Is swearing and vulgar language a mortal sin?

[DL82]

In a context where you.re known to be a Catholic and expected to set a good example, even if only among friends and acquaintances, is it a mortal sin to use vulgar language to emphasise a point, thus condoning this for others. Is that the sin of scandal? Is scandal only a mortal sin when it encourages another person to commit a mortal sin? Which brings us back to the original question- is swearing grave matter?

 

[thevickinator16]

Hey there!

I do know that using the Lord’s name in vain is a mortal sin. Using the word “damn” is also a sin, I don’t know what severity though. As far as the Cateschism states in 2146: Forbids the abuse of God’s name, ie, every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ, but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.

I have a 10 commandment phamplet that says also under the second commandment is profanity and vulgar language. I would take this to mean words we wouldn’t have said in front of our parents or grandparents. That to me if M**Fetc.

Anything that is offensive to others.

This is what my take on this is to mean.

God Bless!

 

[Ceil-1]

I have heard it told by one of the EWTN priests that vulgar language isn’t necessarily a sin, but that it is contrary to virtue, ie: gentleness, meekness, etc, and denotes a certain disposition of the heart.

Our pastor has a few descriptive words that describe things he doesn’t like or agree with. They are indicative of certain waste products. It’s not his words that bother me, but, the contrariness of his attitude. Of course, I’m no one to talk.

 

[Lightning]

I think swearing (or using vulgarity) can be grave matter. As a Catholic one should lead by (good) example.

I know if you begin to use vulgar language you will soon slip into the habit of using this language more frequently and it will become easier. Before long it won’t matter who is around. You won’t even think about it any longer and those words will slip out without bothering your conscience in the least. From this point it’s really easy to begin using the Lords name in vein. I know these things from experience.

I think if you swear around children you are leading them astray and that is most definitely sinful and probably grave matter. Also, if you support others by swearing along with them you are approving and supporting their behavior. When you approve and support the sins of others you commit personal sin.

Little sins lead to bigger sins. The more little sins you commit the more it wears down your conscience and the easier it will become to commit more and bigger sins and it pulls you down.

Yes, I think it can be a mortal sin.

 

[thevickinator16]

I think swearing (or using vulgarity) can be grave matter. As a Catholic one should lead by (good) example.

I know if you begin to use vulgar language you will soon slip into the habit of using this language more frequently and it will become easier. Before long it won’t matter who is around. You won’t even think about it any longer and those words will slip out without bothering your conscience in the least. From this point it’s really easy to begin using the Lords name in vein. I know these things from experience.

I think if you swear around children you are leading them astray and that is most definitely sinful and probably grave matter. Also, if you support others by swearing along with them you are approving and supporting their behavior. When you approve and support the sins of others you commit personal sin.

Little sins lead to bigger sins. The more little sins you commit the more it wears down your conscience and the easier it will become to commit more and bigger sins and it pulls you down.

Yes, I think it can be a mortal sin.

Well said!

God Bless from the mercy swimmer!

 

[redrosetea]

In a context where you.re known to be a Catholic and expected to set a good example, even if only among friends and acquaintances, is it a mortal sin to use vulgar language to emphasise a point, thus condoning this for others. Is that the sin of scandal? Is scandal only a mortal sin when it encourages another person to commit a mortal sin? Which brings us back to the original question- is swearing grave matter?

If you are not building up the body of Christ in your language, but tearing it down it is a sin…not to mention it make you look like a person that has a limited vocabulary, and not any social graces…Sunday manners aren’t just for Sunday…I have never heard a priest or a nun speak like this, nor anyone with a desire to serve God…Yes I think it is a grave matter

 

[llewis]

I think swearing (or using vulgarity) can be grave matter. As a Catholic one should lead by (good) example.

I know if you begin to use vulgar language you will soon slip into the habit of using this language more frequently and it will become easier. Before long it won’t matter who is around. You won’t even think about it any longer and those words will slip out without bothering your conscience in the least. From this point it’s really easy to begin using the Lords name in vein. I know these things from experience.

I think if you swear around children you are leading them astray and that is most definitely sinful and probably grave matter. Also, if you support others by swearing along with them you are approving and supporting their behavior. When you approve and support the sins of others you commit personal sin.

