Cursing: Does Jesus Care if We Cuss?
- Casual profanity trivialize such words such as "hell," "God,"
and "Jessus Christ." It also tends to diminish the wholesomeness with which Scripture calls us to
communicate with other people.
- When the Bible emphasizes the sanctity of oral
communication, it is speaking to the use of profanity.
- Using foul language goes cross-grain to the elements of
Scripture, Reason, Tradition, and Experience in the Wesleyan quadrilateral.
- Several Bible passages that highlight the power of language call us to speak with dignity and
respect.
Is it okay for Christians to use profanity?
"What goes into your mouth does not defile you, but what comes out of your mouth, that
is what defiles you. . . . But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these
defile you." -- Matthew 15:11, 18
In a recent issue of The Echo, SNU's student newspaper, a student wrote that
Jesus doesn't care if we cuss or swear. The implication was that casual use of foul language is
OK for Christians.
It's not. Here's why in terms of the four elements of the Wesleyan quadrilateral.
Scripture
God knows something about the powerful communication tool we call language. That's
clear from the way John begins his gospel: "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1). In
Genesis 1 God speaks the universe into being1. The final words of Revelation are a
warning about adding to or subtracting from the "words" of that prophetic book (Revelation
22:19)2.
As to the specific issue of cussing, there are worse evils than using profanity. Still,
two of the Ten Commandments (the third and the ninth) deal with the
sanctity of oral communication. James scolds his readers for their foul language: "Out of the
same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" (James 3:10)
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges believers to focus their thoughts on "whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . excellent or praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8). I
do not think expletives related to human waste are what Paul had in mind as "pure and lovely."
Paul also tells the Ephesians that obscenities and "coarse joking" are "improper for God's holy
people" (Ephesians 5:4).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus
admonished his listeners not to
say "raca" to someone (Matthew 5:22). Scholars are divided as to whether "raca" was technically
a curse word. However, it was a strong enough insult that, as Jesus noted, a person could be
taken to court over using it. That might place "raca" in the same category as the "n" word
hurled at Black people today in the USA or the "yellow people" phrase said about people of
Asian descent.
Reason
That the movie industry warns audiences about language it considers inappropriate for
children and young people to hear speaks volumes about a need for discernment in
vocabulary use.
There is great power in words. The casual use of "damn" trivializes the awfulness of divine
judgment. Using "hell" as a cuss word diminishes the appalling thought of an eternity apart from
God. Sprinkling conversations with expletives related to sexual intimacy demeans the sacredness
of the divinely ordained union of a man and a woman within the bounds of marriage.
Tradition
Believers of every culture clean up their language when they come to faith in Jesus. That's
been true down through history. It's one of those "new things" Paul speaks about as he writes to
the Corinthians. I personally observed the changing vocabulary of new believers in Italy and
Haiti, all without any prompting from a preacher. Through the ages, the new tongue of believers
has resounded with dignity and respect.
Experience
A young man recently told me that he only cussed among friends and in the presence of
certain professors. It was clear that he understood there was something not quite right about his
use of foul language. He knew it apparently wasn't okay to use in front of everyone, but he
could not resist the titillating experience of using "forbidden" words. He needed to listen to his
conscience as it tried to confirm the words. Jesus says in Luke's gospel: "Out of the overflow of a
man's heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). [ The power of Jesus'
words ]
To speak against swearing is neither excessive prudery nor a misguided attempt to squelch
legitimate expression. Arguing against the use of foul language is an acknowledgment of the
power of language.
Does Jesus care if we cuss, swear, or use profanity? People who say He doesn't care
display woeful ignorance of Scripture as well as a callous disregard for what believers through
the centuries have experienced, and an insensitivity to the voice of a sanctified conscience.
-- Howard Culbertson,
This article originally appeared in an issue of The Echo, Southern
Nazarene University's student newspaper
- 1"God said" -- Genesis 1:3, 6 9, 14, 20, 24;
"Then God said" -- Genesis 1:11, 26
- 2"And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take
away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in
this scroll." -- Revelation 22:19
What does the Bible say about cussing?
The Bible verses below directly refer to the question of swearing and cursing. There are
other scripture passages with divine principles that could also be applied to the issue.
