Interesting Scenario

[lmnop9876]

It's probably just me, but I don't have the time or energy to rebuke and reprove every pagan that spews obscenity of any kind, whether blasphemous or just a word meant to "add force to a sentence". That would be an overwhelming endeavor. And to be honest, I'm not innocent of the occasional epithet myself, in spite of my best intentions. I just don't want to pretend that its OK or just a figure of speech. And if anyone asks me, I'll tell them that its not OK, whether it was me or them that said it. And if they are being offensive, I'll tell them that, too. That's not being hypocritical, just honest. If I do it, I'll apologize and stop. If they do, I'd expect the same, and will ask for it. I see no need to wrestle with myself over the matter. None of this is going to affect the efficacy of the Gospel, nor my witness to it.

We don't have to be delectable to convey the Gospel, just coherent.

agreed

This is where you and I have to disagree old boy. Such "bad words" as that I deem acceptable. They are culturally taboo, yes, but I do not allow culture to dictate my morals.

that's what i'm saying. i wouldn't judge someone for using what's deemed "bad" language, as i'm not entirely innocent, but i do understand where erin's coming from... what i'm saying is that often "bad" language is just a string of letters used to add force to a sentence, not necessarily meant in any particularly obscene way. as i was saying, i'd probably say something to someone if they took God's Name in vain, but not if they used the f-word in general speech.

 

[lmnop9876]

We can understand the secular world without condoning it. If we condon the things that are not Biblical we will not be seen as separate from the world. Beware the slippery slope of appeasement. How about a church bar for alcoholics? A XXX movie rental busuness? We cannot display the goodness of God if we are showing the same evil of the world. Good intentions are not an excuse to promate sinful behavior.

absolutely agreed

 

[JJB]

My ears tire of hearing bad language. If a person speaks that way in their usual course of discussion, it devalues all the rest of their words, imho. I associate with them only when the need arises. If I need to accomplish something for work that involves them, I tend to stay on focus and not chit-chat with the blathering idiot, so that I may the sooner be released from their abuse of words.

 

[edie19]

My ears tire of hearing bad language. If a person speaks that way in their usual course of discussion, it devalues all the rest of their words, imho. I associate with them only when the need arises. If I need to accomplish something for work that involves them, I tend to stay on focus and not chit-chat with the blathering idiot, so that I may the sooner be released from their abuse of words.

For as long as I can remember my dad has been critical of folks who swear - he sees no need for it, hates in movies or on television, feels its a sign of ignorance and/or laziness. I truly can't remember ever hearing him swear or tell an off color joke.

That said, about 15 or so years ago my family was at my parents' home for Thanksgiving day. It was nice outside so my dad asked my husband to help him put up Christmas lights - always a major undertaking because my dad is very particular when it comes to his outside Christmas decorations. Joe very willingly helped him for the 2-3 hours it took to get everything organized and up. When we got in the car to go home - Joe leaned over to me and said, "Edie, not only does your dad know all the words, he uses them." Always makes me chuckle a little to imagine that - so out of character for my dad.