Cussing/ Cursing -whatever you want to call it

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My question to you: When we are young we are taught that cussing/ cursing is wrong and that there are ‘bad words’. But is it a sin to cuss? Any evidence that 'cussing/ cursing is in the bible? And from my memory that ‘cursing’ is in the bible…is this the same meaning of the word that we use it for today? Or does it pertain to witchcraft? How is saying a ‘bad word’ / ‘cussing’ the same as saying a ‘curse’ in the bible if it is pertaining to witchcraft/ pagenism etc?–Is there a difference between cursing and cussing? I believe that they are interchanged words simply used in different parts of the country as part of local dialect (from the US here). Show evidence for your opinion, biblical quotes are best! Thanks
 
Well, what about words that do not use God’s name in vain. Such as the f word, and others
 
That post has links to those words to, explained much better than I can. God bless!
 
There is certainly references of sinning with one’s tongue in Sacred Scripture, particularly in the book of Psalms and in St. Paul’s Epistles. Just search the word “tongue” in any Bible search engine and you will see a huge list of references. Sins of the tongue are similar to sinful internal thoughts, but are much worst because it is communicated to someone else. Depending on one’s intentions using curse words as sinful sexual references or to intentionally insult or slander someone is obviously a grave sin. But, when bad words are used unthinkingly or out of force of habit while overcome by emotion due to simply being frustrated about some bad event, painful injury, or disappointment, it’s not a grave sin, more like a venial sin because it irritates people around you and is uncivil and profane, but one did not have full control. If it is pre-meditated such as is the case with rappers, rockers, artists, actors, screen writers, etc. then it can be a mortal sin depending on the type of word used and the intention of using it. Most of the four letter type of curses are references to sinful sexual acts, sinful lifestyles, genitals and their fluid, or human waste, though some of the meanings vary depending on the context. It would depend on the circumstance, intention, and subject matter in the moral evaluation of what one says. It is important to remember that it is not the words themselves that are bad, but the meaning that is behind them that brings to mind impure thoughts.
 
Roman_Army said:
Most of the four letter type of curses are references to sinful sexual acts, sinful lifestyles, genitals and their fluid, or human waste, though some of the meanings vary depending on the context. It would depend on the circumstance, intention, and subject matter in the moral evaluation of what one says. It is important to remember that it is not the words themselves that are bad, but the meaning that is behind them that brings to mind impure thoughts.
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You are right about the meaning that makes the words bad. For instance, in Philipians 3:8, Paul basically uses the sh word to describe his life without Christ. Crude, but very effective.
 
First of all, apostles were not without sin, so pointing to them and saying they used cuss words so it’s ok if you do is just making an excuse for yourself.

Secondly, I do think that cussing is sinful. Obviously taking the Lord’s name in vain is the worst, but I think other secular cuss words are bad too. And not just sinful, but they reveal a lack of vocabulary to express your ideas.

That being said, though I don’t cuss myself, I grew up around it and it doesn’t bother me all that much unless it’s someone I respect.
 
My conversion from atheism to Catholicism was sudden, miraculous and mystical. One of the miracles I experienced, one of the signs of an authentic conversion was that I was instantly curred of using profanity. To this day, I am not really able to articulate it or even think the words in any meaningful way. When I hear profanily, it is almost like a physical pain.
 
johngh said:
Secondly, I do think that cussing is sinful. Obviously taking the Lord’s name in vain is the worst, but I think other secular cuss words are bad too. And not just sinful, but they reveal a lack of vocabulary to express your ideas.
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You take a class in Linguistics and you will soon realize how petty and futile it really is to stigmatize cussing/swearing. The Lord’s name should be taken care of when pronounced for God is and always will be God.

But secular cuss words? Gimme a break. Words have been known to shift connotations over the expanse of years. If you want a hint of what I’m talking about just listen to this song.

P.S.

It’s true in most cases that actual users of excess profanity don’t know any other word.
However, considering I write fiction and that not all my characters are civilized, refined Victorian gents and ladies, I’d probably have to resort to it anyway. 😛
 
1 Timothy 1:9
realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
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I checked 2 translations and both say it’s profane. Is profane meant in the way we normally use it?
 