Little sins lead to bigger sins. The more little sins you commit the more it wears down your conscience and the easier it will become to commit more and bigger sins and it pulls you down.

Yes, I think it can be a mortal sin.

Let he that is without sin cast the first stone. Judge not unless ye be judged! No one sin is bigger or smaller than another. A sin is a sin. What are yours?

 

[redrosetea]

Let he that is without sin cast the first stone. Judge not unless ye be judged! No one sin is bigger or smaller than another. A sin is a sin. What are yours?

We are to judge actions, others and our own, must be constantly filtered through scripture…This is how we teach our children and discern right from wrong

We are not to condemn, that is an entirely different thing…I got this right from a deacon…so when you see an action that make you go…Is this what God wants of me? You have to mull it over and think of what our church teaches …What would you think of the pope if he unleashed a load of blue language? I certainly would wonder what was wrong with him…

 

[nmoerbeek]

Vulgarity is not a grave sin. It is an imperfection an in so much should be avoided.

However, if you are backbiting someone and being vulgar it is a grave sin.
If you are hurting someone intentionally by using language which is meant to be evil and vindictive that could be a grave sin.

However using Gods name in vain intentionally with fore thought intentionally blaspheming it would be a grave sin.

In so much though slipping up on a word is not going to be a grave sin. Unless it is coupled with something else.

 

[Rolltide]

Vulgarity is not a grave sin. It is an imperfection an in so much should be avoided.

However, if you are backbiting someone and being vulgar it is a grave sin.
If you are hurting someone intentionally by using language which is meant to be evil and vindictive that could be a grave sin.

However using Gods name in vain intentionally with fore thought intentionally blaspheming it would be a grave sin.

In so much though slipping up on a word is not going to be a grave sin. Unless it is coupled with something else.

This is correct. Most vulgarity is inappropriate, and may constitute a venial sin, but is certainly isn’t mortal, with the aforementioned exception of blasphemy through taking the Lord’s name in vain.

 

[Byzantine_Wolf]

I’m surprised no one’s quoted James yet. I used this passage once when a friend asked if the Bible condemned swearing:

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? [James 3:8-11]

Now granted, I don’t think any one’s going to lose salvation because one time back in 1977 they got a little upset and said the word “damn,” However, if you’re swearing a lot and don’t seem able to control it, you need to reevaluate yourself - what “slips out” reveals what hides underneath. I know when I returned to Christ I had to get a grip on my loose tongue big time.

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. [Matthew 15:18]

 

[Holly3278]

I am not sure if it is grave matter or not to use vulgar language. However, here is what the Bible has to say:

(Col 4:6 RSV) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every one.

 

[AdriannaJean]

I don’t think it’s a mortal sin, but it is contrary to Christian Charity as it offends many people. I doubt Jesus would have swore.

 

[m134e5]

In a context where you.re known to be a Catholic and expected to set a good example, even if only among friends and acquaintances, is it a mortal sin to use vulgar language to emphasise a point, thus condoning this for others. Is that the sin of scandal? Is scandal only a mortal sin when it encourages another person to commit a mortal sin? Which brings us back to the original question- is swearing grave matter?

Swearing isn’t a sin- mortal or venial- it’s just bad manners. You shouldn’t do it in public places (or at all really- because if you do it carelessly in private, sooner or later something will slip out where you don’t want it to), and it is scandalous to others (not the sinful kind of scandal- the same kind of scandal that would happen if you burped really loud at a fancy restaurant).

If you know that swearing in front of people really, really offends them (enough to ruin their day), and you do it in front of them anyway (on purpose), I’m not sure if it’s mortal or not, but I’d confess it.

 

[wcknight]

I remember one story about either Pope John Paul II or Pope Benedict who over heard a workman hit himself with a hammer, swear JC or GD it. He told him can’t you just say “s**t” like everyone else.

 

[Juned]

In this day and time we hear out children especially using the “f” word like it was an everyday word. I will not let anyone use this around me because it really offends me and belittles the person using the word. This also goes for any taking of the Lord’s name in vain. So, vulgar language itself may not be a mortal sin (as is taking God’s name in vain) but it certianly is not worth listening to!