I have a question regarding profanity. I read your response to questions dealing with unwholesome talk where you said profanity is always wrong. In my study of the subject I have not found any places where God forbids us from saying specific words (except "Raca"). So I'm trying to find out where we as disciples are supposed to draw the line. Do we look to the world to determine what's appropriate? What is the one standard for all disciples? It can't be the word itself, can it? -- Jack Bisase
No, of course there is nothing in a word itself to make it profane per se. You will have to rely on your own judgment. My short piece on coarse language was only intended to get people thinking, not to legislate anything or lump all situations and English-speaking cultures under the same umbrella. Even between the US and the UK, there are enormous differences in what is considered to be profane. (My wife and I always wince a bit when an American attempts to play the Englishman, and puts together a string of words which in England would be considered rude -- or downright profane!)
On the other hand, no, this is not to suggest that we look to the world. Except insofar as language is in flux and words do change meanings in time. So I guess some cultural or linguistic sensitivity is required. Perhaps all biblical Christians should join together and establish a Bureau of Etiquette and Language. (Just kidding!)
As for Matt 5, and calling someone "raqah," the legal issue was defamation. A lawsuit can eventuate when there is libel (torts, defamation), and there may be temporal penalties. But this cannot hold a candle to what happens when we are ruled by hate. This can affect us eternally.
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