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.