Swearing: The Simpson Way?

     Is swearing wrong? By swearing, I mean use of the words meaning curse words which for reasons explained later won’t be printed here, not swearing oaths. While a large portion of the student body uses these words, they won’t use them in public or around those they don’t know, especially faculty. Is this biblical? No and yes. First, it must be noted that we are asked that we not cause our brethren to stumble through our actions, including our words. But this means only that we not make them become disillusioned with their faith. If someone has a strong moral objection to swearing, we should not swear out of respect to them. But addressing those who have moral objections to it: Why? If you refer to Ephesians 4:29, let me remind you that the word “unwholesome” means “worthless” and “corrupt” in Greek. Gossip, lying, cheating speech is covered under this. This verse also contains instructions for building each other up. Language is a set of tools; swear words are part of those tools. If a hammer is needed to pound in a point which needs to be made, a hammer is the best tool, not a soft rubber mallet which won’t drive the point in hard enough. Our job is to build ‘community’ and if we’re not using the right tools, we can’t build much at all.
     Additionally, you probably already use the word ‘crap’ which if you think about it is no worse than using a stronger word. And since “out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks,” why is it not appropriate when in great pain or distress to use a stronger word? Gratuitous use of stronger words will of course sound asinine, but repeated use of any word will have that effect.

     And a final note: In its only mention of the subject, the student handbook prohibits use of “obscene language.” According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “obscene” means “designed to incite lust or depravity.” Swearing is almost never designed to incite lust or corrupt acts. If you view swearing as corrupt, your logic is circular, therefore wrong. If you only view swearing as corrupt because you think it’s corrupt, there is no real reason for you to think it is bad. The language should be used as a tool. Language should not be used to offend people, but if you take umbrage at harmlessly used words, you really should rethink your views. They’re words. Examine the heart of what people say, not the way they say it.