Stop It. Stop It Now. Enough.
WARNING - RANT ALERT: Stop it, America. Just stop it. Stop using the F-word. Now.
Americans are becoming increasingly vile and coarse.
It has infected both Democrats and Republicans. And it has infected the evangelical church.
I admit it, I am “old-school.” And if I may be blunt, on this issue, you should be too.
When I was born, Harry Truman was president. (Some of you likely think that Truman was president soon after the Noahic flood.) As a child, I recall hearing people say that they wished that President Truman would not use the word “hell” the way he did.
I have watched the news almost every day of my life since I was nine years of age. I can recall when Walter Cronkite, who anchored CBS News from 1962 to 1981, at the time labeled “the most trusted man in America,” was introducing a video on his nightly news show. He made a disclaimer. He stated that they would ordinarily not play a clip of someone swearing, but due to the full context, they left the swear word in the video clip.
What was the word? It was d_ mn. Why did I not type the word out fully? Because I was raised in a home in which we were not allowed to swear. I still follow that. I have no regrets. I have enough intelligence, with an accompanying vocabulary, that I don’t have to rely on being vile. I have used the word “d_mn” only twice in my life. The word was used appropriately both times. There was no need to use it as an expletive.
That goes for the word “hell.” Hell is a real place. It is not good. Using the word the way most do only trivializes a horrific place. Yes, I support Trump’s policies. I think he is spot on. But I would prefer that he and all the other politicians would not use the word “hell,” unless talking about the opposite of heaven.
But we are way beyond “hell” or “d_mn.” Way beyond that.
The once forbidden “F-word” is now omnipresent. I have one word for those of you using it: Stop! Just stop it. Grow up. Clean up your potty mouth.
That is true whether the word is used against Donald Trump (as demonstrated yesterday) or if that word is used against Joe Biden. It is offensive. It is immature. It is unnecessary. And it is – you are not going to like this word – sin.
Americans are becoming increasingly vile and coarse.
It has infected both Democrats and Republicans. And it has infected the evangelical church.
I admit it, I am “old-school.” And if I may be blunt, on this issue, you should be too.
When I was born, Harry Truman was president. (Some of you likely think that Truman was president soon after the Noahic flood.) As a child, I recall hearing people say that they wished that President Truman would not use the word “hell” the way he did.
I have watched the news almost every day of my life since I was nine years of age. I can recall when Walter Cronkite, who anchored CBS News from 1962 to 1981, at the time labeled “the most trusted man in America,” was introducing a video on his nightly news show. He made a disclaimer. He stated that they would ordinarily not play a clip of someone swearing, but due to the full context, they left the swear word in the video clip.
What was the word? It was d_ mn. Why did I not type the word out fully? Because I was raised in a home in which we were not allowed to swear. I still follow that. I have no regrets. I have enough intelligence, with an accompanying vocabulary, that I don’t have to rely on being vile. I have used the word “d_mn” only twice in my life. The word was used appropriately both times. There was no need to use it as an expletive.
That goes for the word “hell.” Hell is a real place. It is not good. Using the word the way most do only trivializes a horrific place. Yes, I support Trump’s policies. I think he is spot on. But I would prefer that he and all the other politicians would not use the word “hell,” unless talking about the opposite of heaven.
But we are way beyond “hell” or “d_mn.” Way beyond that.
The once forbidden “F-word” is now omnipresent. I have one word for those of you using it: Stop! Just stop it. Grow up. Clean up your potty mouth.
That is true whether the word is used against Donald Trump (as demonstrated yesterday) or if that word is used against Joe Biden. It is offensive. It is immature. It is unnecessary. And it is – you are not going to like this word – sin.
On October 2, 2021, NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast was interviewing race driver Brandon Brown at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. Brown had just won the NASCAR Xfinity Series in the 2021 Sparks 300. Fans began chanting “F_ _ _ Joe Biden.” Reporter Stavast, not properly hearing the chant through headphones, or possibly intentionally misconstruing the chant, stated, “You can hear the chants from the crowd, 'Let’s go, Brandon!'”
Immediately “Let’s go, Brandon!” became the substitute for “F_ _ _ Joe Biden.” Admittedly the “let’s go” was much better than the expletive it replaced, but it was not much of an improvement given the fact that everyone, in their minds at least, were “hearing” the F-word.
