iBelieve.com Forums
iBelieve Forums on Faith Community Network
  Forum Tools
Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 
  Sponsor

RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing?

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [Theology] >> Morality & Ethics >> RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing?
Jump to post #:
Page: <<   < prev  1 [2]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 8:38:36 AM   
JimboFletch


Posts: 6614
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MindySue69

Like I said. I never think about it as anything other than a nonsense word.

Someone could take this to an extreme and say that anything uttered after "Oh my __________" is a euphemism for God.

For you, it is sin to say it. Then you should not say it - and if we meet in real life, if I say it, you can kindly tell me that you would prefer I not say it. And I'll respect that.

I was simply pointing out the origin of the word. When I learned the origins of "substitute" cuss words, I quit using them and try to articulate what I'm actually thinking or feeling.

When I was a young man, someone told me that people associate others that use curse words and expletives as having low intelligence or very limited vocabulary (or simply juvenile). That bothered me enough to change my language. I also began noticing some people used the same word to describe feelings of fear, happiness, anger, surprise, shock, dismay, and a whole range of reactions. I think that's pretty sad.
Post #: 26
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 8:42:08 AM   
MindySue69


Posts: 321
Joined: 8/5/2008
Status: offline
Well you don't have to feel sad for me. I am quite articulate in expressing my feelings - and I frankly have never been thought of as having "low intelligence."
Post #: 27
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 8:45:55 AM   
JimboFletch


Posts: 6614
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
Mindy, I did not call you sad, inarticulate, or having low intelligence.

I not think you are sad, inarticulate, or that you have low intelligence.

I was not characterizing you at all. I simply relayed a story from my youth.
Post #: 28
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 9:12:02 AM   
MindySue69


Posts: 321
Joined: 8/5/2008
Status: offline
Okay - I overreacted. Please accept my apology for misinterpreting what you wrote. I haven't had enough caffeine today, I guess.
Post #: 29
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 9:23:15 AM   
stellaluna


Posts: 4273
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
If it's something my husband yells at another driver while we're in the car...then it's cursing.



_____________________________

Who should be allowed to attend church?
Post #: 30
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 10:27:18 AM   
earthless


Posts: 6220
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are wearing sweaters....
Status: offline
It's not so much the actual words but the meaning behind them. I am reminded of a lady which I consider a fanatic that will use words such as "FUDGE!!" or "HOLY COW" to replace their commonly used curse words.

But the intent is the same is it not? She may feel all righteous that she is "not cursing" but she is.

Language doesn't bother me in the way the Ned Flanders of the world take it.

Especially when we consider that language changes with time and what some "goody tochoos" consider to be "clean" language today was vulgar/curse words a few decades ago. Oh, the irony! God must just shake His head....

Or people who supplement words for others and think that is good - ala - using the word 'fudge' instead of its real word.

What matters is one's heart when speaking. Intent. Meaning.

First example: Betty Sue attends church four times a week. Doesn't use current day curse words but substitutes common day ones with "fudge", "stink", "bull", etc etc..

Betty Sue thinks she is so holy and so unlike those heathens in her office that use the actual words.

Too bad Betty Sue doesn't realize that the use of words isn't the problem but the intention and meaning behind them.

Second example:

John Smith is repulsed when he hears his fellow co-workers talking about the latest 'R' rated movie. Or perhaps even the viral video they just watched on the Internet. Or how they talk about the girl in Marketing.

John Smith thinks he is such a good Christian because he makes sure not to watch rated 'R' movies and or speak about other females.

Yet John Smith on his drive home notices the woman waiting for the bus at the stop and for one second thinks, "wow, she is hot!"

Too bad John Smith just sinned exactly the same way his "heathen" co-worker buddies did.

I could give example after example, I did a series of sermons on this topic a year ago and it really hit home with me. I always tell the congregation that when I preach, I am primarily preaching to myself before it is ever meant for anyone else. We're all in the same boat.

