Swearing in films

[Guest Young One]

Hi everyone, again!

I need some help, concerning the contents of the films I watch.

But, before everyone goes "Oh, just do what you think is right! Make your own choice..." let me explain.....

I love watching films. They really give me pleasure but I really need some help....

Here are some questions, if anyone can help me.....

1.) Imagine I hear a swear word. Not a big one, but a swear word all the same. What do I do? Do I stay tuned to the film, hoping that they don't swear anymore, or do turn it off instantly?

2.) I think I hear a swear word. My hearing is bad, (strange for a young girl like me) and in a Western, they talk all "American Style", and one word sounds like another.

Still, I think I heard a bad word. I feel bad, because I'm sure it is a really wrong thing, but still I can't hear it properly.

What do I do? Stay, and watch, hoping and praying that it wasn't a horrible word, or walk out?

And what happens if my Father, whose ears aren't perfect as well, says "I haven't heard anything wrong"........but I feel bad about seeing anymore.

What should I do?

I know that one day we'll have to give account for every wrong thing we did on Earth..........that kinda scares me a bit.

So.....what about films.......I haven't watched very many "fluffy bunny" films in my life.

But I had a few problems with my walk with God...and I have been very careful in the films I see. Recently, if I see a film that is not right, I have turned it off.

But I am trying to search for really good, wholesome films, without going back to the black and whites..... can anyone give me a few tips on how to get good films?

I'm sorry if this is a queer question. I don't think WorthyBoards has had a question brought in. But it worries me.

Any Advice?

Young One

[traveller]

Young one,

This really isn't a question from an unbeliever seeking answers so I'm moving it to the General Discusion Forum, where I'm sure it will receive a lot of answers. You should register and join us.

trav

[EricH]

Hearing a swear word is not a sin. The question you should ask yourself is what impact the repeated hearing of swearing will have on you?

[Trust & Obey]

Young One, that is a great question and the fact that you are asking it is a good sign of where your heart is!

I struggle with profanity on TV, as well. I have chosen to simply not watch things offend me in this manner.

Besides, as enjoyable as some movies are to watch, it isn't very enjoyable to continually wince in inner-pain as we see and hear things that cause us to recoil.

We are better off if we do not allow such things into our minds and hearts.

I don't tell people they can or can't watch certain things (except for things like pornography). But, I would ask someone "why" they would want to watch it in the first place.

[nebula]

Hey, Young One!

It's not a queer question. In fact, it is a very valid question.

Without going through the whole theological discourse, the safest thing to do is to not act against your convictions. Why carry the weight of guilt around?

I know it is difficult with movies because they are such a part of our culture. And where I live, I can't even go to the Mall or spend time around non-Christians consistently without being exposed to swearing. So, for me, I feel like, "What difference does it make?" However, swearing is not a temptation for me. I have worked at keeping these words out of my speach.

If you personally believe that hearing swear words will lead you to sin, then you are wise to avoid exposure - if possible.

But "hearing" words in and of itself is not sin. I hate hearing them, but I can't control what comes out of the mouths of those around me. I can only control my own.

Does that make sense?

[Guest Obtuse Monkey]

Swearing is fine, so long as it is used in an unhurtful(?) way. If you dislike like it, simply avoid it.

In my experience, swearing by people is done in place of "er", and other such fillers. If you analyse how people use swearing, generally you'll find that there is no reason for it to be in what they're saying.

However, in contradiction to my original advice, here's something to think about:

Jesus didn't spend his time around the righteous. He ate with the tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes; people who were considered to be sinners. Jesus himself defied many of the rules of the Church.

Is surrounding yourself only with things that you find comfortable and agree with right?

[Christ's Free Servant]

We don't like to hear bad language, either, so that's why we have purchased TV Guardian. It attaches to your TV set and will take out any swear words and replace them with non-swear words as long as the TV show or movie is Closed Captioned. When renting a movie, I always look for CC on the back of the jacket. This has made it possible for us to watch movies that the only objectionable factor was the language. If it has a lot of language, I would suggest not watching the movie, because you would have to read half of it.

When going to the theatre, I always check the ratings and what they are rated for so I will know what to expect. If a movie has only a minor reference to language, I might consider watching it, but then you really don't know just how much is "little." Honestly, what bothers me the most is taking the Lord's name in vain, and they have that everywhere w/o much thought about it at all. The TV guardian can be set to take that out, too, but you will want to change the setting if you are watching anything religious.

[Leonard]

Do what I do: Go up to the theatre manager and tell him "There's too much filthy language in this movie, and I want my money back!" I usually get the money back, and free tickets to another movie.......

[apothanein kerdos]

What's wrong with a swear word? I can understand if it is used in a sexual context or used at someone in a degrading way...but what is wrong with saying, "[insert swear word here], I missed!"?

Biblically, what is wrong with it?

If it still makes you uncomfortable, then leave...but if you are there with your lost friend, which is better....stay and be with them or leave them for the sake of comfort?

[Christ's Free Servant]

Do what I do:  Go up to the theatre manager and tell him "There's too much filthy language in this movie, and I want my money back!"  I usually get the money back, and free tickets to another movie.......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But, the question is, did you know ahead of time that it had bad language? And, if not, why not? The movies are all listed on the Internet with the ratings and what the ratings are for. I don't think anyone should go into a movie w/o having previously researched it to see what the rating is and what it is for. Then, you can make a somewhat intelligent decision about whether to attend or not. And, then if you still get surprised due to false or incomplete advertising, definitely then ask for your money back.