator maintenance on their vehicles (under supervision of shop mechanics). Once, just before the 4th of July, I was on a creeper underneath my 2 1/2 ton "deuce and a half" changing the oil. One of my buddies surprised me by throwing some firecrackers under the truck. When they went off, I jumped, banging my head on something. I yelped out a loud "owwwww" as I crawled out to see confront the wise guy. One of the guys watching got with me shortly after this prank to tell me that was when he realized I was the "real deal". The Lord used that prank to have me lead this soldier to Christ.

Yes, our words matter. People are listening. More importantly, God is listening. Jesus said that we will have to give an account for every idle word that we have spoken (Matthew 12:36).

 

[5 point Gillinist]

I couldn't agree more. As followers of Christ, we are to be different from the world. Yet, how would anyone know we are different if we look and sound just like those in the world? In Ephesians 4:29-31, St. Paul instructs us to "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth", and to put away "evil speaking". In addition to cussing, I believe this also applies to off-color jokes and sarcasm.

Absolutely, gossip, sarcasm, coarse joking, etc. are all summed up in this. I totally agree the world is watching us. Many simply do so in order to find fault and have an "aha" moment in which they declare that we are just like them. But as you said God uses our conduct and words to draw the unbelieving to Him as well.
Unfortunately, I have brought up before with others that even the world knows that these words are wrong. Their response -

"The world will ALWAYS find God offensive, the attempt by the church to water down the gospel to its least offensive form over the last 100 years might be less offensive to some, but its much more offensive to God. Speaking truth is way more powerful to the unbeliever than speaking a kind politically correct statement."

Which attempts to justify their sin by conflating it with preaching the gospel.

They also categorized "corrupt speech" as immoral speech - of which they didn't encompass cursing.
The argument then devolved into "what makes a word bad" "what is a swear word" etc. simply muddying the waters on what they know to be wrong.
This seems to be part of the larger misuse of "Christian liberty."

 

[Salty]

hope this is not to far off OP
When I was overseas,
I did cuss in German - until I found out what it meant!

 

[5 point Gillinist]

hope this is not to far off OP
When I was overseas,
I did cuss in German - until I found out what it meant!

As if cussing itself wasn't bad enough you also spoke german

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

I think it depends on where you draw the line on "coarse language" versus "cussing". I have no problem with Sarcasm as God is sarcastic and He is actually quite funny! I think 1 Kings 18:27 puts that discussion to rest.

Coarse language can be good at times. Jesus used coarse language often: Whitewashed tombs, broods of vipers, hypocrites, etc. If you translate "brood of vipers" to modern English it'd probably be something like "A bunch of liars, and hypocrites who'd snatch you bald headed".

30 years ago we used to have common words for gays that start with F and Q. I will not use them here as the Baptist Board is essentially someone else's house, so I submit to the rules here. However, I still use those as they are accurate terms. I still call men "Gay" and "Effeminate" that wear skinny jeans, and I do so in their presence, not behind their back. Men need to hold other men accountable. In Hebrews 12:8 God says unregenerate people are bastards and not sons.

I think usage of these words is "profitable". They have valuable meaning. Many are in His Word, but to throw expletives in with them is not profitable and does nothing but inflame. Words that do nothing but inflame I would put in the "Unprofitable" category, which would include expletives.

Modern Christians need to be far more willing to offend than they are. We are where we are now because too many Christians sat on their hands. Feelings don't dictate right or wrong. God's Word does as John the Baptist would likely love to tell everyone nowadays. There's a ditch on the other side though, God commands us to love our enemies. So a Christian needs to be willing to call a spade a spade unapologetically, and loudly while at the same time preaching repentance from sin AND not holding past sin against a new believer.

 

[5 point Gillinist]

I have no problem with Sarcasm as God is sarcastic and He is actually quite funny! I think 1 Kings 18:27 puts that discussion to rest.

Sarcasm in certain settings/situations is fine. I was very sarcastic all the time before salvation, in other words I was a jerk. I myself need to be careful of it though now.

Coarse language can be good at times. Jesus used coarse language often: Whitewashed tombs, broods of vipers, hypocrites, etc. If you translate "brood of vipers" to modern English it'd probably be something like "A bunch of liars, and hypocrites who'd snatch you bald headed".

I wouldn't necessarily call that "coarse language" more strong language, used in a proper setting. I think of coarse being vulgarities, or indecent. Strong language is absolutely called for in certain instances, and is intended to shock while conveying a terrible truth.

I think usage of these words is "profitable". They have valuable meaning. Many are in His Word, but to throw expletives in with them is not profitable and does nothing but inflame. Words that do nothing but inflame I would put in the "Unprofitable" category, which would include expletives.

