Bad language/jokes

[pickledcarrots]

I personally hate bad language/jokes. It's overused and unpleasant to hear. The thing is, there are some shows/series/etc I like that contain this kind of language, yet I'm still fond of them. Not for the language obviously, but the plot and characters.

What should I do in this case? Stop watching them because of the language? I have a friend that's a good Christian who reads a webcomic that contains a lot of bad language, yet he says it doesn't bother him. How come this bothers me but not him?

I wish there was a way to be able to filter out all of the stuff that bothers me.

 

[TheProject]

Really, giving up the show is a judgment call on your part. If you find that it's really having an affect on you, it may be that you should cut back or give it up entirely.

As for why it bothers you, can't answer that one exactly, but I've found that different things bother different people. For me, language isn't really an issue (I love The Larry Sanders Show and it is rife with language), but sex scenes bother me quite a bit. In my case, I know that's linked partially to past issues I've had with pornography (the scenes are a temptation to me) as well as some marital issues I'm having that I prefer not to go into right here. Could it be that something in your past is causing the language to affect you now? Just a thought.

 

[pickledcarrots]

Really, giving up the show is a judgment call on your part. If you find that it's really having an affect on you, it may be that you should cut back or give it up entirely.

As for why it bothers you, can't answer that one exactly, but I've found that different things bother different people. For me, language isn't really an issue (I love The Larry Sanders Show and it is rife with language), but sex scenes bother me quite a bit. In my case, I know that's linked partially to past issues I've had with pornography (the scenes are a temptation to me) as well as some marital issues I'm having that I prefer not to go into right here. Could it be that something in your past is causing the language to affect you now? Just a thought.

It's not exactly "affecting me", it just bothers me.

 

[TheProject]

It's not exactly "affecting me", it just bothers me.

I guess I was thinking of affecting and bothering in the same light. I guess that it really just comes down to how much you like the show(s) versus how much the language and such bothers you. I wish I had a better suggestion or more insight to give.

 

[pickledcarrots]

I guess I was thinking of affecting and bothering in the same light. I guess that it really just comes down to how much you like the show(s) versus how much the language and such bothers you. I wish I had a better suggestion or more insight to give.

Nah, it's fine. Thanks anyways.

 

[acarrollfan]

How do you impact the unbelievers if you cannot hang out with them?

It is the unbelievers' languages to speak foul languages etc.. I supposed??

 

[revrobor]

I was in the movie theatre business for more than 25 years and saw the dialog in films deteriorate to what it is today. I find it annoying. The writers will have highly educated characters (doctors, attorneys, etc.) using foul language which is not realistic except perhaps in their own circle of acquaintances. In real life people who use such language do it for two reasons: they don't know how to use the English language or it become such a habit for them they don't even know they are doing it. Passive entertainment is still my favorite type. But I have stopped watching sit-coms because they are so mindless. I watch channels like Discovery, ESPN, etc. And I subscribe to Netflix plus I have hundreds of movies in my personal collection. If the foul language bothers you then don't watch those shows. You won't really be losing anything.

 

[Johnnz]

Media reflects society. I hear bad language on the media and in real life. A sanitised media would no longer be representative of our culture. I dont like it, but I cannot escape the reality of living within my cultural context. I have not found my non usage of such language has caused relationship issues with those I work with.

John
NZ

 

[mthinker]

Hi "pickledcarrots"!

I don't like bad language as well. Now that doesn't mean that I unfortunately have been using it from time to time (not as bad though as many non-christians), which shows that I could improve myself. I think it is a good sign to not like bad language. Of course, it is difficult to avoid this entirely in this world. I would suggest to try to avoid watching such TV shows if it is bothering you. The worst though is if we as christians are using bad language ourselves, perhaps learning from others doing it.

Well hope you are all right!

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

I personally hate bad language/jokes. It's overused and unpleasant to hear. The thing is, there are some shows/series/etc I like that contain this kind of language, yet I'm still fond of them. Not for the language obviously, but the plot and characters.

What should I do in this case? Stop watching them because of the language? I have a friend that's a good Christian who reads a webcomic that contains a lot of bad language, yet he says it doesn't bother him. How come this bothers me but not him?

I wish there was a way to be able to filter out all of the stuff that bothers me.

The answer to your last question is : Some People only wish to go so far in their Christian Walk and devotion to Christ. Oftentimes, being entertained trumps following Godly principles and even hard scripture . I have good Friends who do the same, as well as listen to and even play in a Band.... Heavy Metal Music and Hard Rock with obvious sexually immoral lyrics and these are professed Christians. Im afraid that either Christians want to be saved from thier sins and get heaven when they die but till then they desire to not carry their cross too much in this life ... or.... they never were genuine in recieving Christ into their lives and making Him Lord in the first place so no real inward change took place.

I too share your disdain toward foul talk when in a restaurant or Starbucks with people sitting in close proximity to me. Its truly a sign of immaturity, going along with the flow of degradation in society, and/or to impress the One they are talking to . What troubles me a bit more than foul talk, is the use of God or Christ in a slanderous defaming manner ; ive decided the very next time i hear this from sitting near someone im going to sing the following chorus loud enough for them to hear :

1. If its Gods' name they are slamming : 'Our God is an awesome God, he reigns with wisdom power and love, our God is an awesome God'

2. If its Jesus' name they slam :' Praise the name of Je---sus, praise the name of Je---sus, hes my rock hes my fortress hes my Deliverer in him will i trust....praise the name of Je-----sus.'

I think we have to get a bit radical and flex our Christian muscle sometimes instead of being too meek and tolerant. Anyway, im actually interested in hearing the response i get when i sing those songs . In 2013, i want to be more proactive for Christ.

