Cussing is not the same as taking the lords name in vain.  That's all I have to say. 

Well, naturally there is a /precise/ definition of swearing and an /imprecise/ definition of it.  But really, is it quite genteel to use strong language, even if it isn't taking God's name in vain?  Is it perfectly /pure/?  I'm not sure that it is.  I'm not trying to be legalistic here, and I'm not saying that using strong language has the same moral weight as taking God's name in vain.  But the Bible does say that we ought not to have even the appearance of evil in our lives, and even my friends that are not Christians seem to think that it is not quite pure and good to use strong language. 

This is not to hold myself up as a paragon of virtue, by the way.  This is one of the things I struggle with personally.

~Merry

hmm....well, I agree with you and I dont.  I have a lot of people to which bad words are just looked at differently.....they're not so much really bad words in some peoples minds anymore.  The expression "Oh f*" when something goes wrong is pretty much equal to "fiddlesticks" in their minds.  Not that I cuss all the time, because to some people it is offensive, but to some people that I know.....its just another word, and if that is truly where your heart is....and you know the audience (the people around you when you say it) feel the same way.....I just dont think its a big deal. 

I think sin is sin because of obedience.  If God has put a conviction in your heart that cussing is wrong....then you shouldnt cuss.  If you're not following Gods idea of a pure life for you, then you're living in sin.  But if you can study scripture and hear other peoples correction open-mindedly, and still not feel convicted, then its not something you need to worry about. 

Yeah for Paulology.  Philipians is good.  I'm not about to argue with the guy who wrote half the New Testament.  Why on earth would I start judging anybody but myself?

~Merry

I know that feeling a lot! I really miss you! If you still have my number call me sometime (If you have the time)

Exactly what you meab. But God Loves you... so He never heard the name being used in vain.. he's forgotten it... and bibically speaking I don't thing saying God D#%$ it is what they meant by in vain.... more of taking Christ name as in how you take someones name in marriage.

Hey Merry I love you girl! So yeah I think words are words, and we should check our hearts.

I HATE it when my friends take the Lord's name in vain. I always ask them not to and then say "Gosh amen."

~mae