Vulgarity

One of the blog posts I've highlighted in the right sidebar is "On Vulgar Language" by Peter Leithart. It is a very interesting look at what is permitted and prohibited by the Bible in regards to our speech. I recommend you take a look at it. One thing we need to remember is that being a Christian does not mean being a goody two shoes. Being a Christian is not a "Don't drink," "Don't smoke," "Don't swear" proposition.

Having said that, I myself am decidedly a "Don't swear" guy. This is how it happened. It all begins in 5th grade. (Harps playing as we fade to the kickball field at Pine Street Elementary School circa 1980 . . .) It was during recess. I got thrown out at home playing kickball and remember saying, even whispering to myself, "Dammit!" Some kids (especially the ones named "Shane") cursed all the time. Not me. I was shocked at myself, which is why I remember it to this day.

The second foul mouth moment was during PE the next year. We were having a team basketball shooting contest that awarded something like one point for a layup, two for a free throw, and three points for a long jumper behind some line. Each person got thirty seconds or so to score as many points as possible. Now, I am very competitive in such situations. One of my guys, when it was his turn, only tried to make 3-pointers. He wasn't coming close. It still ticks me off. I shouted out something like, "No, dumbass!" Again I was shocked. Everyone was looking around for the shouter. So was I! He was never found. Well, I had managed to escape the scorn of the teacher, but not of myself. Recognizing the ruinous path I was on, I quit cold turkey. I don't think I have used a genuine "curse" word since. But watch out in traffic; I'm liable to call you a "peabrain," "numbskull," "bonehead," or the like. In fact, I passed a "goofball" on the way home this very evening.

Now, for a serious discussion of vulgarity, check out the Leithart post. Very interesting. Also, check out the poll at the top of the right sidebar.