Exploring Profanity: Curse Words Communication, and Thoughts on Words in Christianity Formation

10/23/23 • 44 min

Ever wondered about the power of your words? Are you curious about how your language choices affect your relationships? This episode is a must-listen for you! We take a deep dive into the complex world of language and communication, particularly focusing on the Christian perspective on cussing, swearing, and profanity. Drawing from our personal experiences and the teachings of Scripture, we explore the intriguing paradox of these 'spicy' words and their impact.
We also broaden the scope of our discussions to go beyond mere cussing. By referencing Ephesians 4:29, we touch on how words - even those not typically seen as profane - can either edify or harm depending on their usage. The importance of context, nuances of language, and authenticity in our communication are also highlighted, especially in sensitive areas like Christian-based sex therapy and guiding children on appropriate language use.
The conversation wouldn't be complete without discussing parenting, and we dare to tackle the challenging aspect of teaching our children to express themselves freely yet within certain boundaries. Through our discussions, we underline the significance of validation and understanding the context and intent of the speaker. As our words can either build or break, we advocate for a mindful approach to our language choices. So, strap in for a thrilling exploration of language, communication, and their implications on our Christian journey.
Show Notes:

Ephesians 4:29 - "No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 5:4 - "Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks."
Colossians 3:8 - "But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth."
Matthew 15:18-19 - "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies."
James 3:10 - "Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way."

Ephesians 4:29 - "No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 5:4 - "Coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks."
Colossians 3:8 - "But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth."
Matthew 15:18-19 - "But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies."
James 3:10 - "Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way."

Previous Episode

Complex Storytelling: Beyond Just Heroes, Villains, and Victims.

Ever wondered about the fundamental roles we assign in storytelling and how they shape our understanding of the world? My co-host Matt and I tackle this intriguing topic, discussing how we tend to oversimplify characters as either heroes, victims, or villains. We dive into the subtleties often missed in these narratives and the harm that can occur when we force complex personalities into these basic categories. Biblical stories, with their nuanced character portrayals, serve as a reference in our discussion, and we connect these insights with cognitive behavioral therapy.
We journey into the realm of heroism, discussing the works of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung. Their theories on the hero's journey have greatly influenced our modern Western perception of heroes – but what happens when we simplify and exaggerate these stories? We also mine the research of Malcolm Gladwell and Gordon Allport before circling back to the work of mental health professionals and their role in unfolding narratives.
In the final part of our conversation, we examine how trauma impacts memory and storytelling. We discuss 'splitting,' a defense mechanism that leads individuals to view issues in stark black-and-white terms, and how this can sometimes lead to personality disorders. We further explore how the Bible's rich storytelling had a profound impact during its time and reflect on how Christian triumphalism can often lead to a simplified narrative of one's story. So, join us as we appreciate the power of nuance in storytelling and the deeper understanding of complexity and growth it provides. Be sure to connect with our free community library at churchpsychology.org for more insights through webinars, articles, and event notifications.
Show Notes

Allport, G. W., & Postman, L. (1947). The Psychology of Rumor. Russell & Russell.
Gladwell, M. (2000). The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Little, Brown and Company.
Haven, K. (2014). Story smart: Using the science of story to persuade, influence, inspire, and teach. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
Kernberg, O. F. (1984). Severe personality disorders: Psychotherapeutic strategies. Yale University Press.
Paris, J. (2007). The nature of borderline personality disorder: Multiple dimensions, multiple symptoms, but one category. Journal of Personality Disorders, 21(5), 457–473. https://doi.org/10.1521/pedi.2007.21.5.457
Ronningstam, E. (2016). Pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Recent research and clinical implications. Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports, 3, 34-42.

Next Episode

The Struggle of Fatigue: Searching for Genuine Rest and Recovery

Ever feel like you're running on empty? That's what Matt and I are ironing out today on Church Psychology, shining a light on the enigmatic beast known as fatigue. It's not just about falling asleep at your desk or needing that extra shot of espresso in your latte; we're talking the full spectrum - physical, emotional, and even spiritual fatigue.
Let's face it, in this fast-paced world it's easy to fall into the trap of distraction or 'vegging out' as an escape, skewing our understanding of what real rest looks like. It's a pervasive issue, one that even sneaks its way into the pulpit, creating a unique form of pastoral fatigue. Intriguing, isn't it? We're discussing why it's so hard for many, especially pastors, to not only recognize but also admit their fatigue. It's a conversation that's long overdue.
But don't think we're leaving you in the lurch! We're also exploring the balance of carrying your own burdens and the necessity of sharing them, tying it all together with insights from scripture. So, come join us on this journey, there's a seat saved just for you. Together, let's redefine what it means to rest, recharge, and handle fatigue in a healthy manner.
Show Notes:

The work of Dr. Curt Thompson - https://curtthompsonmd.com/

Church Psychology - Exploring Profanity: Curse Words Communication, and Thoughts on Words in Christianity Formation

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.962

Hey there , dr David Hall with Church Psychology here . Today's episode we're going to be getting into four-letter word .

Speaker 100:00:08.804

Don't know what you may call it in your cultural context . In the southern United States , where I'm from , we call it cussing , cursing , swear words , profanity

Speaker 100:00:18.783

Matt and