We all have sins of omission and sins of commission - both are equally wrong and problematic. But in our Christian era, we have scores of people who think they are so good and or better than those that are not saved or act like "the world".

May we all continue to pray for God to convict us more and more.

_____________________________

Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
Post #: 31
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 10:41:48 AM   
MindySue69


Posts: 321
Joined: 8/5/2008
Status: offline
So it's a sin to exclaim a feeling of surprise, annoyance, or shock?

We are supposed to be perfectly calm at all times, according to your interpretation of scripture?

Saying someone is "hot" or "good looking" or "beautiful" or "Handsome" is the same as going to bed with them in your mind?

I don't think so.

I can look at another person and recognize their attractiveness without mentally sleeping with them. I believe the intent of Jesus' warning about looking at a woman and lusting after her is just that - lusting after her, not appreciating that she is attractive.
Post #: 32
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 12:53:27 PM   
edgibson


Posts: 145
Joined: 10/3/2005
From: Then: upper NY, Now: NC
Status: offline
from the TOS

quote:

- Referring to particular vulgar terms or words in any manner that brings them to mind such as purposefully misspelling or using symbols to suggest bad language or referring to something by a letter that identifies the word is unacceptable.


Like "shoot" or "flipping"? Hmmmm. It would seem that substitute words are cursing.

Even non-substitution.

For example, I can "curse out" someone and never use a vulgar word or substitute. That does not make it ok. It is the intent of the heart in the words that you choose and how you choose to use them.

_____________________________

Where are we going?
And why are we in this handbasket?
Post #: 33
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 1:08:57 PM   
sunshine4God


Posts: 7116
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
I am always using slang words like Darn,Dang,Gosh,Heck,etc.
I see nothing wrong with it and feel if there was than God would convict me of it.So far he hasn't.

_____________________________

Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
Post #: 34
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 1:21:08 PM   
DaveW


Posts: 4106
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: MD suburbs of Washington DC
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

Sorry, but I can think of half a dozen words that are offensive and, thereby, curse words in any context by anyone.

Just the fact that someone would designate something an "x-word" suggests it shouldn't be used at all by a believer.
The "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" by George Carlin comes to mind.

The 2nd word on the list is used several times in the KJV.

_____________________________

Avatar is Saphira 5 months and Louvena at 23 months!
We are now grandparents TWICE!!
====================================
Our CD is now available here:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/dswaggoner
Post #: 35
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 2:04:28 PM   
JimboFletch


Posts: 6614
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: DaveW

quote:

ORIGINAL: JimboFletch

Sorry, but I can think of half a dozen words that are offensive and, thereby, curse words in any context by anyone.

Just the fact that someone would designate something an "x-word" suggests it shouldn't be used at all by a believer.
The "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" by George Carlin comes to mind.

The 2nd word on the list is used several times in the KJV.

I've heard about the list but can't say that I've ever seen it. As I said, there are words that in context could mean a female dog, an illegitimate son, a donkey, or some other commonplace thing that isn't cursing. Yet there are words that cannot be placed in a good context.

As far as the British expletive that doesn't bother most Americans, I dropped it when I learned what it means.

It's one thing to be ignorant, it's another, IMHO, to be informed and decide you'll continue on. I just believe we should be different than the world and, language, is, IMHO, is just one area where we should be different than people like Lenny Bruce or George Carlin.
Post #: 36
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 3:46:52 PM   
earthless


Posts: 6220
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are wearing sweaters....
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: sunshine4God

I am always using slang words like Darn,Dang,Gosh,Heck,etc.
I see nothing wrong with it and feel if there was than God would convict me of it.So far he hasn't.


See my post above.....

_____________________________

Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
Post #: 37
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/22/2008 10:27:32 PM   
sunshine4God


Posts: 7116
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Sterling Ct.
Status: offline
No prob.I read it and while I do agree with what you wrote about why we say things,and our heart behind it don't say things to cuss. I use slang in normal conversation mainly.

