Cussing in Christian Rap....

[asianchexmix]

This is aimed for the Christians but anyone is really allowed to comment or input their thoughts. I have this friend who raps and quite honestly, he is good and he keeps it Christian but he dropped a few cuss words in his songs on a CD. He came out saying this and I'm quoting his blog

This mixtape is my Damascus Road. It is an audible representation of my transformation from a Saul to a Paul. Most of these songs date back to 2002, which was before I met Jesus and I wanted to emphasize the fact that God truly brought a transformation in my life.

Can I honestly portray myself as another struggling brother who is also on this narrow road of becoming Christ like? I pray that as you hear my songs again, you will not only hear the cursing but the confession through my songs that i too was once lost and desperately in need for attention and love.

And finally....

so next time you play my cd, everytime you hear a curse word, everytime you hear hatred or sin... let it remind you not of the enemy, but the magnificent healing power of my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Now what do you think...is he padding up wrong with a legit attempt to connect to the audience or is it okay that he is cussing for showing that he isn't perfect and to show God's power to change people?

Here is the whole link if you want to read/check him out. Lyrick's Blog

 

[SteelDisciple]

I don't take any Christian serious who compromises themselves in that manner.

 

[fifi]

this is the first. this is really sad if you are saved and the think you can cuss and in the same song same the name of God this is really scary. cussing in christian rap i have seen it all.

 

[peanutbutter12]

Heh, I love how a lot of people seem to think that these Christian bands are all Holy. Some of the stuff I've seen and heard back stage would make some of your eyes pop out of your head if you knew.

 

[WintarNaht]

It really ruins your witness. If you want to do that, go ahead.

 

[gibbs]

Being able to witness to Christ's amazing work in your life, saving you from a past of cussing, that is awesome.

Not fleeing from that past of sin? *pop* goes the witness Perfection isn't expected, but you shouldn't be condoning it!

Eric

 

[Macewindu77815]

Just to play devils advocate a bit, and because I also believe what I am saying to a degree; why should he not curse? If that's what he is honestly feeling why hide it? I've written poems with some harsh language in them, because I'm being honest. Does it really compromise his witness that much? Should words or actions matter more? Can some one not testify that God saved them from the crap they did without telling people about that crap?

just throwing that out.

 

[major_minor]

should never happen...

 

[laptoppop]

You can be intense, passionate, involved, strong, etc. without cussing.

 

[MadFingerPainter]

I've heard some of the artists claim that they feel they are reaching into the depths of the secular world by swearing in their music. IMO there is no need for such a thing.

 

[NothingMore]

I like POD but they Cuss so ugh!

 

[Talmid]

We are supposed to be set apart. If we are talking like the world then we are not doing as we should. With so many words in the english language you should be able to convey your point w/out cussing. Also, heres an exert from bible.org on the subject:

Clearly, the Bible forbids something called aijscrologiva (aischrologia), “obscene speech.” Colossians 3:8 says, “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech [aijscrologiva (aischrologia)] from your mouth” (NASB). The NIV translates the word as “filthy language.” The KJV has “filthy communication.” The ASV reads, “shameful speaking.” Luther, who is known for his affection for cussing, translates the word “schandbare Worte.”

 

[Theogonia]

Just to play devils advocate a bit, and because I also believe what I am saying to a degree; why should he not curse? If that's what he is honestly feeling why hide it? I've written poems with some harsh language in them, because I'm being honest. Does it really compromise his witness that much? Should words or actions matter more? Can some one not testify that God saved them from the crap they did without telling people about that crap?

just throwing that out.

I voted "it depends on the situation"

And I agree with mace.

for example, my ambition is to direct movies. If I make a movie about a certain kind of people, there'll be lots of cursing and talk about certain subjects. That doesn't mean I condone it, but that's how those kinds of people talk.

 

[Andi @ Cirrutopia]

I'll keep it brief, for once:


Cussing in Christian music seems antithetical.

 

[boxcarguy07]

I voted that it depends on the case.
My take on it is, if you are not being hateful, then what is the problem? You are just using a certain combination of sounds that has a certain meaning. No word in and of itself is wrong to say, it is the meaning behind it.

Take the sh word. If you say, look at that sh over there. What is wrong with that? I'd say the person who gets upset about it has the real problem. That's just my take on it though.

 

[Solus]

Alright.....well...again I'm new to the forums....but I'm not new to being a Christian. Remember that not one of you is perfect in any way. So for example to use these lyrics:

"Give me a soul that never ceases to follow...despite the infection within" - Demon Hunter

in a negative light is not good. We all have sin and temptations that plague us and demons that we fight. Not one of us is perfect. That's why we needed Jesus Christ in the first place and remember that we're all at different stages in our walk with G-d.

As far as Christian artists in general, not just rap, I've known them to be pretty hypocritical and most of them to be just normal human beings. They aren't these all holy all perfect role models. They're flawed just like us. My problem is that the second that a Christian artist claims to be a Christian artist they are put on the spotlight and they need to realize that they ARE on the spotlight. The second that they are in the spot, they had better know well what they're getting themselves into and know that they aren't themselves anymore....and the notion of publishing curses as songs to buy and sell in Christian stores or in general as a Christian artist is a HUGE no no.

Christians and non-Christians look to these people as an example of a Christian. If a non-Christian sees a Christian artist cursing in a song even once they'll say "What differnt are they? F__k that, I like the way I am." and that's the way it is in this world. If your not putting yourself on the spot, like a band like U2 or Linkin Park (who are both made up of Christians), then fine....do what you want because your not putting the rest of the Christian world on the spot as well.

But remember that none of us is perfect and ALWAYS remember that there are always temptations and issues with our past that will arise. It doesn't matter who you are, just some Christians are better at handleing it. Remember what Paul said:

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me."

Romans 7:14-17

So then now doesn't that lyric from Demon Hunters song "Deteriorate" make perfect sense? For we all are longing to be perfect and blameless in G-d's eyes, and we are, but we still struggle with sin.

None of us is perfect. When we are put on the spot though...we need to know how to handle it. And BE HONEST. We can't walk around pias and full of ourselves saying we never sin, we never curse, we never look at someone the wrong way. We are all struggling, but with something inside of us, living and helping and guiding us on our journey. Let's not become the Pharisees again....please.
​

 

[TwinCrier]

There is never a reason to cuss. Foul language is the result of a foul mind.

 

[JulySheMustFly]

Not knowing what the cuss words referenced are I'm not sure I can make a real call on it.

I may get in trouble for this and if its wrong then just delete my post.

If he is using effin to make a point there are just better ways to say it. To use that word is shows a sign of lack of creativity and vocabulary. My opinion of course.
Unless he is referring to a vile peice of excrement literally then I also don't see the need for shizzle.

In the end I can see the point in wanting to show change and how you can be christian and yet still broken. I am but at the same time I can see why it would be very confusing.

 

[Palomino]

you know what? I love eminem for his writing but have not bought any of his cd's due to the cussing. I know he isn't Christian rap but even any type of music-I don't want the language in it.I wont buy it.

 

[Talmid]

Ephesians 4:29

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it."

{amplified bible}