So Stephen and I have tackled this question and discussed this topic a few times. FYI in our home we follow the commandment not to take the Lord's name in vain, we are teaching Madeline and James that if they speak of God/Jesus/Christ it is only in worship, prayer or when speaking of Him - not to be used in expressions or sayings. We also do not use profanity in our home, to be honest it's occurred but we are teaching the kids there are "naughty words" that should not be said because they can come across disrespectful, intolerant, bad, dirty, blasphemy, rude, vulgar, obscene, and foul. I just want to make clear, in my lifetime I have been guilty of taking the Lord's name in vain and using profanity, so I don't want this post to come across in an arrogant, I'm holier than thou tone. But I think it's a topic worth bringing up and discussing with the way of the world today and how people conduct themselves.
So Stephen and I agree that profanity is real and that it can lead to negativity, and sometimes lead to ungodliness (which can be very serious and dangerous). Which words are considered profanity is where Stephen and I differ a little on opinion. Obviously curse or swear words deemed by society fall under the category for me. But Stephen makes a good point that a person can say "gosh darn it!" and in their heart still mean and feel the same as if they were to use God's name and damn instead. I have to agree with Stephen - it is about the heart. I believe it's important then we all reflect when choosing the words we use to examine what is on our hearts when we use them - is what I am expressing good and acceptable to God, is what I am expressing good for building up and giving grace to those who hear me?
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4
When I saw this poster, I thought I know many who probably feel this way. Stephen and I also differ a little in what we find humorous, he could laugh at a comedian who might use profanity where I may not find it funny but distasteful, intolerant or feeble. But it's our differences/oppositeness that brought us together and I think help balance each other out - he's taught me to loosen up a bit and relax where hopefully I've helped him to see that you don't have to be negative to be funny.
So let's examine the quote in the poster more, "Profanity makes talking fun!". Here are some counter quotes and you tell me which you agree with more:
“When a man uses profanity to support an argument, it indicates that either the man or the argument is weak - probably both”
“Profanity is the attempt of a lazy and feeble mind to express itself forcefully”
So would you rather be considered weak, lazy, feeble yet funny - or find another alternative that leaves out profanity yet you still come across fun? Now I know and have many family and friends who may swear or cuss - and by writing all of this I'm not trying to say they are all lazy and weak in mind. Actually most of them are very highly intelligent persons who I admire in so many ways and feel they have so much to offer to the world. Do I feel that they may come across lazy and weak in mind when they use profanity? Sometimes. And it's because of all the reasons in this blog post I am discussing.
Lastly I wanted to share this quote that I pinned to one of my virtual pinboards. I thought this proverb is so true and relates to using profanity. Some people may use it with just their friends, but never in front of young kids, their parents or grandparents. Others may use it in the workplace, but not at home around their family. There's obviously a reason they choose to use it sometimes and not other times. Why? Well there is a reason why swearing in a workplace or at an educational facility can be an act of misconduct and grounds for dismissal, it can offend someone. So peeps that like to use profanity, is it more important that others just except that is how you choose to express yourself, it's who you are and if they don't like it...who cares? Or is it more important to try not to offend others just like you wouldn't want others to be offensive towards you? Profanity never inspires someone to do their best. Your words should be chosen carefully and should be those that motivate and comfort others.
