[shezza]

I met a biker once, a rowdy, tattooed, foul-mouthed biker, who had the most powerful saved-by-grace testimony you've ever heard. Sometimes people get so distracted by the profanity that they can't hear the message. I think swearing must be like smoking -- when it's been a lifelong habit, it's hard to break.

[Guenevere]

#22..Well said.

The Holy Spirit will work within the individual to alter..the after effects of their previous life ....before Christ.

It's not up to us to do this....

..Christians are called to gently guide a new believer, but not condemn....

..they can exhort, but in a loving, guiding way....

[papertyger]

I think swearing must be like smoking -- when it's been a lifelong habit, it's hard to break.

Speaking from experience, I can tell you there's alot that doesn't go away unless your passion's been neutered.

[Rebelbase]

"I think swearing must be like smoking -- when it's been a lifelong habit, it's hard to break."

Yep. Mostly when I'm seething mad.

[Emmett McCarthy]

The only language I detest and won't tolerate either from myself or from others is the taking of the Lord's name in vain. As for the "salty" language others have mentioned, I figure that Jesus made disciples of working men - fishermen, especially - and I can't imagine that there wasn't an occasional cuss word among them.

As to the comments about how Bono has drawn directly from C.S. Lewis, well, the great thing about Lewis' work is that he has made great truths simple, understandable and able to be passed on to others who may or may not have extensive intellect. When I've used these same explanations, I make it a point to ask if the person I'm talking to likes to read. If they do I refer them to "Mere Christianity"; if not, I just share the ideas. I'm sure Lewis doesn't care whether he's given credit - and, yes, I know he's passed on, but he's part of the "communion of saints", and present tense is perfectly appropriate.

[Marysecretary]

It's VERY hard to break. I know that from personal experience. I still struggle with it sometimes.

[Muzzle_em]

It is VERY hard to break!
I'm a Christian female who curses like a sailor when angered and that habit is a thorn in my side that I've prayed desperately for years for God to remove! I'm not proud of it!

[Skooz]

I think swearing must be like smoking -- when it's been a lifelong habit, it's hard to break.

Only once a year. When I do my taxes.

[elc]

I think swearing must be like smoking

Haven't read all the way through to see if someone brought this up yet, but swearing in Ireland is not as taboo as it is here. People here swear because they think its not allowed and it makes them cool (or they have a mouth of a sailor, like me). People in Ireland swear as a part of everyday conversation - at work, school, the pub, and I bet in Church. Most of my Irish friends cannot understand why we make such a big deal about it. So if people are making a big deal about Bono's swearing, that certainly isn't coming from the Irish people.

[Youngblood]

A first-cousin of mine is an extremely spiritual, dedicated Catholic priest. He is also a foul-mouthed, down-to-earth, regular guy who loves to go out drinking with his friends when the opportunity presents itself. The idea that you can't be a good person (of whatever religious persuasion, if any) if you use bad language or have a few pints is pure and utter bollocks, in my opinion!