As much as I despised Joe Biden’s policies, I did not feel then, nor do I feel now, that it is appropriate to use the F-word before Joe Biden’s name. It is wrong. It is dishonoring. And it is below the dignity of the persons saying it.
Immediately “Let’s go, Brandon!” became the substitute for “F_ _ _ Joe Biden.” Admittedly the “let’s go” was much better than the expletive it replaced, but it was not much of an improvement given the fact that everyone, in their minds at least, were “hearing” the F-word.
As much as I despised Joe Biden’s policies, I did not feel then, nor do I feel now, that it is appropriate to use the F-word before Joe Biden’s name. It is wrong. It is dishonoring. And it is below the dignity of the persons saying it.
Representative Maxine Dexter (left) and
Representative Donald Norcross (right)
Representative Donald Norcross (right)
Now fast forward to yesterday. Not one, but apparently two Members of Congress – rewind: two Members of Congress! – got on a microphone to yell, “F_ _ _ Trump.”
(Watch Here)
Representative Donald Norcross was first to be proudly vile. He justified it based on the fact that he was from New Jersey. (I lived in New Jersey when I did my masters degree in church history at Princeton Theological Seminary and my doctorate degree in historical theology at Drew University.) Note to Representative Norcross: “Don’t blame your potty mouth on geography. It is the heart, not the state you live in, that shows how defiled you are.”
The second foul mouthed person who embarrassed themself was Representative Maxine Dexter. She apparently wanted to make the case that a newly elected official from Oregon could be as disgusting as someone from New Jersey. Her words showed the rottenness of her soul, “There is no way I can follow that mic drop. I’ve been told I have 30 seconds, so I am going to tell you – I don’t swear in public very well, but we have to f _ _ _ Trump.”
As if she was ignorant that the whole world is able to watch on TV, she stupidly added, “Please don’t tell my children that I just did that.”
Why did she say that? She knew she was wrong. Let me put that in theological terms: She knew she was sinning. You can even watch her facial reactions and sense that she was uncomfortable swearing, as we used to say, “like a drunken sailor.” And she should have been uncomfortable. She should have been ashamed.
I cannot tell you the number of times when I have been with evangelical Christians, and someone swears, and everyone laughs. It is not even a “nervous laugh.” It is an “isn’t-that-so-funny” laugh. “Wasn’t that cute!” No, it wasn’t. it was vile. And it does not represent our Lord.
I was in conversation with one of my compatriots recently after a number of political gatherings after he had used “that word.” I shared with him that if he wanted God’s blessing, he needed to clean up his mouth. He said, “I receive that,” and he has cleaned up his language ever since that time in all our group meetings.
I was in a large banquet hall at a political gathering. Not too far from me was a man who had just texted the F-word on our group text. Since I was physically present, actually near him, I walked over to him, and told him that that was inappropriate. I asked him, “What does the F-word mean? He said, “it meant I was angry.” I said, “No, that is not what it means. So tell me, what does the F-word actually mean?” He repeated, “it means, I was angry.” I pressed him again, “No, the F-word does not mean that you are angry. It has a meaning. What does the F-word actually mean?” He would not say.
The conversation continued. He got mad. So did I. We were both raising our voices. Then it hit me, I am acting as bad as he is. I stopped and said, “I apologize. I am acting as bad as you are, and I am ashamed of myself. I have no defense for my response of anger. I am disappointing my Christ. I sincerely apologize.” Once I did that, he immediately cooled down. Good news: We became good friends, and…he has not used the F-word in any group text since then.
I was sitting in a side room of a radio/TV studio audience at a conservative political gathering. The studio was about 40 feet from us. The interviewer was a prominent Christian. The person being interviewed was a nationally known political figure, known for his conservative political views, and in lesser measure, for his personal faith in Christ.
In the interview, he began using inappropriate language. The audience – all politically conservative Christians – laughed so hard at his swearing. They thought it was so funny. So cute.
When the interview was over, someone talked about the swear words, laughing hard. I spoke up, “I am the only one who did not laugh. It was not funny. It grieves the Holy Spirit. There is nothing funny about what we just heard. This is inappropriate behavior. None of you should be condoning it. It harms the Name of Christ. It is wrong.” The atmosphere of the room changed. Conviction came to some. They began to admit, it was not funny.