I agree with much of what you said. I absolutely believe there are times that strong language is profitable, but I make a distinction between that and expletives, I know many preachers who are able to deliver a scathing rebuke without resorting to expletives. My concern is younger Christians nowadays (many unfortunately from the reformed camp) seem to want to push the envelope more and more with their "christian liberties."
Unfortunately this is moving increasingly into sinful and/or borderline sinful things. We should by no means be unwilling to offend, that is another unbiblical extreme that the church is adopting from the world, but when we offend it should be for righteousness sake. I don't think trying to argue "what makes an expletive an expletive/sinful?" in order to try and justify doing something that has for generations been commonly understood to be sin, is an overly positive trend in the church. This is why I believe it is another "liberal" foot in the door so to speak.

 

[Alcott]

Was Jesus sarcastic in the garden when he told his sleeping disciples, "Sleep on now-- take your rest!"

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Sarcasm in certain settings/situations is fine. I was very sarcastic all the time before salvation, in other words I was a jerk. I myself need to be careful of it though now.



I wouldn't necessarily call that "coarse language" more strong language, used in a proper setting. I think of coarse being vulgarities, or indecent. Strong language is absolutely called for in certain instances, and is intended to shock while conveying a terrible truth.




I agree with much of what you said. I absolutely believe there are times that strong language is profitable, but I make a distinction between that and expletives, I know many preachers who are able to deliver a scathing rebuke without resorting to expletives. My concern is younger Christians nowadays (many unfortunately from the reformed camp) seem to want to push the envelope more and more with their "christian liberties."
Unfortunately this is moving increasingly into sinful and/or borderline sinful things. We should by no means be unwilling to offend, that is another unbiblical extreme that the church is adopting from the world, but when we offend it should be for righteousness sake. I don't think trying to argue "what makes an expletive an expletive/sinful?" in order to try and justify doing something that has for generations been commonly understood to be sin, is an overly positive trend in the church. This is why I believe it is another "liberal" foot in the door so to speak.

It sounds like we're pretty much on the same page. I agree with everything in your comment. Strong language probably is a better fit than coarse.

 

[Revmitchell]

It seems that there has been a huge influx lately in what I would consider traditionally conservative churches, that are now becoming more lenient on cussing. I see nowhere in the bible where cussing is encouraged.

Typical arguments are Paul's use of "σκύβαλον" (skubalon meaning refuse) as justification for more derogatory/offensive terms for refuse.
Another justification is from I believe Isaiah where he likens Israel to being a harlot in some very scathing language.

I believe strong language is at times necessary, but strong language and swear words are (in my mind) two different things. In my opinion, this is another liberal trend that is attempting to blur the lines of clear scriptural truths.
What are your thoughts?

where are these churches?

 

[5 point Gillinist]

where are these churches?

Jeff Durbin of Apologia church is one of them, Doug Wilson of Moscow Idaho, and a pastor named Will Hess though I am unsure of his church. A number of laymen have come out of the woodwork in support of this after Jeff Durbin spoke at the "fight, love, feast" gathering a year and a half ago.

 

[Lodic]

The Bible says that we are Christ's ambassadors. As such, we are supposed to represent Him in everything we say and do. If a situation calls for using strong language as Jesus did, we should follow His example. However, Jesus never cussed. Colossians 4:6 tells us to let our speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. Our speech should edify Christ and the Church. I believe Christians who cuss habitually weaken their impact for Christ. What would Jesus say?

 

[Marooncat79]

I work beside one

he does not sin

Church of God

 

[Reynolds]

It seems that there has been a huge influx lately in what I would consider traditionally conservative churches, that are now becoming more lenient on cussing. I see nowhere in the bible where cussing is encouraged.

Typical arguments are Paul's use of "σκύβαλον" (skubalon meaning refuse) as justification for more derogatory/offensive terms for refuse.
Another justification is from I believe Isaiah where he likens Israel to being a harlot in some very scathing language.

I believe strong language is at times necessary, but strong language and swear words are (in my mind) two different things. In my opinion, this is another liberal trend that is attempting to blur the lines of clear scriptural truths.
What are your thoughts?

Cussing Christians. Glutenous Christians. Temper tantrum having Christians. Christians who steal time from boss by messing around when should be working.
All the same IMO.

 

[5 point Gillinist]

I work beside one

he does not sin

Church of God

I guess calling God a liar isn't a sin after all.

You should direct him to a book by H.A. Ironside called "Holiness the false and the true." Mr. Ironside suffered (or came close to) a mental breakdown when he held to the complete sanctification doctrine.

 

[Dr. Bob]

I will not God's name vainly.

Also, I won't use scatological humor or what is considered "vulgar", especially the 4-letter variety from the folk English (older Anglo-Saxon pre-1066) that is not considered "genteel" or proper in society.

I did about choke down a response when parents made their son apologize to me after church because he had ****** (noisily passed gas) while I was preaching. I was more shocked at his WORD and hadn't even heard the offensive action.