To some, culture will dictate that list. In other words, if it can get a film a PG rating instead of a G, don’t use it. To others, the church or Christian peers will dictate the list. If it would offend a pastor search committee or group of elders, don’t use it. To others, personal conscience and the Holy Spirit dictate the list. But the truth is that scripture does not dictate the list and so the list is different for everyone. I must admit I am a prude and would not even say the word “poop” while preaching. In fact, I cannot think of a sermon in which I would even need to make reference to that act, but if I did, I would probably use a more academic word rather than a slang word to imply that I do not take the subject lightly or casually talk about things that may offend.

And that probably is the real issue. Are we treating subjects and words in a way as to be careful not to lead others astray or offend sensibilities of a varied congregation? Or are we using words for shock value, seeking to offend, titillate or entertain? As I seek to rightly handle the word of truth, I feel I must choose words and illustrations carefully, that I might help our congregation to be godly in their speech, to be respectful of others, and to be glorifying to God in both words and heart.

Ultimately this is an issue of respect – for God, for the preaching of the gospel and the office of pastor or preacher, for ourselves and for our listeners or readers.

And while on the subject of respect, I appreciate your tenacity in reconciling biblical passages with our own feelings about right and wrong and not mistaking propriety for godliness.

Blessings to you all.

I submit to you that this issue is entirely about good taste, holiness, witness, and conscience. You know … the entire “above reproach” emphasis that you most definitely find in Scripture. I refer you to the several verses that I quoted above as a great place to start.

If you’re looking for a biblical prohibition of specific foul words in the English language, you won’t find one (or any English words for that matter … which makes this entire line of argument a bit ridiculous). These words are “bad” because of their context, emphasis, and meaning. Indeed, even those who use them with regularity do so because they are, indeed, “bad.”

There’s Christian liberty and then there’s sin … the fruit of spiritual maturity, often times, is knowing the difference.

And when you boil it all down, to be sure, no church is going to be hot on the trail of a “potty-mouth pastor.”

As I told Lew on his blog – I agree with you (and him) that in terms of these “sound alike” words there is no difference – they mean the same thing, so therefore we should avoid them just as much as the other. Just because people are hypocritical in using them does not contradict the clear meaning of Scripture – it just makes most of us hypocritical and disobedient.

Lew’s exception to using profanity (it seems) is in certain circumstances like someone who stubs a toe in the dark, who being surprise yelps out a response. This language is not directed at anyone (as the argument goes) so therefore it is not unwholesome – it is merely cathartic. My response:

1) No amount of cursing gets any “pain out” – yelling and screaming nonsense is just as cathartic, and;

2) Obedience to God’s Word is really not sensed or experienced in the best of times, but in the trials we face. What better way to honor God with the Holy Spirit’s gift of “self control” than refraining from screaming obscenities than when one stubs a toe?

Rob

I really don’t think there’s any mix-up or a suggestion of using language of a “lesser evil.” Everyone understands Lew’s point that the heart of the one speaking is infinitely more important than the words spoken.

But that still does not excuse a vile vocabulary, especially on the part of a minister who, whether we like it or not, IS ALWAYS held to a higher standard. That’s simply the way things are.

It seemed to me that Tony was simply saying that a foul mouth has no place in the life of a pastor. Considering our ample biblical exhortations for purity in heart and speech, as well as warnings against causing others to “stumble,” I quite agree with him.

It’s not an issue of relativity, or which words are more or less wholesome than others. Its an issue of holiness and witness.

Let’s put it this way … a pastor shouldn’t use words in his “verbal life” (hey … there’s a new concept to go along with our “thought life” ) that he wouldn’t use in front of a pulpit committee. If said pastor insists on the “freedom” to curse, then best of luck finding a church that will follow …

I think I am understanding the heart of your comment, meaning that it really matters not so much who we are on the outside. What matters, like 1 Samuel 16:7 says, what is on the inside. To mix the sacred and the profane reveals a level of worldliness in our hearts we are unwilling to let go of. It pollutes, corrupts, and defiles. As James says, out of the same spring cannot flow both fresh and bitter water.

You said, the only ones offended by His speech were those trying to justify their own sin. Amen, Kat. Amen.