I walked into the studio to talk to the host, a very close friend of mine. I said, “You are going to have to bleep his words out.” He said, “Yes, we are” I responded, “You should not have to bleep words out. He should talk appropriate.” He responded, “You are right.” I asked, “Are you going to confront him?” He said, “No, but go ahead.”
Candidly, the host should have stopped the interview and handled it on the spot. No one was going to deal with it.
I went to the guest. I talked quietly so no one else could hear. I did not want to embarrass him in front of others.
I explained what he already knew, that this was going to air on the American Family Radio Network. He full well knew that he was using language that was going to have to be bleeped out. I explained that I had had the privilege of knowing the founder of the network – the great Donald Wildmon – and he would be horrified to know that someone was on his network whose language was such that it had to be bleeped out.
Furthermore, I stated, “You are a follower of Christ. This does not give you greater credibility. You are a highly respected man. Don’t diminish yourself by your language. You want God’s blessings. There is no need do things that remove God’s blessings from you. You are highly respected. Your use of vile language does not bolster your credibility. It only harms it.”
This person was at a very – how do I say this? – “high level” of visibility. Were I to share his name – which I won’t – every person would know him.
The man I gently and lovingly confronted did not get mad. He “took it like a man.” He thanked me. Did it impact him in the future. I don’t know. I pray it did.
I take no joy – repeat, no joy – in telling you these stories. I am not the “mobile moral conscience of the world.” I have shortcomings and spiritual failures of my own to deal with. I, too, am trying to grow in Christ. I want to walk more strongly in His righteousness and His holiness. I am not the moral judge of the universe.
Some critics might say, “Wow, Jim, you are obsessing with some little four letter word when there are surely a lot 'worse sins' than that." You may well be right. But this article is not about all those other “sins.” This is about the F-word. Period. Just stop using it.
However, when prompted by the Holy Spirit, I am willing to be “iron sharpening iron.” And that means I am willing to be “sharpened” by other “iron.” I too am on a growth journey in sanctification.
But back to my point: America, just stop it. Stop using the F-word. Stop it.
Or if Americans in general are not going to stop it, at least Christian evangelicals, stop using the F-word, and a lot of other words you should not be saying.
I have actually heard of pastors using it. One from the pulpit.
I have two words for those pastors, and for all of you who claim to be followers of Christ: Stop it.
(Watch Here)
Representative Donald Norcross was first to be proudly vile. He justified it based on the fact that he was from New Jersey. (I lived in New Jersey when I did my masters degree in church history at Princeton Theological Seminary and my doctorate degree in historical theology at Drew University.) Note to Representative Norcross: “Don’t blame your potty mouth on geography. It is the heart, not the state you live in, that shows how defiled you are.”
The second foul mouthed person who embarrassed themself was Representative Maxine Dexter. She apparently wanted to make the case that a newly elected official from Oregon could be as disgusting as someone from New Jersey. Her words showed the rottenness of her soul, “There is no way I can follow that mic drop. I’ve been told I have 30 seconds, so I am going to tell you – I don’t swear in public very well, but we have to f _ _ _ Trump.”
As if she was ignorant that the whole world is able to watch on TV, she stupidly added, “Please don’t tell my children that I just did that.”
Why did she say that? She knew she was wrong. Let me put that in theological terms: She knew she was sinning. You can even watch her facial reactions and sense that she was uncomfortable swearing, as we used to say, “like a drunken sailor.” And she should have been uncomfortable. She should have been ashamed.
I cannot tell you the number of times when I have been with evangelical Christians, and someone swears, and everyone laughs. It is not even a “nervous laugh.” It is an “isn’t-that-so-funny” laugh. “Wasn’t that cute!” No, it wasn’t. it was vile. And it does not represent our Lord.
I was in conversation with one of my compatriots recently after a number of political gatherings after he had used “that word.” I shared with him that if he wanted God’s blessing, he needed to clean up his mouth. He said, “I receive that,” and he has cleaned up his language ever since that time in all our group meetings.
