I am at a rather famous theological seminary in Dallas, and I am in my final preaching class. Today, the guy who preached showed a video in which two “F-Bombs” were dropped.

I was a little stunned to hear this at a leading evangelical seminary…

Thanks for the conversation. Good group of people here and a great blog. I enjoy reading and thinking about what you write.

Jeremy

My great grandma used to say, ‘if it’s in the bible, i can say it.’

obviously my great grandma never preached.

Great picture. That is my all time favorite Christmas movie.

I would have had a completely different reaction if the man I told about in the story had just had something bad happen in his life. I wouldn’t have thought as much about his profanity.

The Bible DOES say “let no unwholesome talk come from your mouth” but only that which will build others up and benefit them. If we’re describing some trying circumstances in our lives, how will it benefit others to use bad language?

I doubt you would deny that Christ Himself went through some pretty trying times. He got rather angry about hypocrites. He was tortured and beaten near the end of His life. I think we ought to use His example of what we allow ourselves to say in front of others. Despite our circumstances, we are called to a higher plain, a higher standard of behavior. If we slack on what we say, we are giving an okay for others to do the same.

Just my two cents.

The interesting thing to me is that there is no leeway with most of the comments here. It’s completely black and white and I don’t see it that way.

Some guy gets picked up on a DWI. His wife has filed for divorce. He grew up in a situation where his dad owned several bars and night clubs. His mom wants nothing to do with him. The guy has lived a horribly rough life. At an early age, teen years, he was presented with prostitutes, booze, and drugs. If he decides to use more “colorful language” to express his thoughts and feelings I don’t see a problem with that. It does not detract from his “testimony”.

And I don’t mind if most of you on here disagree with me. But I do not understand the fact that it seems like you are saying there is no leeway with regards to profanity. Most simply say, “it’s a sin and we shouldn’t do it.”

Where does the Bible state that we are not permitted to use profanity, ever?

One thing thats helped me is if I couldn’t/shouldn’t say in front of a kid, I shouldn’t say it at all.

And as far as some conversations/discussions meriting “more colorful language” …sorry, sounds like an excuse.

But hey, a sin is a sin is a sin…and we all transgress and none are greater than another in God’s eyes.

Sadly, on just about every building committee there was at least one member who felt like they could or even needed to talk that way to me since I was just a contractor.

To me, it’s a self-control thing. That’s a fruit of the Spirit.

And you’ll know them by their fruit.

I used to have a terrible mouth, and it wasn’t until I got the Holy Spirit that I was able to change. I wasn’t delivered from swearing, but now I just look at it differently. I don’t want to hurt His feelings by using profanity.

Great Post!

I know this is a serious post but I have to share a funny with you. My mother had a small business in Oregon–when Wal-Mart came to town my mother was upset because it took business. One day my kids asked Grandma to take them to Wal-mart. Grandma said, “We don’t even say the W- word, we can say anything else except that–I don’t want to hear the W-word” To which my nine year old turned to me and said, “Mom, can you believe Grandma says its okay to use the F-word?” Grandma had to explain.

Let your life keep preaching on, Trey.

Peace
neva

I have a real problem with people who use profanity and slang words in their place…..preach on.

Monalea aka www

I’m reminded of the movie About a Boy with Hugh Grant. Grant plays a bachelor who has no responsibility. A father-less kid comes into his life and they become friends. The kids mom attempts suicide. Now keep in mind this kid has been through some tough stuff. Lost his dad, almost lost his mom, and he feels all alone.

The only word out of Grant’s mouth is the f-bomb. The kid is narrating the story and he says something to the effect of, “The word kind of shocked me. But it’s nice to know that someone else thinks that this is a screwed up mess.”

I try to watch my language, but sometimes in my life I feel like there is a time and a place for more color. It’s obvious that many of you on this board disagree with me, but that’s how I feel about it. And I don’t think it goes against the things taught in the N.T.

Also, I’ve been in private meetings with very Godly men that have used colorful language to express their thoughts and emotions for various situations and circumstances. It was appropriate. In my opinion.

I heard a story about a bunch of people at a party. The men were over in a corner talking and one of them decided to tell a joke. It was an off-color joke and he looked around and asked, “Are there any ladies around?” Another man answered, “No but the Lord is.”

Thanks for the story. I may use it in a sermon and will give due credit.