The "f" word doesn't take the Lord's name in vain, so why is it so bad?

Question

God doesn't think it's a sin. Why do people think it's bad?

Answer 1

Profanity is wrong even when it does not involve the name of God.

God gave humans the gift of language. Language should build relationships with others, and enable people to share their lives intimately with each other.

We also hear people use four letter words like f*** to speak profanely about the goodness of human sexuality and the holiness of marital love.

Such language is not only negative, vulgar, impolite and offensive, but also debases the dignity of each human being.

Moreover, this language reveals not only a person’s bad attitude and lack of respect for others, but also his own immaturity and insecurity in dealing with others. In using these words, the person builds barriers rather than bridges with another person.

Take for instance the word Hell.

First, no one should make light of Hell, that place of eternal damnation.

Yet, people use the word is so many ways today:
+ In anger, “Go to Hell!”
+ In surprise, “What the Hell!”
+ In greeting, “How the hell are you?”
+ In inquiry, “What the hell are you doing here? Or, “What the hell are you doing?”

Not only are do these sayings use poor English; they show a lack of respect for what Hell is.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 2142 and following: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt1art2.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

I had always heard that the "f" word originated from the phrase "fornicate under carnal knowledge". so I googled it to be sure I had my sources right to answer your question. Much to my surprise, that is somewhat of an urban legend, and there are other variations. Here is what I found out at about.com:

"The word f*** did not originate as an acronym. It crept, fully formed, into the English language from Dutch or Low German around the 15th century (it's impossible to say precisely when because so little documentary evidence exists, probably due to the fact that the word was so taboo throughout its early history that people were afraid to write it down). The American Heritage Dictionary says its first known occurrence in English literature was in the satirical poem "Flen, Flyss" (c.1500), where it was not only disguised as a Latin word but encrypted - gxddbov - which has been deciphered as fuccant, pseudo-Latin for "they f***."

Okay, that was educational, but still doesn't answer your question of why it is considered a bad word. So, I surfed on over to the Straight Dope and found the following by Cecil :

"The best guess is that 'f***' comes from the Middle English f***en, to strike, move quickly, penetrate, from the German ficken, meaning approximately the same thing. A related word may be the Middle Dutch fokken, to strike, copulate with. We get a clue here as to the level of delicacy and tenderness that has characterized the sex act down through the ages, and which is recalled by the charming epithet "f*** you.

Many other possible etymologies have been offered. Some claim the F-word is a truncation of "fecund." Richard Spears, author of the splendid Slang and Euphemism, says the word may be a disguise of the French foutre, same meaning, which comes from the Latin futuere."

So, it seems that it may have originated in the middle ages as a slang word for sex. My guess is that is why it is considered a "bad" word, because it refers to sex, which in my experience has always been a very taboo subject in a Christian Church... ;) How it got to be such a bad word would be an interesting study.

In the movie "A Christmas Story" the character Ralphie refers to it as "the queen mother of all bad words, the F dash, dash, dash word" Even as little kids, we all knew it was the worst one to use. I could occasionally get away with a d*** or sh**, but boy, even to this day, if my mother caught me saying the f-word, I'd be in biiiig trouble. LOL!

Thanks for your question- I enjoyed learning about it! :D

Answer 3

Throughout the Scriptures, especially Psalms and Proverbs, it is clearly stated that the words of a man express his heart. Righteous words come from a loving person, but sinful words come from the wicked.

Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

If this word is used thoughtfully and is received as such than it may be alright, but usually it is neither spoken in a loving manner and is never received in appreciation.

Answer 4

The origin of the f word is quite interesting. Hundreds and thousands of years ago, before guns, one of the choices of weapon in war was bow and arrow. When an archer was captured by the enemy his middl finger was cut off se he could no longer perform. If he was released the enemy would put up there middle fingers as a way of taunting or bragging about it. I dont know exactly how the the word f-u-c-k came in to use though.

Answer 5

Because it is usually said to put someone else down. Telling them to **** off, etc.

That is cursing others. As Christians, we are to love our enemies & bless them who curse us. So? We are suppose to bless others.

My Pastor preaches that those with a mouth problem, have a heart problem. Saying the 'f' Word isn't always a sin. Only if the Holy Spirit convicts you in it & showing you why it is a sin.

Like if you said this to your spouse very lovingly, then it wouldn't be a sin.

Answer 6

The four letter F word is not wise to use outside of the marriage relationship during cohabitation. It refers to that action and can not be gotten around. It is just something Christians do not say except to their mate during the period of knowing each other in private.

Answer 7

It is also quite usable; when you are mad, sad, happy, as a noun, as a verb, as an adjective, as an adverb, etc.

And you are right, using what man has named as "bad words" has nothing whatsoever to do with the command that says do not use the Lords name in Vain.
Vain means vanity, nothing, empty.

Answer 8

I think it comes from the fact, that it is considered "course" language - not swearing...but not exactly pleasent either.

Swearing is literally taking the Lord's name in vain.

Answer 9

There is nothing technically bad about it. But if we all think it is bad, then we have a way to take our conversation to the next level. I hate when people use it in almost every sentence. It kind of takes away it's mystique.

Answer 10

Your right, but for the most part it is a vulgar word. It's not something that should be said in polite conversation.