Almost all of us at some point have let some unfortunate words fly out of our mouths...sometimes at inappropriate times or unguarded moments.... stubbing my toe is a particular favourite of mine...
I know there are a wide variety of opinions on what constitutes swearing and how acceptable it is from Christians, so here's a short exploration of the issue...
What is swearing?
The first question and probably the most obvious place to start is what is swearing?
I guess any word or phrase used in anger or to put down or belittle others would constitute swearing and really is probably unacceptable...I don't suppose they'd be much argument there...but what about well known 'offensive' words? (if you want examples...use your imagination...we all know the ones I'm talking about.)
Are the words themselves offensive, or is it their use that makes them wrong?
I work in an environment where swearing is a natural and accepted conversational tool...it is simply how people talk; there is no morality connected to it (most of the time). Although I do try not to get sucked into that culture.
We talk about Jesus speaking to people on their own levels and in accessible ways. In that situation would Jesus use swear words in the same way he used parables to get his message across?
William Booth is quoted as saying he'd go to great lengths to be accessible, relevant and to reach the lost:
"If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head and playing the tambourine with my toes, I'd learn how!"
Do we think this would include swearing... I doubt it, I think that's a big leap...but it's something to consider that joining a culture of conversational swearing might make us more accessible...but there comes the danger...we could easily fill every church and Salvation Army hall if we compromised our beliefs, didn't take moral stances and essentially did everything simply to please and entertain people...here's the link to a post I wrote about this issue. 'How to improve church attendance in 5 easy steps' our first priority and duty is to God, and the mission He has called us to undertake and we must not compromise that.
Does swearing compromise our mission and calling? Just for a little food for thought consider that language has changed and evolved and continues to. There was a time when the word 'knackered' was unacceptable in Salvation Army circles...I think it's mostly ok now...has swearing simply become part of our accepted lexicon with no moral connotations?
Gosh Darn it!
I was watching the Simpsons the other day and anyone will know the devout, church going Ned Flanders often uses gibberish when he talks..."diddly doodly" and so on...in one episode it's explained that this his way of expressing anger...is this godly man one of the worst potty mouths in the show?
https://youtu.be/K_hprv7uaK4
The question is, are the alternative words that Christians sometimes use to avoid swearing in fact swearing themselves...and if they are then they are just as morally reprehensible as the more well known words...
Speaking of alternative swear words, here's a link to a video that helped inspired this post...Tim Hawkins Christian cuss words. https://youtu.be/aHGbKuZzq3E
Context and intention
So this is my opinion... context and intention is everything...I don't really think it matters what words we use and that words are not necessarily good or bad in themselves...but it's how and where we use them that's the issue.
If you know that people around you particularly fellow believers will be offended by them; then it's probably best to give them a miss in order to show ourselves as people that love and support each other and take notice of other people's concerns.
And of course as above using any words to put down or belittle others is totally unacceptable... regardless as to whether you or they consider the words offensive or not.
In conversation...well that's the tricky question...let's be honest if your non Christian friends/co-workers hear you cussing up a storm expect to have questions asked because even in conversational swearing there is a morality attached to certain words...I suppose it's up to each of us to decide where our lines are...the bible clearly speaks out against swearing (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:8, Psalm 10:7) but once again, as above, I believe that it is the context and intention that makes a word moral or immoral...not the words themselves.
So in summary; I don't offer a solution or hard-line stance on this issue just an opinion...and here it is:
Be kind, be holy.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength...and love your neighbour as yourself...if we keep all this in mind and put others before ourselves I don't think we'll go far wrong...if in doubt though, keep it clean.
I would love to hear your feedback and comments on this blog, and of course feel free to sign up with your email address to avoid missing new posts (if viewing on a mobile device you may need to click on 'view web version')
Please like and share the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Inspired-by-Faith-640803452678981/
Take a look at Inspired by Faith on Twitter: (@InspiredFaith88): https://twitter.com/InspiredFaith88?s=09
Disclaimer: the opinions and comments expressed in this blog are personal and do not necessarily represent the views and policies of the Salvation Army