Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I am of the opinion that words mean things and sometimes strong words are needed to communicate an idea.

I'm not talking about walking around cursing at people, but one example that stands out in my mind is when a preacher in an all men small group described a particular emotion with the "F" word. In the context of what he was saying there really was no better word for what he was trying to communicate.

Are certain words off limits all the time or can they have a legitimate use at times?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I am quite sure that a better word could have been used.

Are bad words forbidden in the bible? Not exactly , but we are to mantain a good report in the world we live in.

God may not think any less of you if you say a bad word...but the world around you will.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Well you are at a disadvantage because this is not the kind of forum where I can reproduce the context however the men who were present were all mature spirit filled men and no new believers.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Context is very important. However, so is the impression we make on unbelievers, and the care taken not to offend fellow believers.

Some words don't ever need to be used by Christians, in my opinion. The sentiment can always be expressed in another way.

The writer/speaker shouldn't assume that the listener/reader can't understand unless baser words or slang are used. Most people are more intelligent than that.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Context is important. Sometimes a slang term is appropiate. I don't think it's ever correct to use the name of God in a frivolus way. That's where the line is drawn. But we are still influenced by our late victorian forefathers. Slang that is used for emphasis is appropiate. Paul used very strong language at times. Our translators softened it. But saying this slang, for it to maintain it's emphasis/shock value, must be wisely used and should be used with thought....i:e- rarely. We are accountable for frivolous speach.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Well, Baron, there are some women who deserve certain titles, men who fit other descriptions precisely, and there are some acts which deserve the low-class description slang or curse words would provide.

That doesn't mean Christians need to use any of the above to express an idea or concept. It can be expressed another way.

Occasionally, some words fit, but unless it's absolutely necessary (and I can't really think of a good example of necessity), I think we should keep our conversation clean.

Context is important, and if no one was offended, and the minister wasn't convicted about using that particular word, then I suppose no harm no foul. It isn't something I personally feel comfortable doing. I still insist there are better ways to express ideas--and even more accurately.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Sometimes nonchristians have as many expectations of Christians as other believers do--and they are likewise disappointed when we don't live up to them.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Doesn't mean the expectations are correct.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I guess I just can't imagine any setting amongst preachers and godly men where the only word one could use to convey his thoughts is the "f" word.

I can honestly say I was never in that position when I was in the ministry.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I understand that, and I don't intend to go around living up to everyone else's expectations necessarily. However, we should keep it in mind, and not be careless with our behavior and conversation.

There might be something to be said for interacting with an unbeliever in a way that shows a "real" person and not a high and mighty, untouchable, holy Christian. But we should be careful about that and not let being "real" cause us to model what the unbeliever would like to be free from.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I thought I made it clear I wasn't talking about name calling?

And Dave correctly infered I was not talking about using God's name.

It is about choosing the correct words to communicate an idea. Sometimes strong words are best used to communicate an idea. I am not talking about people that punctuate sentences with curses. I am talking about when the best use of the English language is to use a strong word to communicate an idea.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I didn't say you were. I'm saying there are times when certain terms do fit.

I understand what you're saying, Baron. Really. I do. I know you aren't talking about name-calling, using God's name, or peppering conversation with frequent curse words. I don't even need the specific example in order to get it. :coffee2

I just don't see the necessity of it. That's all I'm saying.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Matt 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Cursing and or swearing is never ok.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

No one was talking about swearing...

Using so called "curse" words are not what Jesus or James was talking about they were talking about oaths which is a different subject.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

What is the definition of both of these words. Curse and swear?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Rom. 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Do you not understand that words are defined by their context? First, it has already been stated that this is not about name calling sooooo yet another irrelevant verse.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I can't imagine Jesus using the F word to express himself and we are to be Christ like are we not?

It's just that simple.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I can't imagine Jesus speaking English.


The following are dictionary definitions of words that are considered "bad" yet they communicate ideas. Just the definitions not the words.


to declare (something) to be bad, unfit, invalid, or illegal.

to condemn as a failure.

excrement; feces.

an act of sexual intercourse.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Can your child use any curse word they want in the "right" context?

If not.. why not. Its the right context.. so its ok.?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Even if he did speak English I still can't imagine Jesus doing so. I have always felt that if someone has to use questionable language it is because of a lack of communication skills.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Does society consider these words to be acceptable in the course of every day conversation?

How about in the boardroom?

How about in mixed company?

How about in a church service, especially if used by a pastor?

