View Full Version : Cursing and Christians


Frisbinator
06-12-04, 05:20 PM
Is there anything in the bible that prohibits use of the words: f*ck, sh*t, b*tch, etc... ? If a minister were to say, trip on the steps and say "shoot!", what would be the difference of him saying "Sh*t!", if the meaning of the words were the same?

Dug-T
06-12-04, 05:24 PM
Mabye in the next edition of the bible that they write? ;)
Actually i've no idea, cos i've no interest in reading the bible.

JustARide
06-12-04, 05:25 PM
No.

Christians don't curse because they follow a book that elevates symbols above their referents. If "poo poo" isn't an offensive word, "shit" shouldn't be either. They refer to the same thing. If the <i>thing</i> isn't offensive, who gives a shit?

Same deal as flag-burning. You don't burn freedom when you burn a flag. You burn a flag.

Personally, I find actual things far more offensive than their corresponding labels.

Josh

Frisbinator
06-12-04, 05:36 PM
Gee thanks for telling me your personal opinions as fascinating as those are, could someone justify what they think biblicaly?

Dug-T
06-12-04, 05:43 PM
amen justaride.

JustARide
06-12-04, 07:37 PM
Gee thanks for telling me your personal opinions as fascinating as those are, could someone justify what they think biblicaly?

Well, let's see... the Bible isn't going to mention to "fuck," "shit," or "bitch" because it was written in several dead languages a couple thousands of years ago. :D

As for the question of cursing and sin, the Bible clearly says using God's name in vain is wrong (Exodus 20:7), so I guess we have to throw out "goddamn" and "Jesus H. Christ!" along with newer inventions like "god-fucking-damnit" and "Sweet Jesus Christ on a popsicle stick!"

Ephesians 4:29 says something to the effect of "let no corrupt communication come from your mouth" -- so that might apply, although the meaning of "corrupt" could be argued. The Bible also forbids certain types of swearing, though it's most likely referring to the swearing of an oath, not your typical "fuck you."

That better?

Josh

Frisbinator
06-12-04, 08:46 PM
I find your language VERY offensive. I was only asking a question, you don't need to swear at me.


:D

JustARide
06-12-04, 11:50 PM
%$#@^% *&@#$ %$@&% ?&%$@#?@!

§outh§tar
06-13-04, 12:34 AM
As for the question of cursing and sin, the Bible clearly says using God's name in vain is wrong (Exodus 20:7), so I guess we have to throw out "goddamn" and "Jesus H. Christ!" along with newer inventions like "god-fucking-damnit" and "Sweet Jesus Christ on a popsicle stick!"

I am fuming.. :mad:

Ephesians 4:29 says something to the effect of "let no corrupt communication come from your mouth" -- so that might apply, although the meaning of "corrupt" could be argued. The Bible also forbids certain types of swearing, though it's most likely referring to the swearing of an oath, not your typical "fuck you."

That better?

Josh

Remember Frisbinator, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".


I will tackle this from a Biblical standpoint tomorrow.

Medicine*Woman
06-13-04, 12:58 AM
[QUOTE=JustARide]Well, let's see... the Bible isn't going to mention to "fuck," "shit," or "bitch" because it was written in several dead languages a couple thousands of years ago. :D [QUOTE]
*************
M*W: Allow me to enlighten you, Josh. The word "fuck" is not a bad word. Why it makes proper ladies blush, I don't know (God only knows I'm not one of 'em). F-U-C-K was an abbreviation that was put on the stockades of adulterers, prostitutes, and other fornicators that means For-Unlawful-Carnal-Knowledge. It is most likely an Old English term as it was prevalent in the American Colonies (i.e. like the Scarlet Letter "A"). Putting a sign that says For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is lengthy, the law was allowed to abbreviate it. So, the euphemism "F-U-C-K" is not a bad word after all. In fact, it is quite pleasant... if you think that being put in a stockade for a good old roll in the hay is pleasant. "Fuck" is not as improper as people think. The meaning has just changed. Today "fuck" means sexual intercourse outside of marriage - OR - it could simply mean something that cannot be tolerated as in "he's a fucking idiot" or "I don't give a "fuck." Com'on people, the Victorian Age is long past. It's really not a "bad word" after all!

