1) This is answered by the classic line that I cannot describe porn (insert subject) but I know it when I see it. Everyone will have a different opinion on what words are inappropriate. We have friends who tell their kids that “stupid” is a bad word where as we tell our kids it depends on how you use it.
2) I would suggest you avoid any so-called “bad word” to avoid distracting the reader or hearer from the point you want to make. The “Attach the Label Makers” post is a prime example of how one word (or asterisks suggesting a word) distracted everyone from the point. Let say I am going to share the Gospel with someone. I can say “you have a big honking nose” or “hey, let me tell you a cool freakin’ story” but that would just distract them.

“Even though we react more viscerally to bad language, it’s worse to use a nice word spitefully than a naughty word cordially.”

OK, but it’s better to avoid both unless your vocabulary is very limited. In that case I blame the school you attended or the words you heard at home.

I find it interesting the lengths people will go to keep the door to questionable language open. It is so easy just to sacrifice that diminutive area of your Christian freeedom in order to avoid controversy and still be able to completely communicate your point.

So the reason cannot be I cannot communicate effectively, or I am so addicted to it I cannot stop, so it must be a matter of selfish recalcitrance that has chosen that hill on which to die. No one can stop you so have at it, but I have never spoken to a prostitue in Manhattan, or a drug dealer in Harlem, or a stripper, or even the man that owns most of the strip clubs in Tampa (Joe Redner), who could not understand me if I did not curse.

In 1981 I was approached by a worker in the restaurant I was working in as a cook who asked me if I was a Christian. I told him that I was and why did he asked. He said he had heard me many times speaking with others in the last 12 months and had never heard me curse, he thought something was different about me even though I was friends with all the rest that did use foul language.

I understand, that was then, this is now. Consider my comment an expected exercise in redundancy that provides perspective on the expected exercise in redundancy of this post.

PS – I will gladly provide words to anyone who needs them that can adequately replace any words commonly identified as “curse” words. Consider it as linguistic methadone.

And if you really want to identify unchristian language, do a post that elicits the most offensive phrases, descriptions, or labels in SoL history. Just start with the two latest posts in which Ingrid makes us inhale the burning ashes of Ted Haggard with many sentences that reveal her penchant for demeaning phrases that draw the choir’s applause, and another revelation of her obsession with anything “gay” with phrases like these two”

“After the gays/lesbians/transgenders/transvestites and assorted other sexual deviants were seen stomping on their feather boas in rage at the invitation to Rick Warren”

“Then when Sodom’s minions become exceedingly wroth at the mere hint of Obama compromise”

So Chris, although I strongly object to the use of cursing in the accepted definition, I would much rather hear some of those words than have to receive the hate and self righteousness contained in the sentences above. But of course I’d rather not hear either.

The two words that I personally find most vulgar and offensive are:

“You’re wrong.”

And as a preamble to the “mugshots” post at SoL Ken (I guess) writes:

“Unfortunately with no shortage of timid fellows in evangelical leadership positions women like Ingrid Schlueter are left with little choice than to continue to be “more man” than these other men.”

Androgynous anyone?

#10

Oh, yes! the X is always wrong and we get to question your salvation and calling if you do it…unless WE have to do it to correct you from destroying the sovereign work of the sovereign God who is so Sovereign that he needs us to protect that sovereignty.

yeah…and calling people out for wanting to the Holy Spirit is what is blasphemy.

Again, can anyone say “bat doo-doo crazy”?

nc – Yep. And this observation from Ken –

“timid fellows in evangelical leadership positions”

- is also an arrow that points to –

“But I am a bold warrior who rides the front lines, hazarding my life for the gospel’s sake, and swooping down to destroy the enemy who is about to ransack everything God controls.”

One day I might be such a warrior, but until then I will just be a timid fellow.

This was the response of CRN about what they really think of Grace.

“After the gays/lesbians/transgenders/transvestites and assorted other sexual deviants were seen stomping on their feather boas in rage at the invitation to Rick Warren”

“Then when Sodom’s minions become exceedingly wroth at the mere hint of Obama compromise”

Oh, but Rick, that’s the Truth ™ offending, so it’s OK. In fact it’s better than OK; it’s the right thing to do, Wilford.

(No, I don’t know why I’m channeling ADMs today.)

Rick, thanks for the video link — what an awesome way to start the day!

Are you ready for some of my worst words? Hate, Condemnation, Accusation, Law, Indoctrination, Judging, Intollerance, Unacceptance.