 

[xxxxxxtra]

I got rid of my tv 4 years ago. Its just too corrupt. Violence language sexual immorality. Homosexuality. The list just goes on.. I gues you need to prioritize the things that matter most.. Christ or entertainment.. Your friend seems to chosen the latter.. Ask yourself this. If Christ came back right now while i am watching or doing or saying this, would i be ashamed..

 

[zakkleifeste]

If Christ came back right now while i am watching or doing or saying this, would i be ashamed..

I think that's the best question to ask. As for bad language in the real world, it's pretty hard to avoid, but to me it is to be expected. Do you think that when Jesus was hanging out with all the sinners, that they weren't using bad language or whatever cuss words they had at the time lol?

 

[Cactus Jack]

I got rid of my tv 4 years ago. Its just too corrupt. Violence language sexual immorality. Homosexuality. The list just goes on.. I gues you need to prioritize the things that matter most.. Christ or entertainment.. Your friend seems to chosen the latter.. Ask yourself this. If Christ came back right now while i am watching or doing or saying this, would i be ashamed..

Indeed. Why would I watch on TV the actions and verbiage that I will not allow a living being to do or say inside my home? Watching it on TV really is not much different.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

I personally hate bad language/jokes. It's overused and unpleasant to hear. The thing is, there are some shows/series/etc I like that contain this kind of language, yet I'm still fond of them. Not for the language obviously, but the plot and characters.

What should I do in this case? Stop watching them because of the language? I have a friend that's a good Christian who reads a webcomic that contains a lot of bad language, yet he says it doesn't bother him. How come this bothers me but not him?

I wish there was a way to be able to filter out all of the stuff that bothers me.

For quite a few years as a Christian, I used to watch movies that were full of excitement yet had a steady diet of foul language in them ...such as the Die Hard series with Bruce Willis , for instance. I used to make allowances when Christs name was slandered or when nudity would crop up in the movie...but it always bothered me. Finally, i got so convicted by the Holy Spirit in me that I stay away from such movies and music , for, its not worth the hypocritical feeling you get . Its a matter of choosing the world or Christ and you just cant sit on the fence trying to be nuetral .

Ive since found, that, there are alot of distinctly Christian movies that have come out which are full of adventure, excitement, and drama...all with a good story and very true to life.

I think we Christians need to totally forsake the world and its influences and feel great about doing so.

 

[crimsonleaf]

I was in the movie theatre business for more than 25 years and saw the dialog in films deteriorate to what it is today. I find it annoying. The writers will have highly educated characters (doctors, attorneys, etc.) using foul language which is not realistic except perhaps in their own circle of acquaintances. In real life people who use such language do it for two reasons: they don't know how to use the English language or it become such a habit for them they don't even know they are doing it. Passive entertainment is still my favorite type. But I have stopped watching sit-coms because they are so mindless. I watch channels like Discovery, ESPN, etc. And I subscribe to Netflix plus I have hundreds of movies in my personal collection. If the foul language bothers you then don't watch those shows. You won't really be losing anything.

This is the only bit I disagree with, and it's become a bit of a cliche. The use of words which reinforce or highlight a point, even if unacceptable in Christian circles, does not show that the user has either a limited vocabulary or is unaware of his actions. Many fine writers in the past from Thomas Hardy through DH Lawrence to most accepted modern day authors have used such language in their books. And most of the words used have become unacceptable over time, having been perfectly acceptable in their original context. Try The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer for several examples.

Would Jesus have been shocked at the use of such words? Well, as he was a non-English speaker born 1,000 years before most of them were coined I doubt it.

Words are sounds. In many cases the worst words are not meant to hurt or wound, just to emphasise feeling or emotion. The real culprits are not words like the F-word, but hate, blasphemy and racial slurs.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

......................

Words are sounds. In many cases the worst words are not meant to hurt or wound, just to emphasise feeling or emotion. The real culprits are not words like the F-word, but hate, blasphemy and racial slurs.

Words are not just 'sounds' according to our Creator ; in fact, words can completely crush a persons Spirit or they can build up a Person .

Words do not just emphasize an emotion or feeling according to our Creator ; in fact, words can degrade or really help and bless a person.

The real culprits are any word(s) / language / action that tears down Another and portrays the Person to be anything less than the special dignified Being that God created them to be .

 

[crimsonleaf]

Words are not just 'sounds' according to our Creator ; in fact, words can completely crush a persons Spirit or they can build up a Person .

Words do not just emphasize an emotion or feeling according to our Creator ; in fact, words can degrade or really help and bless a person.

The real culprits are any word(s) / language / action that tears down Another and portrays the Person to be anything less than the special dignified Being that God created them to be .

Try reading the second sentence of the quote Dave. Then read the first part again - I never said they were "just" sounds. Quote me, but don't correct what I never said.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Try reading the second sentence of the quote Dave. Then read the first part again - I never said they were "just" sounds. Quote me, but don't correct what I never said.

You inferred thats all that words are ; they are not. Our standards for living and talking need to be what Gods standards are...and his standards say words are far more than what our out of control culture deem they are. Peace. End.

 

[crimsonleaf]

You inferred thats all that words are ; they are not. Our standards for living and talking need to be what Gods standards are...and his standards say words are far more than what our out of control culture deem they are. Peace. End.

If anything I implied - you inferred. But I didn't even do that. Did you read what I wrote about hate, racism and blasphemy or will you continue to ignore that to make your point? End.

 

[graciesings]

If you quit watching these shows, what else would you do with the time?