- "No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter." -- Exodus 20:7, The
Message
- "Do not let your mouth lead you into sin." -- Ecclesiastes 5:6
- "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." -- Psalm 141:3
- "All this cussing and lying and killing, theft and loose sex, sheer anarchy, one murder after
another!" -- Hosea 4:6, The Message
- "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. , , , On the Judgment Day you will have to
give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. Your words will be used to judge
you."
-- Matthew 12:34, 36bh-37a, Good News Translation
- " It's from the heart that we vomit up evil arguments, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts,
lies, and cussing. That's what pollutes." -- Matthew 15:16-20, The Message
- "Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead" -- Ephesians 4:29, J.B.
Phillips
- "Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you
should give thanks to God." -- Ephesians 5:4, Good News Translation
- "Now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred,
cursing, and dirty language." -- Colossians 3:8, The Living Bible
- "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be
so." -- James 3:10, English Standard Version
- "Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear -- not by heaven or by earth or by anything
else." -- James 5:10
Questions for reflection
- What does the Bible say about the use of foul language and swearing? How might these
biblical passages reflect the sanctity of oral communication and the power of language?
- Why might it be important for Christians to consider how their their language and
vocabulary impact on other people? In what ways could the casual use of profanity diminish the
sacredness of certain topics or trivialize important concepts?
- In what ways could swearing or using foul language contradict the values and traditions of
Christianity? Is there any significance in the fact that that believers throughout history and
in various cultural contexts have adjusted their language after converting to Christianity?
Afterword
Christians often consider the use of profanity or vulgar language to be incompatible with
their beliefs. Their reasons include the following:
- Respect for Others: Christ-followers are called to
treat others with love, dignity, and respect. Using vulgar language can be offensive or hurtful to
other people. That contradicts the command to love our neighbors.
- Reflecting Christ: Christians seek to emulate the
teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Didn't He emphasize purity of heart? Might using profanity fall short of reflecting
Him?
- Reflecting Christian values: Using profanity or
cussing may be seen as incongruent with the kindness and compassion that are central to the
Christian faith.
- Guarding Speech: The Bible teaches the importance
of guarding our speech. We are to use words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians
4:29). Wouldn't cursing and vulgar language go against this principle?
- Setting an Example: Christians are to be a
positive example for others, including especially children and non-believers. Avoiding profanity
can demonstrate self-control and a commitment to moral values.
- Honoring God: Language is often considered a gift
from God. Shouldn't it, therefore, be used in ways that honor Him?
- Cultural Influence: Refraining from using profanity
can set Christians apart from the surrounding culture and demonstrate their commitment to
high values. /li>
- Personal conviction: For many Christians, refraining from cussing or using profanity
is a matter of personal conviction and spiritual maturation. They may feel convicted by the Holy
Spirit to guard their speech and use words that honor God and reflect their commitment to
following Christ while being in the world even though they are not part of it (John
17:14-16).
Breaking the Habit
Breaking a habit like cussing can be challenging. However, having a plan and
pervering can bring success. Ask the Lord to help you. Ask Him to fill your mind with good
words.
Here are some other things you can use:
- Awareness: Be aware of when and why you cuss.
Notice the situations and emotions that trigger foul language coming out of your
mouth.
- Replacement: Replace curse words with
alternative expressions or words that are more neutral or positive. For example, instead of saying
a cuss word when frustrated, say things like, "Oh, fiddlesticks," "Well, isn't that a bucket of
bolts?", "Oh, for heaven's sake!" "Heavens to Betsy," "goodness gracious," "oh my goodness." or
"ood grief!"
- Pause and breathe: When you feel an urge to cuss,
pause and take a deep breath. As you regain control, choose a different response.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself for not
cussing. Use a treat, a small indulgence, or simply acknowledg your progress. Positive
reinforcement will call forth further desired behavior.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques,
such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help increase self-awareness and self-control.
That will make it easier to break the cussing habit.
- Surround yourself with support: Let friends, family,
or coworkers know that you're trying to break the cussing habit. Ask for their support.
Having people who encourage and remind you can make the process easier.
- Set specific goals: Set goals for yourself. These can
include reducing the number of times you cuss each day or going a certain period of time without
cussing. Having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused.
- Stay patient and persistent: Breaking habit takes
time and effort. Be patient with yourself. Don't get discouraged if you occasionally slip up.
Remind yourself of why you want to change. After you stumble, re-focus on your goal.
- Seek professional help: If cussing significantly
impacts your life or relationships, seek help from a pastor or mental health counselor. They can
provide support and guidance tailored specifically for you.