I was in a large banquet hall at a political gathering. Not too far from me was a man who had just texted the F-word on our group text. Since I was physically present, actually near him, I walked over to him, and told him that that was inappropriate. I asked him, “What does the F-word mean? He said, “it meant I was angry.” I said, “No, that is not what it means. So tell me, what does the F-word actually mean?” He repeated, “it means, I was angry.” I pressed him again, “No, the F-word does not mean that you are angry. It has a meaning. What does the F-word actually mean?” He would not say.
The conversation continued. He got mad. So did I. We were both raising our voices. Then it hit me, I am acting as bad as he is. I stopped and said, “I apologize. I am acting as bad as you are, and I am ashamed of myself. I have no defense for my response of anger. I am disappointing my Christ. I sincerely apologize.” Once I did that, he immediately cooled down. Good news: We became good friends, and…he has not used the F-word in any group text since then.
I was sitting in a side room of a radio/TV studio audience at a conservative political gathering. The studio was about 40 feet from us. The interviewer was a prominent Christian. The person being interviewed was a nationally known political figure, known for his conservative political views, and in lesser measure, for his personal faith in Christ.
In the interview, he began using inappropriate language. The audience – all politically conservative Christians – laughed so hard at his swearing. They thought it was so funny. So cute.
When the interview was over, someone talked about the swear words, laughing hard. I spoke up, “I am the only one who did not laugh. It was not funny. It grieves the Holy Spirit. There is nothing funny about what we just heard. This is inappropriate behavior. None of you should be condoning it. It harms the Name of Christ. It is wrong.” The atmosphere of the room changed. Conviction came to some. They began to admit, it was not funny.
I walked into the studio to talk to the host, a very close friend of mine. I said, “You are going to have to bleep his words out.” He said, “Yes, we are” I responded, “You should not have to bleep words out. He should talk appropriate.” He responded, “You are right.” I asked, “Are you going to confront him?” He said, “No, but go ahead.”
Candidly, the host should have stopped the interview and handled it on the spot. No one was going to deal with it.
I went to the guest. I talked quietly so no one else could hear. I did not want to embarrass him in front of others.
I explained what he already knew, that this was going to air on the American Family Radio Network. He full well knew that he was using language that was going to have to be bleeped out. I explained that I had had the privilege of knowing the founder of the network – the great Donald Wildmon – and he would be horrified to know that someone was on his network whose language was such that it had to be bleeped out.
Furthermore, I stated, “You are a follower of Christ. This does not give you greater credibility. You are a highly respected man. Don’t diminish yourself by your language. You want God’s blessings. There is no need do things that remove God’s blessings from you. You are highly respected. Your use of vile language does not bolster your credibility. It only harms it.”
This person was at a very – how do I say this? – “high level” of visibility. Were I to share his name – which I won’t – every person would know him.
The man I gently and lovingly confronted did not get mad. He “took it like a man.” He thanked me. Did it impact him in the future. I don’t know. I pray it did.
I take no joy – repeat, no joy – in telling you these stories. I am not the “mobile moral conscience of the world.” I have shortcomings and spiritual failures of my own to deal with. I, too, am trying to grow in Christ. I want to walk more strongly in His righteousness and His holiness. I am not the moral judge of the universe.
Some critics might say, “Wow, Jim, you are obsessing with some little four letter word when there are surely a lot 'worse sins' than that." You may well be right. But this article is not about all those other “sins.” This is about the F-word. Period. Just stop using it.
However, when prompted by the Holy Spirit, I am willing to be “iron sharpening iron.” And that means I am willing to be “sharpened” by other “iron.” I too am on a growth journey in sanctification.
But back to my point: America, just stop it. Stop using the F-word. Stop it.
Or if Americans in general are not going to stop it, at least Christian evangelicals, stop using the F-word, and a lot of other words you should not be saying.
I have actually heard of pastors using it. One from the pulpit.
I have two words for those pastors, and for all of you who claim to be followers of Christ: Stop it.
Blessings,
Dr. Jim Garlow
CEO/Founder
Well Versed
Rosemary Schindler Garlow
Co-Founder
Well Versed
Dr. Jim Garlow
CEO/Founder
Well Versed
Rosemary Schindler Garlow
Co-Founder
Well Versed
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