Should a Christian object to profanity in his/her presence?

[Ddavid from NC]

Recently started a new job, pretty stressful job, its intense for 12 hours straight. The job deals with the rougher element of the population. My first night on the job was last night. Supervision and co-workers relieve stress with vulgar and profane conversations. In your opinion am I required to object to this activity that everyone else on the staff is participating in.

[Guest Peg Rerrin]

Does it require your religion to inform you what is acceptable in this situation? If it offends you, tell them.

[Treasure]

Live your life for Christ and they'll come as you why you don't join in with this lude conversation. This will give you the opportunity to witness and not look like you're standing in judgement.

[Neeva Candida]

Better still, don' wait for them to come to you. Seek them out and witness proactively!

~Neeva

[OneLight]

I say no. The darker it is, the brighter the light.

[Phantasia]

Does it require your religion to inform you what is acceptable in this situation? If it offends you, tell them.

I agree. I would find it pretty offensive if I was with any group of people and they were talking about things I didn't want to hear about. Be it gossip, calumny, blasphemy or halal killing.

Best to walk away imo.

[Phantasia]

Recently started a new job, pretty stressful job, its intense for 12 hours straight. The job deals with the rougher element of the population. My first night on the job was last night. Supervision and co-workers relieve stress with vulgar and profane conversations. In your opinion am I required to object to this activity that everyone else on the staff is participating in.

Where is the list of words in the Bible that we are forbidden to use? I never have found it.

Now I was raised christian and taught not to use certain words, and usually I try not to use them, but don't sweat it too bad if you slip up, or even if you do it often, and certainly not if someone else slips up. The fact is, I still struggle with finding myself judging others for doing it, even in spite of what I'm about to write, because I was raised to think such and such a word was a sin to say, etc.

As far as I have ever been able to find from scripture, there is actually no basis for forbidding the use of certain so-called "profanity" or "cuss" words, other than cultural tradition. In fact, many of these forbidden words actually appear in the Bible and in the exact same context as they are used in every day "profanity" speech, in a few cases even God himself uses them!

Their meaning and definitions are no different than other words you use regularly and do not think twice about it, so what is so different about these "taboo" words? Nothing really, just some weird legalistic tradition with little or no Biblical basis.

Its a wonder how some christians can even do their jobs or hold a conversation as legalistic as they are. How do you even take a biology class or help your child with their homework if they need help? Well its the SAME THING. Different words, identical meaning.

That's a sensible post. Although thou shalt not take the name in vain, I don't recall anything about using other forms of language that are in common use today.

Or is it not the words that cause the objections, but the way in which they are used?

[irishcowboy]

Recently started a new job, pretty stressful job, its intense for 12 hours straight. The job deals with the rougher element of the population. My first night on the job was last night. Supervision and co-workers relieve stress with vulgar and profane conversations. In your opinion am I required to object to this activity that everyone else on the staff is participating in.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!

harassment comes in many forms, not just sexual harassment, but falls under the same thing.....

Harassment only becomes harassment when the person knows that it is offensive... if they do not know it is offensive, then it can not be called harassment...

just as sexual comments are offensive to some, and not others, there has been a big ordeal over this.... it is the same with profanity, some do not care if some one cusses or not, some do not care if they treat their creator with contempt or not, they just don't care about Him or anyone else but themselves...

now, if you let the person know that certain words/phrases/subjects offend you and they continue on, then it needs to be reported to the H.R. (Human Relations office) of your company.... now, this can be done formally or informally, in person or anonymously.... there is a catch thou, if you do it anonymously you may never know what actions have been or are being taken.... if you do it in person, you can follow up on it or be informed of the progress of the situation.... formally, charges can be filed if it continues, against the person, or even the company should they do nothing about it.... informally is a good route, in person, so that no one really gets in trouble, but the situation does get taken care of.....

this is like bullies in the school..... if the administration knows nothing about it, they can not be held liable, and the student being pestered has no recourse.... if, however, the administration is informed, over and over again, and nothing is done, that leaves the school district liable for any damages that may come of any situation that should arise out of the bullying...

a work environment can be done the same way, and can cause the working environement to become very hazardous...

say something, then if nothing happens, or it becomes worse, contact the higher authorities of the company...

mike

[thunderbyrd]

all i can say to this question is, if you are gonna start correcting people's language, you gonna be awful busy. at least in my neck of the woods...

[Rest is a weapon]

I agree with and support the posts that have recommended not confronting your fellow workers on their choice of words. Your light will be brighter if you just live your witness infront of them. Satan is just waiting for you to say something, to quickly speak thoughts into their heads of "OH the holy, better than us, christian". By letting your words remain pure infront of them, they, as others have testified, will begin to see you as a model of strength. Respect will grow for this man that is not conforming to the status quo in the work place. That respect will someday open doors to conversations, possibly with someone in need who now chooses you over the rest to go to for advice. Keep your integrity, don't show any judgement and you will bear the fruit of it.