Remember, breaking a habit like cussing doesn't always happen overnight. However, with
determination, consistent effort and dependence on the Lord, you can be set free.
From a Practical Point of View
The use of profanity or cus words can have several negative outcomes, including:
- Perceived Unprofessionalism: Using profanity in professional or formal settings can
make you look unprofessional. It may affect how others perceive your competence and
maturity.
- Offensiveness: Profanity can offend others, especially in diverse groups where
cultural and personal sensitivities vary. Relationships can be strained. Your profanity may create
uncomfortable or hostile environments for people.
- Loss of Credibility: Frequent cussing can undermine the seriousness with which you
want others to treat you and what you say. Your cursing may lead others to question your
emotional control.
- Negative Influence on Children: Parents, educators, or others in role model
positions who use profanity set poor examples for children. Younger individuals may be tempted
to imitate your boorish behavior.
- Legal and Social Consequences: In some situations, profanity can lead to legal
issues, incluidng charges of verbal harassment or public disturbance. Socially, it can damage
reputations and even lead to ostracism.
- Escalation of Conflict: Profanity tends to escalate conflicts or arguments, making it
harder to resolve disputes amicably. When it provokes stronger emotional reactions, profanity
reduces the likelihood of constructive dialogue.
- Hindrance to Effective Communication: Excessive cussing can clutter
communication, making it less clear and impactful. It may distract from the main message and
reduce the overall effectiveness of your communication.
- Cultural and Contextual Inappropriateness: Profane expressions that might be
considered mild or even acceptable in one culture or context can be deeply offensive in another.
Ignoring these differences can cause misunderstandings and even offenses.
Some try to argue that profanity is a way to express strong emotions and foster solidarity
within certain groups. Is it worth the risk of all the negative consequences?
Related articles
How powerful is language?
Several years ago, InterVarsity Fellowship Regional Director Gene Thomas was looking to buy a
retreat center. He heard about a dude ranch for sale in the mountains southwest of
Colorado Springs. When he visited Bear Trap Ranch, Gene could hardly contain his excitement.
That property was exactly what he was looking for.
He went back to Colorado Springs to see George Krause, the gruff president of the company
that owned the mountain ranch in addition to the historic Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs.
When Gene said he was interested in buying Bear Trap Ranch, Krause shot back, "What in
the hell do you want it for?"
"Well, actually," Gene replied, "hell has quite a bit to do with it. We want to tell college students
about Jesus, and Jesus has this thing about hell. He wants to keep people out of it.."
Disarmed by Gene Thomas' response, Krause offered to let InterVarsity have Bear Trap Ranch
for $50,000. That was an incredibly low price given that Krause's Antlers Hotel had just invested
$75,000 in new plumbing and furnishings at the ranch.
The InterVarsity board agreed to the purchase on the condition that Gene Thomas would raise
the money himself. Gene agreed. Then, when Gene returned to Krause to confirm that
InterVarsity would purchase the ranch, Krause told him that someone else had just offered
$150,000 cash for it.
Gene's heart sank. Then, Krause continued, "However, I told
him ´no´, and that I was going to sell it to people who were keeping
college students out of hell."
— Adapted from For Christ and the University by Keith and Gladys Hunt,
IVP, 1991 |
A few years ago,
historian John Lukacs spoke on the campus of Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy,
Massachusetts. While there Lukacs was interviewed by ENC professors Donald Yerxa and Karl
Giberson. That full interview was featured in an issue of Books & Culture.
Here's the section of the interview in which Lukacs talked about language:
Language is a very mysterious gift from God. In the beginning was the Word. Not the Fact.
Not the Picture. Not the Number. Not the Image. It is through words that we relate to each
other. It is through words that we can give pain or pleasure to each other. And because of this
and every historian worth his salt ought to know this -- the choice of the word is not only a
matterof accuracy, not only an aesthetic choice, it is a moral choice.
Perhaps
best known for his book Historical Consciousness: Or, the Remembered Past, John
Lukacs has ranged far and wide as a historian. His books include A Thread of
Years, a series of imaginative vignettes of everyday life in the twentieth century, and
Five Days in London, May 1940, which focused on Churchill and his
cabinet. |
Verbal and non-verbal communication
Though language may not always seem the most prominent
characteristic of a person, it is certainly one of the most revealing. . . .[
more ]
Other articles written for the SNU student newspaper while I was on the faculty
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