Why do some Christians frown upon using swear words?

Question

I can see why Christians would frown upon using the Lord's name as part of a swear, but what do Christians have against using a swear word in a non-blasphemous context? If I slammed my hand in a door, and I said "that %&#!in' hurts", would that be un-Christian of me?

Answer 1

It's a crude and vulgar way of talking. It isn't a very good testimony. Swear like that in front of someone who isn't a Christian and you may just hear, "Wow, I didn't know Christians talked like that!"

I don't do it because I don't want my kids picking up that kind of language. I also think it makes a person sound kinda stupid and base if they do it too much. And I also don't do it because the Bible says that we will have to answer to God one day for every word we speak...I don't want to have to explain why the f-bomb was my go-to word every time I stubbed my toe or dropped something.

That said, isn't it funny that those words are vulgar in the first place? Back in the middle ages the F word and the S word were everyday words...the only reason they are vulgar is because they were in the Saxon tongue and that was considered vulgar by the conquering Normans. That still hangs on even though it's been over a thousand years. Weird.

To answer your question....I would consider it un-Christian. There's no reason to talk like that. But I don't think that you are hellbound for saying it either!! And let's face it, sometimes those words are hilarious aren't they.

Answer 2

I think it would be rude of you or anyone to use that language in public, esp in front of children. There is just a level of respect and courtesy you should show the people around you. It makes me so sad and angry when I am walking around an amusement park and hear a bunch of teenagers, and adults, cussing up a storm. It just seems like so many people have very little common courtesy nowadays for other people.

I was at an elementary school the other day and this kid yelled the f word really loudly. I shouted HEY at the kid, and luckily that kid still had decency to be embarresed and apologized.

Kids are hearing this from somewhere, If you are cussing all the time they will too. How is anyone going to get a decent job if they cant go one sentence without swearing. This may seem extreme, but a lot of people nowadays, cant seem to say a sentence without cussing.

Answer 3

I work at a Catholic Church and I've heard a majority of people there use swear words. Even the priests, it's usually hell or something tame like that. One woman said some guy was an *** hole. So, you never know. Now, I don't swear there, but I never cuss at work. But I can cuss like a sailor outside of work and I feel like a good Christian, because I try to do good things and think of others and I'm always there to lend a helping hand. Not because of the words that I use that aren't against anyone.

Answer 4

Psalm 19:14 (King James Version)

14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Saying a swear word does not make you un-Christian. It's just that we should honor with our mouth someone that we love. Swearing can become a habit that is hard to break.

Answer 5

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 6

Several mild "expletives" have their origin in "using the Lord's name in vain". For example:
Gee = Jesus
Gees = Jesus
Gosh = God
Golly = God
Jeepers = Jesus
etc.
Check the dictionary if you don't believe me.

"Colorful" language isn't just "un-Christian...it's actually not all that "elite" socially, either. Better all around not to make a habit of it.

Answer 7

I am a Christian who cusses like anyone else. Swearing is something different. Swearing is making a vow. Cussing is cursing. I would rather cuss than swear because the tendency of swearing is putting my word on something that may not happen. Cussing is merely letting it all out.

Answer 8

There are much worse abuses of language .Such as
propagating halftruths or defaming others. (i.e.) for instance I would not mind being called a blankety blank virtuous person but if I were called a blankety blank dastard or creep it might not fare so well . Expecially if false,needless to say.
peace have a nice one.

Answer 9

What i find to be amusing is that they will replace one word with another... Heck for Hell, Darn for Damn.... et cetera. The intent and the thought behind it is the same no matter which word you use. What exactly makes Heck a less offensive word than Hell?

Answer 10

its not only christians who frown upon swear words.