If the answer to any of my questions is "NO", then why should we, as Christians, and witnesses being judged by our actions and words, use them?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Baron, being a lawyer, just likes to practice his arguing techniques. For the sake of winning an arguement a lawyer will compromise or rationalize just about anything. Its just the nature of a lawyer.:tease

So curse.... and swear not. :crazy

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

To most of the words I would say yes to all except the last, however I believe your premise is faulty.

Is it acceptable to go naked into, church, in mixed company, in the boardroom?

Then you shouldn't take a shower naked.

Context is very important. Even if I agreed that no "bad" words could be used in any of the places you named wouldn't exclude them from having a proper place in an appropriate context.

Oh and does this count for those who use words like “Flippin” “Dad gum it” (a favorite of my mom who would never let an actual “bad” word out) “Shoot” “Darn” Dang” etc?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Thanks Mike, for a simple, common sense post.

I cannot imagine any context where a Christian would need to use the F word. Period. The English language has one of the richest, extensive vocabularies of any language. For anyone conversant in the language , we have quite a myriad of words to choose from to express ourselves. Using words we all recognize as profanity is simply not necesary.

I think we should alway consider What Would Jesus Do? I simply cannot imagine if Jesus were here today that he would ever use the F word, ever. There are some words that Christians should just consider off-limits, period. I dont see what purpose it serves to decide to use the F word "at times", or "if it's appropriate". In my mind, it's never appropriate.

But in this age of compromise, I'm sure there will be more and more believers trying to justify bad behavior (or in this case bad speech).

I think we as Christians should be trying to stay far AWAY from sin, not trying to see how close as possible we can get to it.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Again, let's go back to the premise of reaching our world with the gospel.

Does the world see a difference in "Flippin'" and the "F" word? Would folks who we would consider to be moral folks understand that there is a difference between slang and curse words?

Of course they would.

In the workplace in mixed company, one could not get sued for using the term "flipping", but most definitely could get sued for using the "F" word in mixed company.

In fact, it doesn't even have to be the workplace, the use of that word in public can bring a lawsuit.

So, again I ask, why try to justify its use under those circumstances?

Would you agree that many people would be turned off by the words you referenced earlier? If so, then why should we try justify using that language if we are trying to reach our world?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

8) But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

9) With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;

10) from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

11) Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?

12) Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

13) Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I guess it's my turn to say that I can't believe we're having this discussion on an Apostolic forum!

Just another thought here - how did Peter try to convince people that he did NOT know Jesus?

Matthew says he "began to curse and swear".

If Peter realized that the way to let the world know you didn't know Jesus was to curse and swear, why can't we understand that?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I believe that there are some words that a born again Christian let alone a man claiming to be called of God into the ministry should never use.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Maybe his cursing and swearing was to show emphasis. Do you think the people there covered their mouth and said Ohhh Peter said a bad word he must not be with Jesus?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Wow, that's a stretch.

You mean, instead of saying that "he spake with a loud voice" the writer just decided to imply the showing of emphasis by saying "he cursed and swore"?

Baron, your arguments are becoming thinner and thinner on this one......

I think the Bible said exactly what it meant - to prove to the bystanders that he wasn't with Jesus, Peter cursed and swore.

I doubt you'll be able to prove otherwise, but give it a go!

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

How about this example of a perfectly legitimate use of a word.

The expedition was damned from the begining.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Some were born with common sense............others were just born stupid.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

But then again we're not talking about the word "damned" are we?

The Bible says that some will be damned. I can preach using that word, and it's in the correct context.

Please show me anywhere in the scripture that the "F" word was mentioned.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

You might want to refrain in Michigan:

http://www.cnn.com/US/9906/09/cursing.trial/

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

And again he denied {it} with an oath, "I do not know the man."

Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man!"

This doesn't say he cursed to show he wasn't with Christ, He cursed to give added weight to his denial.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

Ok...........I guess we'll let the jury decide now! :dance

What say ye?

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

In that context, the word "damned" would be similar in meaning to the word "condemned". That is a legitimate use of the word.

I think you'll be hard-pressed to similarly show us a legitimate use of the F word.

I dont know why you're continuing to beat this dead horse.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I vote he cursed to separate himself from Christ in the eyes of the crowd.

Re: Is the use of "curse" words ever acceptable?
 

I gave you an extreme example to start with but I didn't intend for that to be the focus. The point is words used correctly can have more impact in certain settings. What actually prompted me to start this thread was Hoovers comment on the use of the "S" word. I remember my mom being shocked when a pastor referred to the droppings on his shoulder as "bird s---". words mean thing and used in their proper place should not be considered profane.