JustARide
06-13-04, 01:15 AM
*************
M*W: Allow me to enlighten you, Josh. The word "fuck" is not a bad word. Why it makes proper ladies blush, I don't know (God only knows I'm not one of 'em). F-U-C-K was an abbreviation that was put on the stockades of adulterers, prostitutes, and other fornicators that means For-Unlawful-Carnal-Knowledge. It is most likely an Old English term as it was prevalent in the American Colonies (i.e. like the Scarlet Letter "A"). Putting a sign that says For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge is lengthy, the law was allowed to abbreviate it. So, the euphemism "F-U-C-K" is not a bad word after all. In fact, it is quite pleasant... if you think that being put in a stockade for a good old roll in the hay is pleasant. "Fuck" is not as improper as people think. The meaning has just changed. Today "fuck" means sexual intercourse outside of marriage - OR - it could simply mean something that cannot be tolerated as in "he's a fucking idiot" or "I don't give a "fuck." Com'on people, the Victorian Age is long past. It's really not a "bad word" after all!

OK, two things:

1. If you had read any of my posts you would know I'm not the one who has problems with "fuck." So why direct the lecture at me?

2. You've posted this urban legend on other threads, but it remains just that -- an urban legend. A similar fake etymology exists for the word "cunt," and it too is legend.

Josh

JustARide
06-13-04, 01:21 AM
I am fuming..

Remember Frisbinator, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all".

I will tackle this from a Biblical standpoint tomorrow.

Now, wait a second...

I tackled the issue and cited biblical verses in support of my position. You are free to disagree with my conclusions, but that doesn't mean I pulled my verses out of thin air.

If my liberal use of curse words bothers you, all I can say is it reflects my belief that language is nothing but an artificial construct used to facilitate our understanding of the world -- and beyond that, it is arbitrary and meaningless. And I ask that you please respect my beliefs.

Hehe. :D

Josh

§outh§tar
06-13-04, 02:20 AM
Now, wait a second...

I tackled the issue and cited biblical verses in support of my position. You are free to disagree with my conclusions, but that doesn't mean I pulled my verses out of thin air.

If my liberal use of curse words bothers you, all I can say is it reflects my belief that language is nothing but an artificial construct used to facilitate our understanding of the world -- and beyond that, it is arbitrary and meaningless. And I ask that you please respect my beliefs.

Hehe. :D

Josh


What would Jesus do if He heard you say that? "Respect your beliefs"?

Didn't think so :p

JustARide
06-13-04, 03:04 AM
What would Jesus do if He heard you say that? "Respect your beliefs"?

I don't know. What would Allah do? What would Papa Smurf do? What would the Tooth Fairy do? *gasp* For all you know Jesus would say, "Heh, good one."

Don't tell me you're one of those "WWJD" people...

Here's a fun one to try out: Put your WWJD bracelet on and then ask yourself, "Would Jesus wear a WWJD bracelet?" Then, when you realize Jesus probably wouldn't wear it, take it off. :D

Josh

invert_nexus
06-13-04, 03:09 AM
I wonder if Jesus ever told a fart joke? Hey, John, pull my finger. From the book of flatulence. :p

Uh oh, is that heresy? :)

James R
06-13-04, 03:21 AM
M*W:

Allow me to enlighten you, Josh. The word "fuck" is not a bad word. Why it makes proper ladies blush, I don't know (God only knows I'm not one of 'em). F-U-C-K was an abbreviation that was put on the stockades of adulterers, prostitutes, and other fornicators that means For-Unlawful-Carnal-Knowledge. It is most likely an Old English term as it was prevalent in the American Colonies (i.e. like the Scarlet Letter "A").

As Josh said, this is a nice story, but there's no evidence for its truth.

From memory, the word "fuck" most likely is derived from Old French.

alain
06-13-04, 03:32 AM
"the Bible clearly says using God's name in vain is wrong"
But, if you hurt yourself, saying 'God that hurts', 'jesus fucking christ' or any other such term, distracts your mind from the pain, in effect, lessening your pain.

How is using a word to lessen a persons pain, using a word in vain. it seems very useful to me, shouldnt a good god do all he can to make people feel better???

water
06-13-04, 05:32 AM
Well, one thing is sure: times change, people change -- but the biblical text stays the same (apart from the newer scientific linguistic corrections regarding translations).

I guess that the main reason cursing is not tolerated by many religions is that these religions tell their blievers to be modest, reasonable, polite, kind and such.

As it is, cursing and swearing are not traits that would testify of modesty, reasonability, politeness and kindness -- of course, always in respect to the main cultural flow in a certain society.


BTW,
I live in a strictly Catholic environment (at least by religious denomination), but I think we have some extremely juicy religious curses -- I'll try to translate (my native dialect allows to add on numerous adjectives right to the noun):

-- You goddamn devilish fucked up God!
-- You devilish Jesus!
-- Satan Jesus!
-- Goddamn fucking Virgin Mary!
....

I find it strange that such curses arise -- combining the most sacred with the most vile.

JustARide
06-13-04, 12:29 PM
-- Goddamn fucking Virgin Mary!


Wow. Quite a lot going on in that phrase.

