Does it matter if you swear?

[Liturgy_Geek_1]

I have been using swear word for about 50 years. It’s a terrible habit. I struggle now to stop swearing but I only have a small amount of luck actually doing so. This is one of the big things I am to work on. Please pray for me that my speech will be pleasing to our Lord Jesus.

 

[PureChaos]

Using vulgar language is not always sinful, but can be depending on the circumstances or how bad the word is, for example, using words of an impure nature as an expression, that would be sinful, or using vulgar language around children, that is sinful…Using it to attack or hurt someone, etc.
But just using mild vulgarity is not really a sin(I would not consider the F word mild, and would atleast discourage using it), however, the Church does teach us that it is unbecoming for a Catholic to use, and it doesn’t give a good image of ourselves to others, when as Catholics we ought to strive to make Jesus shine through us.
It might feel like to change certain things about yourself is losing yourself or your personality, but remember Who made you, and what your purpose in life is, you won’t be here forever, you have a goal to reach, God put all of us here first in order to learn to love Him, after all, why would we want to spend eternity with someone we do not know or love?
There is nothing wrong with being yourself or having your own unique personality, but that should not come first in our decision between right and wrong, our first consideration needs to be, does this offend God? Or, does this in any way help me to know, love, and serve God better? Or does it make me a more worldly person?
Of course I can see that your intention is to put God first, otherwise you wouldn’t have asked those questions here.

So I hope this helps, take care.

 

[Catherinabird]

May I step in and ask: Is “Oh my gosh/goodness” an okay substitute?

I wonder because if I think too deeply about it most of the word substitutes still imply the origin (gee, gosh, golly, goodness, gracious)…and now I feel like the Beaver!

I am speaking strictly of the two to three word exclamations, and not the third letter in the four letter acronym. I don’t question the crass use of that in any situation.

 

[Elena321]

I DID read post 15. Unbelievable, frankly.
Did you read my post? Or just gloss over it.
Do you really think we buy that, or that God doesn’t really know?
No one ever, has thought that that particular vulgar acronym means oh my bleeping goodness. That’s so funny it’s really sad.
And THEN you want to replace it with another vulgar acronym.

You don’t seem to have a grasp what a swear word is, and why it’s bad.
You also have not read the literally dozens of threads here on cussing.
One day, when the church offices were closed and there was no only 4 or 5 people there, someone said omg. Just those three letters, omg. And the priest went ballistic.

On another thread you wonder how to not care what people think of you .
I guess you have answered your own question. You really don’t care.

If you’re looking for justification or permission to use foul language, you likely won’t find it on a Catholic site.

Wow.Why do you sound angry/affected?

I was simply asking a question,not justification etc and I was just objectively clarifying what I mean when I personally say those words -not suggesting that that’s what everyone means or that it couldn’t have a different meaning and I wasn’t justifying it etc-just clarifying.

I didn’t realise that a thread like this would cause such reactions in people.
Maybe is a cultural difference as here I know of people that would say I don’t like swearing (more older people than younger & middle aged people-not that it matters) but I don’t know anyone that reacts strongly or with emotion to it like on this thread.

It’s not like I find saying Wt… to be so “wonderful” that I’m attached to it.It doesn’t really matter.
I was simply trying to understand whether the issue of it was spiritual or cultural,that’s all

 

[Elena321]

Using vulgar language is not always sinful, but can be depending on the circumstances or how bad the word is, for example, using words of an impure nature as an expression, that would be sinful, or using vulgar language around children, that is sinful…Using it to attack or hurt someone, etc.
But just using mild vulgarity is not really a sin(I would not consider the F word mild, and would atleast discourage using it), however, the Church does teach us that it is unbecoming for a Catholic to use, and it doesn’t give a good image of ourselves to others, when as Catholics we ought to strive to make Jesus shine through us.
It might feel like to change certain things about yourself is losing yourself or your personality, but remember Who made you, and what your purpose in life is, you won’t be here forever, you have a goal to reach, God put all of us here first in order to learn to love Him, after all, why would we want to spend eternity with someone we do not know or love?
There is nothing wrong with being yourself or having your own unique personality, but that should not come first in our decision between right and wrong, our first consideration needs to be, does this offend God? Or, does this in any way help me to know, love, and serve God better? Or does it make me a more worldly person?
Of course I can see that your intention is to put God first, otherwise you wouldn’t have asked those questions here.

So I hope this helps, take care.

Thanks.
May God Bless You:hug1:

 

[edwest2]

James 3:9

Verse
New International Version
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

New Living Translation
Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

English Standard Version
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

3:10

New International Version
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

New Living Translation
And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

English Standard Version
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

3:11

New International Version
Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

New Living Translation
Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?

English Standard Version
Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?

Ed

 

[PluniaZ]

Everything I’ve ever been taught by my priests and CCD teachers is that foul language is sinful and to be avoided, as with any other sin.

 

[Elena321]

Using vulgar language is not always sinful, but can be depending on the circumstances or how bad the word is, for example, using words of an impure nature as an expression, that would be sinful, or using vulgar language around children, that is sinful…Using it to attack or hurt someone, etc.
But just using mild vulgarity is not really a sin(I would not consider the F word mild, and would atleast discourage using it), however, the Church does teach us that it is unbecoming for a Catholic to use, and it doesn’t give a good image of ourselves to others, when as Catholics we ought to strive to make Jesus shine through us.
It might feel like to change certain things about yourself is losing yourself or your personality, but remember Who made you, and what your purpose in life is, you won’t be here forever, you have a goal to reach, God put all of us here first in order to learn to love Him, after all, why would we want to spend eternity with someone we do not know or love?
There is nothing wrong with being yourself or having your own unique personality, but that should not come first in our decision between right and wrong, our first consideration needs to be, does this offend God? Or, does this in any way help me to know, love, and serve God better? Or does it make me a more worldly person?
Of course I can see that your intention is to put God first, otherwise you wouldn’t have asked those questions here.

So I hope this helps, take care.

Thanks!

 

[pianistclare]

Wow.Why do you sound angry/affected?

I was simply asking a question,not justification etc and I was just objectively clarifying what I mean when I personally say those words -not suggesting that that’s what everyone means or that it couldn’t have a different meaning and I wasn’t justifying it etc-just clarifying.

I didn’t realise that a thread like this would cause such reactions in people.
Maybe is a cultural difference as here I know of people that would say I don’t like swearing (more older people than younger & middle aged people-not that it matters) but I don’t know anyone that reacts strongly or with emotion to it like on this thread.

It’s not like I find saying Wt… to be so “wonderful” that I’m attached to it.It doesn’t really matter.
I was simply trying to understand whether the issue of it was spiritual or cultural,that’s all

Look, you seem like a nice girl. That swearing is not good. Not at all, It’s says something about you that obviously you have no idea about.
I teach young people the faith. I have a big interest in having them NOT screw up their lives and staying close to Christ.
I simply cannot believe that you had no idea this was foul.

There have been literally dozens of threads on this. They all say the same thing: Stop. Young people always come on and say it’s no big deal. Because they have grown up believing that. Not because it is true. they literally have no had anyone model proper speech to them, and that is sad.
Want people to take your seriously? Stop swearing.
That’s the long and short of it. And it certainly puts your soul in danger. It’s ugly and not at all Christ-like.
Can you imagine Our Lady swearing? Of course not.

I notice you thanks (not once, but twice) the person who told you it was fine.



People even have shown you where it says not to use foul language in Scripture.

Unsubscribing.

I’m out.

 

[PureChaos]

Look, you seem like a nice girl. That swearing is not good. Not at all, It’s says something about you that obviously you have no idea about.
I teach young people the faith. I have a big interest in having them NOT screw up their lives and staying close to Christ.
I simply cannot believe that you had no idea this was foul.

There have been literally dozens of threads on this. They all say the same thing: Stop. Young people always come on and say it’s no big deal. Because they have grown up believing that. Not because it is true. they literally have no had anyone model proper speech to them, and that is sad.
Want people to take your seriously? Stop swearing.
That’s the long and short of it. And it certainly puts your soul in danger. It’s ugly and not at all Christ-like.
Can you imagine Our Lady swearing? Of course not.

I notice you thanks (not once, but twice) the person who told you it was fine.



People even have shown you where it says not to use foul language in Scripture.

Unsubscribing.

I’m out.

Perhaps I did not make myself clear enough, but I did not say it was fine to use bad language, I made distinctions between mortal and venial sin, and said it is unbecoming for a Catholic, and that we should strive to have Jesus shine through us,
Maybe I didn’t say right out that it’s bad and should not be used, but I implied it, and most certainly didn’t approve of it, I guess maybe taking a more gentle approach came off as approval? I simply wanted to give an honest answer, which was taken from a catechism book, but without being harsh, since that is more likely to make someone dig their heels in and keep doing what they’re doing all the more…
I want to be clear right now since I obviously didn’t make myself clear before, vulgar language is bad, it should not be used, and it is something I personally never use, not even mild vulgarity, but there are distinctions between what words are sinful and what aren’t, also between mortal and venial,
The church doesn’t really give a list of bad words that are sinful to use, only a distinction between how words are used sinfully, for example, words of impure meaning, taking God’s name in vain, using bad language in anger or disrespect or by belittling someone, using words to curse a person, to blaspheme. Etc. But there is no list of which bad words are sinful, though obviously common sense tells us which ones clearly are, but there are some more mild words that are used, which in some circumstances are bad, and in other circumstances are not, and I mean very mild words, I don’t think I have to name them specifically?

So basically what I’m trying to say is, we should not use vulgar language, God is not pleased with it, it’s unbecoming for a Catholic and a bad example, but there are different degrees of sinfulness depending on what the word is and how it’s used…
However, I never want to make someone think they can take sin lightly, even venial sin, so although circumstances can change the degree of sin, it still must be avoided…

I hope this explains it better, I simply wanted to be gentle but clear, and not to judge the OP’s intentions rashly or harshly, take care.

 

[SecretCatholic]

Im not sure this applies today or not, I know it did in the past though, but times have changed drastically.

I have been in meetings with some pretty successful and important people, mostly local city and business leaders, lawyers, etc and it is surprising how many of them use the ‘F’ word here and there, I do not hear much cursing using Gods name, but the F word gets used by much more people today than it used to.

My doctor curses up a storm and he is ranked as one of the best in my area, he is extremely intelligent, but uses the F word a lot, I have gotten used to it now, but at first it was strange to hear him talk to a new patient like this, but that is just how he is, he has a very unique personality, but he is very well liked and respected by all his patients, and the medical community, so…?

It seems that you are not distinguishing between being a skilled person, even a liked skilled person, and being a prudent person. We as Christians are called to be “in the world” but not “of the world”. So you can interact with the lawyers, doctor, etc. and even tolerate the bad language, but you need not and should not adopt it yourself.

Just because everybody in the world does it does not make it acceptable to a spiritual person. As I said before, I don’t think its necessarily a mortal sin, and I think you can utilize this language very prudently, depending on the occasion, but you certainly shouldn’t make a habit of it either.

 

[mVitus]

I reiterate: Ask your priest.

And with the list, those can certainly get interesting. I remeber once when i was around 10/11ish. A cousin said crp. I said dmn. We each thought our word was completely fine but the other’s was a bad swear.

 

[exnihilo]

The G doesn’t mean God (in my case).Im referring to gosh or goodness.
The focus is more the F.

Instead of this saying,we could substitute it with WTF as an example.

May I step in and ask: Is “Oh my gosh/goodness” an okay substitute?

I wonder because if I think too deeply about it most of the word substitutes still imply the origin (gee, gosh, golly, goodness, gracious)…and now I feel like the Beaver!

I am speaking strictly of the two to three word exclamations, and not the third letter in the four letter acronym. I don’t question the crass use of that in any situation.

These are called minced oaths. My opinion is you shouldn’t say them. They exist merely to say the profane word without actually saying it.

 

[Catherinabird]

These are called minced oaths. My opinion is you shouldn’t say them. They exist merely to say the profane word without actually saying it.

Thank you for answering me. I didn’t know there was a name for this! Although, where does one draw the line? If you exclaim “Oh!” in surprise does it infer more?

 

[exnihilo]

Thank you for answering me. I didn’t know there was a name for this! Although, where does one draw the line? If you exclaim “Oh!” in surprise does it infer more?

I think it is mostly clear. Darn, dang, gosh, frickin etc. are used in place of obvious other words. Words like zounds most wouldn’t know unless they researched it. I don’t see why oh would be bad. It is just a straightforward exclamation…

 

[Elena321]

I reiterate: Ask your priest.

And with the list, those can certainly get interesting. I remeber once when i was around 10/11ish. A cousin said crp. I said dmn. We each thought our word was completely fine but the other’s was a bad swear.

Ok,I’ll ask a priest.That way I can be more sure that the answer/s isn’t “clouded” by any personal feelings such as upbringing or culture etc.

God Bless You.

 

[Elena321]

These are called minced oaths. My opinion is you shouldn’t say them. They exist merely to say the profane word without actually saying it.

I didn’t know there was a name for this either.
Another reason to not use “minced oaths” might be because ,couldn’t it sometimes have the ability to almost cause like a neurosis like if you are worrying and overly concerned about making sure you use substitute word like “frig” (for example) instead the “similar sounding” swear word?

 

[Elena321]

Perhaps I did not make myself clear enough, but I did not say it was fine to use bad language, I made distinctions between mortal and venial sin, and said it is unbecoming for a Catholic, and that we should strive to have Jesus shine through us,
Maybe I didn’t say right out that it’s bad and should not be used, but I implied it, and most certainly didn’t approve of it, I guess maybe taking a more gentle approach came off as approval? I simply wanted to give an honest answer, which was taken from a catechism book, but without being harsh, since that is more likely to make someone dig their heels in and keep doing what they’re doing all the more…
I want to be clear right now since I obviously didn’t make myself clear before, vulgar language is bad, it should not be used, and it is something I personally never use, not even mild vulgarity, but there are distinctions between what words are sinful and what aren’t, also between mortal and venial,
The church doesn’t really give a list of bad words that are sinful to use, only a distinction between how words are used sinfully, for example, words of impure meaning, taking God’s name in vain, using bad language in anger or disrespect or by belittling someone, using words to curse a person, to blaspheme. Etc. But there is no list of which bad words are sinful, though obviously common sense tells us which ones clearly are, but there are some more mild words that are used, which in some circumstances are bad, and in other circumstances are not, and I mean very mild words, I don’t think I have to name them specifically?

So basically what I’m trying to say is, we should not use vulgar language, God is not pleased with it, it’s unbecoming for a Catholic and a bad example, but there are different degrees of sinfulness depending on what the word is and how it’s used…
However, I never want to make someone think they can take sin lightly, even venial sin, so although circumstances can change the degree of sin, it still must be avoided…

I hope this explains it better, I simply wanted to be gentle but clear, and not to judge the OP’s intentions rashly or harshly, take care.

Although this wasn’t addressed to me,I just wanted to state that it was clear to me that you weren’t stating it was fine to use swear word/language.
To clarify, (regarding post 29) the "thankyou " that I wrote was in regards to the gentle and kind way that you responded (not due to how similar or dissimilar your point of view was in regard to mine).

All the best

 

[Roseeurekacross]

(Answering this in a cultural perspective)

Listen sheila, dont come the raw prawn with your mate, God. He reckons anyone who swears or curses has a few too many roos loose in his/her top paddock.

This sheila used to say
hey God its a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll,
but in that hot n dusty long paddock, God answered one day,
hey you , blue, cop this ugly stick.

Now this sheila says hey God
Its a long way to the top, but you are Ace, mate!

And now this chicky babe’s cursing and swearing is as cactus as a cut snake that went walk about!

And her dodgy mates reckon her new language is worse then a dogs breakfast at sparrow fart. All she comes out with now is strewth! Austral Elena iana!