HNA444 said:
Well, what about words that do not use God’s name in vain. Such as the f word, and others
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We should say what we mean to say; no more, and no less.

I was fascinated to hear on the Discovery Channel that according to a recent study, using certain swear words (the old Anglo Saxon words) can actually give you the ability to endure pain for longer periods of time. I am wondering if it has something to do with the repetitive “k” and “t” sounds.

I think that if you are using them out of earshot of others, they do have a calming effect, but if you use them in the hearing of others, they frighten people, and they can destroy relationships.
 
We all know cussing/cursing when we hear it. It is the words themselves that are bad. That’s right. Only so-called comedians give examples of marginal use. The late George Carlin had a routine where he talked about the words you can’t say on TV. Paul writes in the Bible that if you can’t control your tongue and think you’re religious then your religion is in vain. How we put bits in horses’ mouths and use it to turn about their whole body.

James 3: 9 "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?”

Peace,
Ed
 
rpp said:
My conversion from atheism to Catholicism was sudden, miraculous and mystical. One of the miracles I experienced, one of the signs of an authentic conversion was that I was instantly curred of using profanity. To this day, I am not really able to articulate it or even think the words in any meaningful way. When I hear profanily, it is almost like a physical pain.
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Thanks for sharing your story. That is great. Although I never had the conversion you had, since I was a cradle Catholic, I have the same revulsion to bad language that you do. I agree that it is painful to hear it. I have had a clean mouth for as long as I can remember, and I don’t know what to attribute it to. God’s grace I suppose.👍
 
jmcrae said:
We should say what we mean to say; no more, and no less.

I was fascinated to hear on the Discovery Channel that according to a recent study, using certain swear words (the old Anglo Saxon words) can actually give you the ability to endure pain for longer periods of time. I am wondering if it has something to do with the repetitive “k” and “t” sounds.

I think that if you are using them out of earshot of others, they do have a calming effect, but if you use them in the hearing of others, they frighten people, and they can destroy relationships.
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One of the most shocking things I have witnessed where I work: an eighty-year old woman, who looked like someone’s sweet little ol’ granny… using the f-word about eight times in one sentence when a cashier made a mistake giving back her change. I’ve been known to mutter expletives under my breath when dealing with stuck doors, glitched computers or what have you, I don’t use them at people.
 
Is it relevant to anyone that cursing, cussing/profanity, and using the Lord’s name in vein are all very different things?
 
James_S_Saint said:
Is it relevant to anyone that cursing, cussing/profanity, and using the Lord’s name in vein are all very different things?
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Of course it is relevant. I think we all realize there is a grave difference.

This thread is specifically about the use of profanity and harsh language, not about using the Lord’s name in vain.

Another question one may consider regarding profanity and expletives. When someone hears another person talk that, do you think that they associate that person with being a faithful or devout Christian? Can you imagine the Pope using such language, even in private?
 
rpp said:
Another question one may consider regarding profanity and expletives. When someone hears another person talk that, do you think that they associate that person with being a faithful or devout Christian? Can you imagine the Pope using such language, even in private?
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There’s the catch. Suppose someone does not want to be associated with religion? What if I don’t want to come off as religious?
 
Lost_Wanderer said:
There’s the catch. Suppose someone does not want to be associated with religion? What if I don’t want to come off as religious?
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Do you want to be a hero, or do you want to be that person that everyone avoids? Do you want parents to feel safe that their children like you, or do you want them gathering their children up and rushing away when you approach?

It’s not about being “The Church Lady” - it’s about being someone who is pleasant and easy to have around - and then maybe they also find out that you are a Church lady, and then they have a good impression of Church ladies, which makes for a good witness. 🙂 (Or not, and you are still someone that they like being around.)

I think one of the worst fallacies that is spread to young people is that you have to swear to be cool. Not so. The cool people are the ones who have good self-control, and communicate both intelligently and intelligibly.
 
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