_____________________________

Matthew 5:16.
"Let your light so shine before men that they will see
your good deeds and glorify your Lord".
Post #: 38
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/23/2008 9:13:57 AM   
mch3172

 

Posts: 10
Joined: 5/27/2008
Status: offline
Great thread--this brings to mind an old professor of mine, wonderful lecturer, but whose lectures were thoroughly peppered with s-words, f-bombs, d's, h's, etc., but one thing that impressed me was that he never took the Lord's name in vain so as not to intentionally offend Christian students in the class.

I like Stellaluna's answer--having a child really convicted me about this area of sin in my life, especially while driving.
Post #: 39
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/24/2008 3:00:12 PM   
Covaan_Meshuga


Posts: 3647
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
Status: offline
Like JimboFletch, I looked up what we used to call "slang" in the dictionary, in order to draw my conclusion about what words would be allowed in my personal vocabulary. However, I used to use "momma" as an epithet, and I knew the angry heart behind the word. I put myself through forcible withdrawal from using that word. But the harder I work on keeping myself free from such words, the more I realize I have lots of work to do on my attitudes and actions.

_____________________________

Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
Post #: 40
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/26/2008 12:08:06 AM   
thetaggs

 

Posts: 1
Joined: 8/26/2008
Status: offline
To all of you that believe that it's based on context or matter of the heart...you are so Edited TOS 5 right.

Hum...even though that was a compliment and rolled of the keyboard, that still doesn't seem right. I was WHOLEHEARTEDLY agreeing...yet, something doesn't feel right about that.

Maybe I'm wrong and you're quite incorrect. Too many people base too many things on feelings and emotions and make black and white gray. I have many non-believing friends who do not intend to offend when they drop an F-bomb...yet, why do we cringe when they say it front of our kids? If our kids say it with a pure and ignorant heart, is that acceptable?

< Message edited by Kath -- 8/26/2008 3:31:35 AM >
Post #: 41
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/27/2008 5:17:55 PM   
Bluethread


Posts: 1509
Joined: 11/8/2007
Status: online
I hope I am not being seen as nit picking. However, it appears the whole discussion centers around the appropriate use of language. That being the case, let's look at the accrurate use of a few words. Many words pick up a number of connotations, but a proper definition, in my opinion, is that which is most in line with its use in the Scriptures.

A curse, is a negative result brought about by ones words or actions. Thus, to curse is to wish someone ill will. Therefore to discuss cursing, we should probably be discussing that appropriateness of wishing someone ill will.

To use offensive language is another issue and is dependant on several factors.

Third, a subset of offensive language is using the name of Adonai in vein. This I take literally. That is if I use a name generally reserved for Adonai, I should expect a reply from Him. If, upon His reply I would have to say, "Never mind", then I have used His name in vein. It is rude to call someones name when one does not wish to talk to them and being rude to Adonai is clearly unacceptable.

_____________________________

"Show me wherein I have errored and I will hold my tongue." Iyov(Job)
Post #: 42
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/28/2008 1:43:56 PM   
Covaan_Meshuga


Posts: 3647
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
Status: offline
You are a true Messianic! Look at a word, check it in the Bible, turn it upside down to see what's there, turn it sideways to see what's there, then tear it apart to see what's inside. That is what I love about Messianics: they won't accept the commonly-held position on anything until they examine it thoroughly themselves, and if two Messianics are doing that together, they will end up with a minimum of three opinions about the first opinion.

You're great, Bluethread. And now don't pick that statement apart! Oh, go ahead! It will be fun to read, and we can snicker together!

I don't know, but I assumed most of us knew what you wrote. We were just using what the OP stated. You have not been here that long to see all the past cursing, cussing, offensive language threads. I even had my own cursing thread at one time, in which we were making humorous curses. Whatdayado?

Great, though, Thread!

