In a descent explanation about the secular and the Judeo-Christian worldviews, one can affirm Holiness, the other cannot. Sometimes we Christians expect the secular to act Holy, however, this is often thwarted by human nature untouched by the Holy Spirit’s intervention.
- That is why the mind that focuses on human nature is hostile toward God. It refuses to submit to the authority of God’s Law because it is powerless to do so. (Romans 8:7, ISV)
The entire movie is worth your time: “Baseball, Dennis, and the French” (YouTube).
Dennis Prager Discusses Foul Language and Pollution
This next video was sent to me by a fellow church friend… he noted that Paul Tripp caught flack for this. I assume it is because he used the word “shit” a few times when discussing real conversation around his dining room table. HOLY MOLY! Ths is one reason why I note this in my bio area:
I have mentioned for the audience of my old blog, but will again mention it here for any new readers:
this is not meant to be an explicitly Christian blog. While I hold to and vehemently defend a particular worldview, I do not intend this site to be “rosy cheeked” — “pure as the driven snow” depot for faith. I am biased in my viewpoints as I am informed by reading all sides of issues (both that support and counter my worldview) as well as my personal history. This site is meant for men and women who are confident enough in themselves, their faith, and their culture to know that the “holier-than-thou” lifestyle is best adhered to by those other than myself. So expect language and raw thoughts at times, in a respectful or satirical manner.
In other words… CAUTION…
Religio-Poltical Apologetics ahead!
I post and reference this as, over the years I have had fellow Christians note that my site is not “Christian.” Yada, yada. They are offended by my content. Okay, so be it.
Life is raw, it is real, and when impacting minds, especially your children, real conversation has to happen. Otherwise when kids of these “holier than thou” kids go off to university, they are easily swayed away from the Christian faith.
Paul Tripp – What Makes Bad Language Bad?
Here is an excerpt from CARM’s excellent article regarding this topic. BTW, this article appears under the section, “Questions, Sanctification.” Note “sanctification here… many skeptics and non-believers will hear a Christian cuss and say we are hypocrites. But they fail to realize we are on a journey of Sanctification. What is that word for my non-believing brothers and sisters mean?
In Christian theology, a distinction is sometimes made between justification and sanctification where justification refers to having saving faith and sanctification refers to the process of gradual purification from sin and progressive spiritual growth that should mark the life of the believer. This doctrine of sanctification draws on New Testament passages that emphasize a move toward holy and righteous living that characterizes following Christ in faith (1 Thess 4:3–8; Rom 6:19–22).
Doug Mangum, “Sanctification,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
Here is CARM’s article:
…..Scripture has much to say about how Christians ought to use their tongues. Jesus specifically taught that what comes out of a man’s mouth is evidence of what is in his heart. Luke 6:45 says, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good, and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.”
Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” John MacArthur has written of this verse, “The word for ‘corrupt’ refers to that which is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Foul language of any sort should never pass a Christian’s lips because it is totally out of character with his new life in Christ.” The final portion of the verse offers a worthy use of our tongue—“what is good for edification.”
James gives us three illustrations from nature to demonstrate the sinfulness of cursing: “With [our tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh,” (James 3:9-12).
Finally, 1 Peter 3:10 says, “For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
CONCLUSION
We can conclude that from the biblical definition of sin, our overview of cursing, and Scripture’s many expressions on the use of our tongue that it is without question a sin to curse. As Christians, we are expected to rest on the promises of God, “cleansing ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Cursing is contrary to resting on God’s promises for it is a failure to follow the Lord’s greatest commandments—to love God and to love people (Matthew 22:37-40). When we curse an individual, we do not love people, and when we curse God, we do not love Him. Thankfully, God forgives us of our sins through the redemption found only in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
I do wish to note a great take on taking the Lord’s Name In Vain by DENNIS PRAGER:
Do Not Misuse God’s Name | The Worst Sin You Can Commit
EXODUS 20:7
- Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name. (CSB)
- “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. (ESV)
- “Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. (GNT) winner!
- Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name. (1890 Darby)
- “You must not use the name of the LORD your God thoughtlessly; the LORD will punish anyone who misuses his name. (NCV)
- “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. (1995 NASB)