why do Catholics at my work place curse a lot but have crosses hung up in their cars?

Answer 1

The same way Protestants do.

Answer 2

Because they are not mindful that the human voice and language are designed to praise God. Granted, they are either caught up in a stressful situation or in pain, who knows why? However, Catholics are not perfect and we have never claimed to be. So, what you are witnessing is a sinner in need of Christ.
Also, why does anyone cuss? It is a social thing or custom. It is not a religious thing. Since, the Church lives in the world we cannot help but suffer the same sins as the rest of humanity. We know we should do better, but we are as weak as any human being. I am an old navy man, but now I am a priest. I still have those moments when I have a slip of the tongue and a curse word flies out more from a kind of knee-jerk reflex. I was in the navy for ten years and we used the f-word like a comma in our sentences. Do you think I could go through ten years without being influenced? But now I know a lot better and therefore try and practice not swearing. But for most of humanity it is a social thing to do and they do it without a second thought.
I do not explain this to justify cussing among Catholics. I'm just trying to provide some understanding of the human condition so you may have mercy and patience with them. In fact, no human being should cuss because it is not helpful. One my favorite quotes is,"how shall we elevate our thoughts if our words never are?" And so, cussing does not elevate the thoughts of man and therefore we should not.
Just pray that they develop a new habit to counter the swearing. I usually tell my parishioners to use other words such as they did in the old west. Use words like "Consarn it!" or "Dagnabit!" and the such. At least this is a first step in them avoiding a swear word most would recongnize and offend few people. Then I ask them to continue to pray for the grace to never swear.
May the Lord bless and keep you. May He let the light of His face shine upon you.
God's and your beast of burden
Fr. john

Answer 3

You know, I've never understood how whether a person swears or not got to be a big Christian litmus test. I've read the Sermon on the Mount many times. He describes many ethical and unethical behaviors, and sets a lot of standards.

But he spent almost none of his Earthly ministry worrying about swearing. Shouldn't we be more concerned with the standards he set in Matthew 25:31-46 (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned) then fretting about swearing?

Answer 4

Perhaps they have a form of Godliness but don't know the power thereof?

Perhaps they don't know the reality and the power of having been forgiven and the responsibility of living a new life based on the finish, accomplished work of Atonement on Calvary. Rather, perhaps they are depending on having unredeemed tongues, go to confession, and expect repeated sacrifices on the altar as obtaining their forgiveness and letting them continue unchanged?

Maybe a lot of it depends on whether the Priest teaches them about changed tongues, etc. I've seen some RCs who have quit their "cursing", probably because of a priest who explained things to them.

Answer 5

because alot of people in large religions like the catholics or mormons are only going through the motions to be a part of a group or to be accepted by their family. Now don't get me wrong, their are alot of people in those religions that try their best to follow moral rules like that, but there are alot of weekend christians who do not do the right things all week long

Answer 6

Because they believe it's ok to sin during the week as long as you confess to the priest on the weekend. That's NOT how salvation works. You must Accept Christ,repent(turn from) your sins and live for Him. Then when born again Christians are tempted and sin(yes we still do...just much less often) you are to ask God for forgiveness (NOT confessing to a mere man (priest)..God can hear well, he doesnt need an intercessor)..and then ask the Lord for strength to overcome future temptations.
You see,before accepting Christ ,people DOVE into sin...after being saved they FALL into sin because Satan is always there tempting us.

Answer 7

Ignorance, pure and simple. Most who curse are not aware that they insult the very God they profess to worship. Call them out on it, and see the result!

On a more general note, my grandma always said that a man who cusses does so because he is too ignorant or lazy to find the correct word that should be used.

Answer 8

If you read the Bible you will discover just about every person God put in charge had some "human" frailties. I also have come to recognize Satan has a pattern to tempting people. If Satan cannot tempt you with sins of the flesh he will deceive your mind, or get you to reject God's will. These 3 means of temptation are physical, mental, and spiritual means of temptation. This is why Satan himself is seen tempting Jesus with bread, scripture, and then worldly possession.

Just keep in mind that even the Pope goes to confession. No one is sinless. This is why we are constantly at battle with spirits.

Answer 9

Brother , not only Catholics but other Christians as in my church... this is because they are not God's unles they repent and forsake their sins...you see ,a true son or daughter of God will do the will of the Father in heaven.. whatever it is... as Jesus had shown us... But to confess by mouth as God's and not by deeds , then one is a liar... not God's ...refer to the parable of the WHEAT and the TARE... both good and bad people will be allowed to stay in the church of God until the harvest... when Jesus returns.. then he shall separate the one from the other.. so do not marvel at these happenings... May God bless you

Answer 10

Maybe they need something to ask forgiveness about when they go to confession. I am sure Jesus disciples of rough fisherman, like most fisherman today would have sworn or told rude jokes before becoming disciples.
Also be careful about what you say or think, as you judge others so God is judging you.

Answer 11

I understand exactly. I worked with a lady that was a real bible thumper and didn't live what she preached! I believe that they are just trying to look good for everyone. Well if anyone like yourself notices they know she isn't.