Christian Liberals & Progressive People of Faith
In reply to the discussion: As Christians, does Tim Tebow embarass you? [View all]markpkessinger
(8,643 posts)I heard a sermon once by a wise, elderly Lutheran bishop. His topic was specifically the Ten Commandments. He said that of all the commandments, that one was the one he got the most questions about, usually from earnest folks worried that their spouse's/child's/parent's/other loved one's habit of casual cursing put them in violation of that commandment. The good bishop averred as how a habitual speech pattern of swearing might not be the most desirable thing in the world, that it might not make the best impression on folks as regards one's social refinement, education or etiquette. But, he noted, there is typically little or no intent behind it. It is, in most cases, merely a speech pattern, largely devoid of any particular substantive meaning. He went on to say that what did, in his opinion, constitute a violation of that commandment was the appropriation/assertion of divine warrant for things that are really nothing more than the vain aspirations of humans. That has stuck with me ever since.