_____________________________

Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
Post #: 43
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/30/2008 10:32:42 AM   
PhrozenPhoenix


Posts: 248
Joined: 4/18/2005
Status: offline
Curse words are just some random words people said were bad and then told everyone else they were bad so now they're bad
Post #: 44
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 8/31/2008 12:51:01 AM   
Bluethread


Posts: 1509
Joined: 11/8/2007
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: PhrozenPhoenix

Curse words are just some random words people said were bad and then told everyone else they were bad so now they're bad


We're not going to start making arguments like, "Wow man, words have no intrinsic value. So, it like really doesn't what words we use, fur sure." Are we?

_____________________________

"Show me wherein I have errored and I will hold my tongue." Iyov(Job)
Post #: 45
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 9/1/2008 9:13:35 AM   
manda59


Posts: 6025
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
Status: offline
Presuming that your "cursing", is what we'd more likely call "swearing" or "using bad language" here in the UK:

To me it's not the actual word, it's the intent/context that makes something offensive (or not). Words are just collections of letters. There are no "bad" words, just bad intent.

FYI, many of the words nowadays considered "offensive" are only "offensive" because originally they were from the earthy "street" language of the uneducated poor here in Britain in the Middle Ages. The words figured in the everyday language of your ordinary person - and the wealthy titled folk of the time didn't want to be considered to be ordinary people, so they avoided those words, and looked down on those who did. In other words, it was snobbery.

Have any of you read anything by Geoffrey Chaucer, sometimes called the Father of English literature? He wrote in the vernacular of the time (he lived in the 1300s) which included many of the words that some of you guys here would object to. He wasn't writing to be offensive, he was writing as ordinary people spoke at that time.

< Message edited by manda59 -- 9/1/2008 9:32:09 AM >


_____________________________

"Once again....drum roll please! Manda is right"
doinkdom, October 2008
Post #: 46
RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing? - 9/2/2008 11:52:12 AM   
Covaan_Meshuga


Posts: 3647
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
Status: offline
Manda, have I ever disagreed with you before? I can't even imagine a time. But forgive me -- I do this time. But I love you anyway -- hee-hee -- not that you give a hoot! That's part of what I like about you -- you are so autonomous! And smart.

But I believe words are offensive in a society because they retain a level of coarseness that is commonly unacceptable. I do recognize, however, that what my general generation in my nation calls coarse or unacceptable language is different from what some 40 years younger call coarse or unacceptable, but that does not make their language acceptable to me.

Certainly, there are also words in the Bible, especially the KJV, that one will not use in my home, because this is my domicile, where I have dominance with my husband. That's just the way it is. If someone persists in using such language, they will be asked to leave.

There are also words that I will use in one context but not in another. One such word is damn, which I will use in the context of speaking of one being damned by refusing to accept Messiah but not as a curse. And there is a word for excrement that I will not use, yet I used that word recently when I spoke to a young woman who was walking her dog in my neighborhood, who walked away from a very large pile her dog left on my neighbor's yard. I also listen to information about female dogs on Animal Planet. Context is also important.

But I think that we need to maintain niceties in all areas of society in order to have an orderly society. I think that when we throw these precautions out the window, other necessary precautions will soon disappear as well, and we will soon fall into complete chaos.

_____________________________

Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
Post #: 47
Page:   <<   < prev  1 [2]
All Forums >> [Theology] >> Morality & Ethics >> RE: How Do You Decide It's Cursing?
Jump to post #:
Page: <<   < prev  1 [2]
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


iBelieve Forums on Faith Community Network
  Forum Tools
Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 

iBelieve.com is a proud member of the Salem Web Network of sites including:

CCMmagazine.com | ChristianJobs.com | ChurchStaffing.com | Crosscards.com | CrossDaily.com | Crosswalk.com | LightSource.com | OnePlace.com | SermonSearch.com | TheFish.com | XulonPress.com | YouthWorkerJournal.com
Enjoy the websites of these iBelieve.com Sponsors:

Bibles.com | BibleLeague.org | ChristianBook.com | EHarmony.com | Gospel for Asia | LifewayStores.com | Campus Crusade for Christ | Townhall.com | Billygraham.org

© Copyright 2006, iBelieve.com. All rights reserved.

Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI