Is it a sin to use bad language?

[joshrp]

Hi,

I kind of know the answer to this question, but I need to ask it to clear myself on the subject. Ok, I swear a lot sometimes. It’s just a regular thing, and I do it without thinking sometimes. I try not to if I can, but sometimes I just do it anyways. Sometimes I think it’s funny when you add a curse word in. But really, where is cursing a sin and where is it something that is just an accident because you are so used to doing it? And is there a way to reduce the amount of foul language one uses. It is really hard today if you are used to talking like a sailor.

Joshua

 

[Monica4316]

Yes, it’s a sin… I heard that if you accidently say a bad word once in a while, that is probably venial, but it can turn into mortal. If this is a habit for you, it would be best to confess this and try your best to stop. Think of Heaven, and how no one there would say any swear words, but in hell, there is much profanity and blasphemy. It’s simply not worth it, it also perhaps scandalizes others if they know you are a Catholic.

God bless

 

[joshrp]

Yes, it’s a sin… I heard that if you accidently say a bad word once in a while, that is probably venial, but it can turn into mortal. If this is a habit for you, it would be best to confess this and try your best to stop. Think of Heaven, and how no one there would say any swear words, but in hell, there is much profanity and blasphemy. It’s simply not worth it, it also perhaps scandalizes others if they know you are a Catholic.

God bless

What is the best way to use confession. I feel like I’ve never done a real good confession. I want to stop sinning more than I want the absolution, and I don’t think I deserve the absolution unless I stop sinning.

 

[Big_Ro]

Sorry Monica, I don’t think this is correct. The CCC does not say that using foul or vulgar language is a sin. It considers it vulgar and disordered behavior, but it’s not a sin. As Catholics we should avoid it. However, if the poster feels strongly that it is a sin, then they should perhaps go to confession or better yet consult their priest. I have read through several threads on this forum regarding this issue and went to the official rule book and found this out. If I’m wrong could you post a document from the CCC that supports your position.

Let’s be clear, I’m not condoning the use of foul language at all. But, there is a difference between naughty behavior and sin. We should also be careful that we are not stoking a case of scrupulosity.

God Bless.

 

[joshrp]

Sorry Monica, I don’t think this is correct. The CCC does not say that using foul or vulgar language is a sin. It considers it vulgar and disordered behavior, but it’s not a sin. As Catholics we should avoid it. However, if the poster feels strongly that it is a sin, then they should perhaps go to confession or better yet consult their priest. I have read through several threads on this forum regarding this issue and went to the official rule book and found this out. If I’m wrong could you post a document from the CCC that supports your position.

Let’s be clear, I’m not condoning the use of foul language at all. But, there is a difference between naughty behavior and sin. We should also be careful that we are not stoking a case of scrupulosity.

God Bless.

Sometimes it’s like I have an emotion to convey, and the only word I can think of to express it is one that most people would rather not hear. And with some people, it seems like they don’t understand what you are trying to say to them unless you use an f-bomb every 5 seconds. Why is that?

 

[Big_Ro]

What is the best way to use confession. I feel like I’ve never done a real good confession. I want to stop sinning more than I want the absolution, and I don’t think I deserve the absolution unless I stop sinning.

My fellow Catholic, remember Christ died on the cross while all of humanity was in sin. How then could he expect us to only come to him after we are without sin. In fact, it is our sinfulness that provides us with a pathway to Christ and thus salvation. Go before our Lord and savior and lay your sin at his feet. He will forgive you.

His yoke is light. He desires mercy not condemnation.

 

[revert_jen]

What is the best way to use confession. I feel like I’ve never done a real good confession. I want to stop sinning more than I want the absolution, and I don’t think I deserve the absolution unless I stop sinning.

Well, here is an important point: Nobody EVER deserves absolution. It is a free gift of God because of His infinite love. If you became completely sin-free, you still wouldn’t deserve absolution, so you may as well take advantage of it now.

The reason you want absolution (at least in the case of mortal sin) is because if you are not in a state of grace, your ability to receive the many graces that God wishes to give you is impaired. It is only possible to stop sinning with God’s help, and remaining in a state of mortal sin is saying to God, “I don’t want as much help as I can get.”

For venial sins, I’m not sure about the theory, but in practice I have found that confessing them does help me commit them less often.

An important point in this discussion: do you include using the name of God in vain when you are talking of using bad language? It makes a big difference in the answer to your original question.

–Jen

 

[Pfaffenhoffen]

Hi,

I kind of know the answer to this question, but I need to ask it to clear myself on the subject. Ok, I swear a lot sometimes. It’s just a regular thing, and I do it without thinking sometimes. I try not to if I can, but sometimes I just do it anyways. Sometimes I think it’s funny when you add a curse word in. But really, where is cursing a sin and where is it something that is just an accident because you are so used to doing it? And is there a way to reduce the amount of foul language one uses. It is really hard today if you are used to talking like a sailor.

Joshua

No, it is not a sin. It is unpleasant and low level language but it is not a sin. It is not a sin unless it involves God, as Jesus said to not swear in the name of God.

Most of the bad words do not have any meaning. Here in Germany, the word “cross” may be a bad word and it is the way you pronounce it as in Spain the word, “Body of Christ”. those are religious bad words, rare in most languages.

Most of the bad words are related with sex and have no meaning at all if you are aware of what you are saying.

Why do we swear? To let off steam. But there are other ways of letting off steam. Learn them and take a hobby.

Meanwhile, just stop swearing and make someone familiar to you punish you when you swear (your wife, children). It is the fastest way to get rid of it.

 

[joshrp]

Well, here is an important point: Nobody EVER deserves absolution. It is a free gift of God because of His infinite love. If you became completely sin-free, you still wouldn’t deserve absolution, so you may as well take advantage of it now.

The reason you want absolution (at least in the case of mortal sin) is because if you are not in a state of grace, your ability to receive the many graces that God wishes to give you is impaired. It is only possible to stop sinning with God’s help, and remaining in a state of mortal sin is saying to God, “I don’t want as much help as I can get.”

For venial sins, I’m not sure about the theory, but in practice I have found that confessing them does help me commit them less often.

An important point in this discussion: do you include using the name of God in vain when you are talking of using bad language? It makes a big difference in the answer to your original question.

–Jen

Oh boy. I am so horrible with using God’s name in vain. How can I stop?

 

[Big_Ro]

Sometimes it’s like I have an emotion to convey, and the only word I can think of to express it is one that most people would rather not hear. And with some people, it seems like they don’t understand what you are trying to say to them unless you use an f-bomb every 5 seconds. Why is that?

It’s a verbal weakness. I share your burden. I find that if I work harder to find language that conveys my emotion without resorting to cuss words, I am a stronger and more effective speaker. I fail constantly. Christ loves me not because I’m perfect, but because I want to be perfect. Don’t use your sin as an excuse to hold yourself away from Christs Love. Go to him and you will find solace in his bosom. How great is the Lord that has mercy on a sinner like me!

 

[revert_jen]

Oh boy. I am so horrible with using God’s name in vain. How can I stop?

That is tough, but one way to start is to correct yourself every time you do it. Right away. The reason this might work is that it will be really embarrassing for you to correct yourself in front of people who see nothing wrong with using God’s name in vain, and the embarrasment may help you to stop.

Confession is your friend here too. Confessing it will help you stop. It isn’t some sort of magic spell, where you confess once and stop immediately, or even where your cursing decreases 20% for each confession or something. But it will help.

It won’t be easy, but it is possible.

I’m sure we’ll pray for you too and that will help as well.

–Jen

 

[PerfectTiming]

Oh boy. I am so horrible with using God’s name in vain. How can I stop?

I’m the same. It’s an easy habit to get into. Sometimes I’ll just say ‘oh my God’ or something before I can even realise what I’ve said. It’s not on purpose but I’ve been getting better. Every time I accidentally say something wrong, I remind myself that it’s a sin and I always say a little prayer asking for forgiveness and help to stop. It’s honestly helped a lot, even if it seems like something small. If it’s not on purpose then you don’t have deliberate consent, which is necessary for mortal sin.

 

[revert_jen]

The CCC does not say that using foul or vulgar language is a sin. It considers it vulgar and disordered behavior, but it’s not a sin.

I don’t in any way doubt you, but could you give a reference? I can’t seem to find anything at all, even though I do seem to remember it was mentioned. I can’t remember in what context, though, so short of reading the whole thing again, I can’t find it.

Thanks!

–Jen

 

[Big_Ro]

I don’t in any way doubt you, but could you give a reference? I can’t seem to find anything at all, even though I do seem to remember it was mentioned. I can’t remember in what context, though, so short of reading the whole thing again, I can’t find it.

Thanks!

–Jen

Wish I could. I know there’s a way to search threads, but I’m more or less inept at using the forum. I know It was a thread and, honestly, I had always assumed it was a sin. So, I started looking and googling through Catholic sources and finally found the CCC reference. I was somewhat surprised. It also mentioned that using the dreaded GD word was only a sin if we specifically meant that God should damn a person. Otherwise, it was like any other cuss word and more or less meaningless. This was very surprising. It didn’t make me feel any better about my verbal weakness nor did it empower me to cuss freely. I also don’t think that saying stuff like OMG is a sin at all. I think it’s important to remember that the Jews believed that using God’s name in any context was forbidden. I think this is the root of why some people believe using God’s name in any un-reverential way is sinful. I admire people for wanting to be pius, but worry that they place burdens on themselves that are unnecessary. This world is a hardship as it is. We shouldn’t try and make it any harder than it already is.

 

[revert_jen]

Wish I could. I know there’s a way to search threads, but I’m more or less inept at using the forum. I know It was a thread and, honestly, I had always assumed it was a sin. So, I started looking and googling through Catholic sources and finally found the CCC reference. I was somewhat surprised. It also mentioned that using the dreaded GD word was only a sin if we specifically meant that God should damn a person.

No, the part about God’s name I could find, and I think I have to respectfully disagree. What I read in the CCC is:

2143 “…‘The Lord’s name is holy.’ For this reason man must not abuse it. He must keep it in mind in silent, loving adoration. He will not introduce it into his own speech except to bless, praise, and glorify it.”

2146 “The second commandment forbids the abuse of God’s name, i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ, ut also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.” (Italics in original)

I think saying “must not abuse it” and “Forbids the abuse” indicates that failing in this respect is sinful.

The part I couldn’t find was where it talks about using other sorts of bad language. I do seem to recall that there was something, but I can’t remember what or where.

–Jen

 

[Ceil-1]

I think a lot of expression used today, although many are being forgotten in lieu of the real thing, again, were used to substitute for the foul language.

For example:

“Goodness gracious”, instead of Oh, G-d.

“Gad Zooks”, instead of G-d’s Hooks, a reference to the nails of the Cross and particularly blasphemous.

Jiminiy Cricket, or Criminy, instead of the Name of Our Lord.

Gosh darn it, instead of, well, you know.

That is still not good, but, you can work on that while you train yourself away from the bad stuff. TV doesn’t help in this regard.

 

[Catholic_Kenpo]

When I first converted almost six years ago now, I had the same problem. Those words added a lot of “flavor” to my everyday dialogues. I knew that it wasn’t good, and it was something that I needed to drop if my conversion were to be complete and honest. So I made a promise. I prayed and told God that I was not going to swear anymore as a sign that I took my newfound faith seriously. I couldn’t very well break a promise I’d made to God, so I watched myself very carefully. It’s not been an easy promise to keep, and even six years later all those words still float around in my head and tempt me, but now that’s all they are - temptations. I refuse to let them become anything more by breaking my promise.

I guess the point of all this is that even though most of what you describe is habitual and seemingly impossible to stop it is possible. Just put your love of God ahead of your habit. And trust in His grace.

-CK

 

[PennyinCanada]

I’ve seen this where someone swears when he stubs his toe. Then comes along a little baby, and the mom says we can’t have this foul language around the baby! Guy stubs his toe but he really makes an effort and goes *ouch ouch *really loud and jumps around. Better. Takes time and practice.

One step more is perfection. When stubbing a toe, yell out* Praise you Jesus* all you like. You will root out the darkness of foul language and have a victory!

A young man who receives Christ in the Eucharist should work to root out those things that are not perfection. Not only do you speak it but you think it as well, and those words dwell in your heart. A young man would do well to grow in blessing others and not cursing. Resolve no more to cause your guardian angel to plug his ears when you open your mouth!

Blessings to you!

 

[joshrp]

I’ve seen this where someone swears when he stubs his toe. Then comes along a little baby, and the mom says we can’t have this foul language around the baby! Guy stubs his toe but he really makes an effort and goes *ouch ouch *really loud and jumps around. Better. Takes time and practice.

One step more is perfection. When stubbing a toe, yell out* Praise you Jesus* all you like. You will root out the darkness of foul language and have a victory!

A young man who receives Christ in the Eucharist should work to root out those things that are not perfection. Not only do you speak it but you think it as well, and those words dwell in your heart. A young man would do well to grow in blessing others and not cursing. Resolve no more to cause your guardian angel to plug his ears when you open your mouth!

Blessings to you!

That was hilarious the Praise you Jesus idea. I’m going to do that and freak people out, lol.

 

[PennyinCanada]

That was hilarious the Praise you Jesus idea. I’m going to do that and freak people out, lol.

There ya go! lol
Stub your toe, not too hard, and get some practice in.