Christians intentionally swearing?

As I mentioned on my Facebook, posting in blog format for me isn’t new, this is a return to an old format. Well, I decided to take a trip down memory lane and read through the posts on my old Xanga site, which I haven’t visited for years. This was the first or second post I stumbled across. Funny how something that was relevant to me like 6 years ago is still relevant now. At the time I was writing because I was friends with some Christians on MySpace who I was deciding to delete because I didn’t like their language, people who were Christians. Something different is popping up today, amongst some of my friends no less.

What I’m hearing today is that there are groups of Christians who are swearing on purpose. They are doing it intentionally so that people will see that they aren’t concerned with outer images. They are doing it so that people will see that they are saved by grace, which isn’t concerned with rules. What backward thinking! What ignorant logic!

There are so many topics that could be addressed here. I could address the fact that we are “the salt of the earth,” or that we should not “be conformed to the patterns of this world.” Or I could talk about James, in that he says, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” I could talk about all of those things, but I won’t.

The answer is very simple: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth… (Eph 4:29).” The argument made from their perspective is that culture defines what a swear word is, therefore they can say what they want. They also say that “unwholesome word” doesn’t necessarily mean swear words. Ignorance.

1)    If “unwholesome word” doesn’t mean swear words per se, then it by necessity must mean all corrupt speech, even swear words. For their argument to make any sense, it must assume that “no unwholesome word” must mean something apart from swearing. But swearing, by nature, is unwholesome.

2)    The two words “unwholesome word” are in the singular (λόγος σαπρὸς, logos sopros). This really rules out this passage talking about gossip or slander or other filthiness that is considered as casual conversation. The verse is talking about use of specific, singular words in conversation.

I challenge any one of them to teach a Sunday School class, and use that language in front of the children. Heck, use it in front of your own children, tell them its ok, then send them to school. They will be immediately told not to use it because they are “dirty words.” Culture certainly does define certain words as vulgar expletives. They are a part of grammar, and even grammar defines them as filthy. Any 5 year old knows this. So what are 20 year olds so confused about?

This is really part of a larger problem, which is Christians trying to fit in with the rest of the world to the point that they are indistinguishable from it. According to Rom 8:29-30, we are predestined to “be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he may be the firstborn among many brethren.” Do you think Jesus used filthy language to reach the lost during his ministry? How about Peter? John? Paul? How about none of them? It is a simple fact that swearing, like any other sin (yeah I said it- swearing is a sin), ruins ministry. It presents yourself and Christ as being no different than the rest of the world, and lets face it- you’re not witnessing to people in order to give them the world. You’re witnessing to them to give them Christ.

Offer unbelievers the world, and they’ll walk away, because no matter how hard you try, the world is better at offering the world than you ever will be. Offer them Christ, and you offer something the world just cannot offer.

Bridle that tongue,

Mike