+- SFL Forum (http://www.stufffundieslike.com/forum)
+-- Forum: Fundyland (/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Fundy Theology: Serious Business (/forumdisplay.php?fid=8)
+--- Thread: Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit (/showthread.php?tid=1058)
Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit - pastor's wife - 04-20-2011 01:57 PM
Most of us brought up in the IFB were taught that swearing was akin to drinking and lyng on the level of seriousness of sin. (There's another thread on swearing here on the forum.)
However, in some circles, rough language is common from the pulpit and is excused because the pastor is using words from the KJV. A poster on a recent thread said this: "I'm going to guess our language is influenced by reading men like Ruckman, and talking to young people where that kind of language is promoted, or even seen as a sign of godliness. It can be a hard habit to kick. I know people who think calling people "bastards" or "dumb ass" or telling them to "piss off" is biblical because they are Bible words (King James of course - yep, Dumb ass is in the KJV, but not in the context people use it)."
I cannot imagine sitting under preaching like this. But I remember in the town where we used to live hearing about an IFB church (with whom we did not fellowship) whose pastor regular hollered about "whores" and "faggots", etc. during their Christian school's high school chapel. I just dismissed their pastor as ignorant and rude, but I guess there is a whole school of thought in the IFB that encourages this.
Everything in me reacts against this sort of language, as a Christian, as a lady, as an English teacher (who encourages writers to use creative words instead of profanity), and as someone who is a bit old-fashioned and likes society to keep certain standards of civility.
According to Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."(NIV) Also Ephesians 5:4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (NIV) Col. 3:8 says, "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth" (KJV).
My focus here is not on people using "foul language" in everyday conversation - or even on this forum - but rather on pastors who use it and call it "being biblical". I completely disagree with a pastor (whose Biblical qualifications include being gentle and not inclined to quarrel) using rude language, whether or not the KJV uses it.
RE: Unwholesome Talk - TomK - 04-20-2011 02:51 PM
I choose DC Talk.
RE: Unwholesome Talk - pastor's wife - 04-20-2011 03:13 PM
HaHa, TomK!
Seriously, though, you're a pastor. Do you think you're Scripturally allowed to use "KJV terms" to describe people?
RE: Unwholesome Talk - leaving - 04-20-2011 03:15 PM
I have to wonder what makes something a "bad" word in the first place. I mean, who gets to decide which words are "bad" and which ones aren't? And why do we let society dictate what words are "bad" and what words are "good"?
RE: Unwholesome Talk - Chad Williams - 04-20-2011 03:24 PM
I hate to hear the coarse language of secualr culture. To me it shows a lack of self-control on the speakers part. A minister, of all people should refrain from cussing. If you are reading out of the Bible and the word is in there, read it then. Other than that stipulation, cuss words and other questionable termonology needs to be left to the dust bin of the uneducated masses.
RE: Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit - leaving - 04-20-2011 03:33 PM
Chad, who determined that it was a "cuss" word though?
And, your prejudice is showing...
I don't make a habit to use "bad" words, but if I do, you consider me uneducated, when in reality you have no idea of my level of education.
RE: Unwholesome Talk - TomK - 04-20-2011 03:49 PM
(04-20-2011 03:13 PM)pastors wife Wrote: HaHa, TomK!
Seriously, though, you're a pastor. Do you think you're Scripturally allowed to use "KJV terms" to describe people?
Me thinks it is poor taste. Culturally, parents shelter their children from vulgar language, movies and video games are rated based on the type of language they use. Certain language creates an adult environment.
I don't mind when people swear around me. I'm always thankful when people feel me to talk the way they normally would. The only exception is when children are present. I feel it is wise to be respectful of the audience.
I feel the same way during a religious service. I have no problem reading ass or hell out of the Bible, but there is a way of using the words that creates an environment that is disrespectful and unfriendly to children. I don't appeal to the Bible on this, but to my observations in society.
Last week I gave a disclaimer before the message that I would be discussing sexual topics. We have classes for elementary students, but several come to the service. I discuss these topics because they are biblical and helpful, but they are adult topics. I find no biblical or helpful reason to use vulgar language, even if it may be permissible.
RE: Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit - Chad Williams - 04-20-2011 04:50 PM
(04-20-2011 03:33 PM)leaving Wrote: Chad, who determined that it was a "cuss" word though?
And, your prejudice is showing...
I don't make a habit to use "bad" words, but if I do, you consider me uneducated, when in reality you have no idea of my level of education.
Our society has determined what is vulgar language. And I am not calling you uneducated, I am saying that in my opinon and experience the use of vulgarity and "cuss words" leave the appearence of someone that can not express themselves verbally with out reverting to f-bombs and other such language.
I have to ask, what have I said that is prejudiced? I have tried to be as even handed as possible.
RE: Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit - Darrell - 04-20-2011 05:20 PM
A preacher's job is to communicate. If you're communicating in such a was as to unnecessarily offend and alienate a segment of your audience then you're doing it wrong.
The Bible is full of examples of rough language but it's generally from a prophet who is railing against a group of people who has decided to no longer listen. The language is intended to shock and anger those who no longer will pay attention to any other form of communication. It's not analogous to a preacher using culturally inappropriate language for the church setting.
RE: Unwholesome Talk from the Pulpit - Elijah Craig - 04-20-2011 05:45 PM
Uneducated people are not morally inferior.
Highly educated people often cuss like sailors.