What Catholic environment is this -- Hell? :bugeye:

Josh

§outh§tar
06-13-04, 02:20 PM
^^ Purgatory.. :D

Not sure I know what WWJD people is but Jesus does whatever His Father wants Him to.

Medicine*Woman
06-13-04, 05:34 PM
M*W:

As Josh said, this is a nice story, but there's no evidence for its truth.

From memory, the word "fuck" most likely is derived from Old French.
*************
M*W: That's possible. The English language traveled north and westward from Phoenicia, and I believe that it could have been a French word the English picked up. However, I do know from early American literature that the word "fuck" came about as a criminal charge kind of like DWI means "driving while under the influence of alcohol." We no longer spell it out, we just say "DWI," and the abbreviation is widely understood. So it makes sense that the word "fuck" implies the crime of illicit sexual intercourse. Although in this day and time, the word "fuck" is simply used as an expletive meaning something that is "ridiculous or not understood" about a particular situation as in "he's fucking crazy," "she's a fucking bitch" (this is not implied today with sexual connotation), "I'm fucking broke, "he broke his fucking leg," etc.. Now if one said, "I like to fuck," that could be implied as a vulgar sexual connotation. Thanks for your input. I'm a fucking verbophile.

SVRP
06-14-04, 10:16 AM
Is there anything in the bible that prohibits use of the words: f*ck, sh*t, b*tch, etc... ? If a minister were to say, trip on the steps and say "shoot!", what would be the difference of him saying "Sh*t!", if the meaning of the words were the same?

De 5:11 - You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.

Mt 12:34 - "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

Jas 1:26 - 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. (NASB)

IMHO, it is more of a problem with what lies in the heart of a person than what words are used. The Bible shows that the tongue can be used for both blessings and cursings. But what fills the heart of a person is usually what comes out of their mouths, which is an indication of their character.

Enigma'07
06-14-04, 11:48 AM
Is there anything in the bible that prohibits use of the words: f*ck, sh*t, b*tch, etc... ?

According to the Bible, christians are supposed to set themselves apart for others by their actions. Not cussing is one wat of doing that. They are also supposed to keep in mind that their body is a temple of God and should not be defiled with speech or anything else.

alain
06-15-04, 03:32 AM
"christians are supposed to set themselves apart for others by their actions"
two problems with that
the Ultimate goal of the Christian church is total conversion, everyone being a Christian, who then could the Christians set themselves apart from
also, what if the others stopped swearing, would Christians then have to start swearing?

Enigma'07
06-15-04, 07:18 AM
No, I think you misunderstand christianity a bit. the ultimate goal of a christian is to become like Christ. This involves serving God, in whatever He asks you to do. Because God loves people, He sent Christ to die. People were wicked, God couldn't tolerate that so they were seperate until their was a sacrifice to atone for them. Now it is a choice to believe, and you can't believe that if you've never heard it before. So therfore, christians have a job to introduce Christ to people, but it is that peoson's choice as to weather he believes or not, the christian can do no more than answer his questions.

If other's stoped swearing, no it would not mean christians should start. Christians want to keep themselves pure, but cussing would only defile them. Unfortunantly though, it is highly unlikely that the entire world would stop swearing.

Cyperium
06-15-04, 07:51 AM
Swearing is accusing the accusor (since satan is portraited as the accusor), cursing God and so on... it's easy to see why swearing isn't good for us.

Swearing is also trying to take away the blame from ourselves to others or objects around us. We have a bad feeling and we want it to go away by swearing and cursing and we are making other people around us feel uncomfortable and anxious.

When we do faults then we should accept the regret. But most people have much trouble doing that, instead they want to blame others - or even inanimate objects that couldn't possibly have had something to do with it.

Swearing and cursing also feeds bitterness and anger (which are growspots for sins).

The Bible warns us to take on the lifestyle of people that don't care about God, warns us to take on their "pattern of thoughts".

Jenyar
06-17-04, 06:19 AM
Is *expletive deleted* a swear-word? ;)

I think Rosa's post provides some insight into why Christians are discouraged from using course language. It goes back to the commandment of "not misusing the Lord's name" - i.e. respect for God and your fellow man. Also, take note that "cursing" originally meant just that: wishing evil upon someone - frequently done "in the name of" someone, in other words, the opposite of exorcism!

Consider this admonition:
James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
PS. Why do people use "Jesus" or "Christ" as swear-words? Especially in American films. Since Roman times, people don't swear "by Jove" or "by Jupiter" anymore (except in Asterix books). Swearing and cursing has (or used to have) religious connotations. Today people are content to just refer to something vile. I wonder if someone could explain this absurdety?

Laser Eyes
06-17-04, 06:36 AM
Here is another scripture which seems to deal with the point:

"But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." - Colossians 3:8