RamboPreacher wrote:Cussing (a lesson/book-post by RP):
cursing in the Koine (Greek) is in fact in reference to placing a “negative blessing”, or a “magical” negative statement. – Katara. Which is actually from a Hebrew word found in the Septuagint (Greek, Old Testament) – effectively qalalah – a vile uttering, or vilification (directly relating to a proclamation of sin) – also referred to as a “cussing-out”
Taking Webster’s approach, a cussword is derogatory or a word of abuse. This could mean many things. As far as Colossians goes, the word usage there is actually more along the lines of what Webster says:
NASB – Col 3:8 - But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. – Abusive speech.
In James the scripture there should be taken in context as with everywhere else, especially when we use it in this format. Essentially the chalinagogeo (Koine) tongue is to be restrained or guided. From what is asked, and is answered in that context: referencing being a “doer” of the Word, and not just a hearer.
It goes on in that scripture (and quite in the flow and context), to give a simple example of visiting orphans and widows (which was a problem of the church of the day, widows and orphans were effectively shunned). All the while “doing”, the Word, one is to stay and keep staying “unstained” from the world/kosmos (systems of the world, not the world itself).
I absolutely agree that the society plays a large role (if not the only one) in deciding what is a "cussing word", or not. In fact, I believe even regional and local socio-economic upbringing can make these things issues (or not) as well. There are some words in the Bible (depending on translation) that some would consider “cussing”, strictly based on a particular colloquial world-view of the word.
As example; having been on and around the farm while growing up, there was a lot of cow-pies/excrement lying about. The phraseology used by parents and children is s--t (bypassing filter on purpose for the content of the post, please forgive me, mods. It is common, and descriptive, no matter its origin, “everyone” knows what it meant.
However, if that same word was used (using my same example above growing up on and around farms and farming) in a derogatory or abusive tone, we got our mouths washed out with soap.
Contradicting teaching? Not really. I think you can see the point though that the word itself isn’t really the issue, but how it is used and it’s particular expression and context. Since we know that the systems of this world change and that what is socially right and wrong as far as word usage goes, changes, I believe that this “kosmos” is where I find the Biblical backing for “filthy communication”, or “bridling the tongue”.
I will not argue semantics as far as word origins are concerned, but what is the context and connotation they are expressed, that is then, at least for me, the issue.
So with the “world systems” (kosmos) telling us what-words have what-meanings, it doesn’t really matter what the origin is, unless you are talking to someone that knows that origin; and in fact, the speaker needs to know that they know it as well, in order to maintain that continuity.
Thus, a person familiar with the farm, like myself for example might have to restrain his tongue when speaking about cow-pies to a person or group of people, especially since there is probably no way I know that they know the original definitions or even if they understand it the same way I do. So that terminology is refrained, even if in reference to the strictly biological. It's a matter of preferring your brother (as the NT teaches)
And after doing that long enough, even when around a person or group that I do know understand the way I do; I still refrain since there are other more clearly understood words that can be used, and I personally want to remain unstained from the kosmos, while retaining control of my tongue.
Obviously when used in a negative, abusive or belligerent fashion, it is considered a “bad” thing, and thus the Webster definition. So if I pound my thumb with a hammer, do I cuss, or believe that a “Christian” should be allowed to cuss? – No, because it is derogatory, and negative outburst, showing a lack of control.
So for me, it comes down to personal choice, and wisdom (applied knowledge). Do I think it is wrong to “cuss” – yes, but the specific word is a moot point, getting a “cussing” by someone could be completely without what some would call cusswords, but if it is in a inflammatory use, then it is just as much a "sin" as using the more “common” “4-letter” cuss-words.
The Bible teaches us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. – saying certain words isn’t necessarily a sin for one person, and might be for another, but using words whether considered cussing or not in a derogatory or in an abusive mannor is considered hamartia (missing the mark) a sin to any “Christian” (who is has any kind of relationship with God that is more than in an infantile stage).
Preferring your “brother” over yourself with an attitude of love and servitude and not wanting to be a stumbling block to a fellow “Christian” could also be part of this little lesson, but will leave it at this.
) most can probably guess what my opinion is.