A few months ago I wrote an article on minced oaths. I had never heard the term before and only noted it when someone said “don’t go mincing oaths.”
Today, we were down to my brother’s house, with his family and some of their friends. They celebrate a little different that we do and some of them enjoy a drink of wine, beer or some other alcoholic beverages. After, my wife and I dropped into their home to say hello and offer christmas greetings, I decided to stop into his garage/shed/party room and say hello to some of my relatives and meet some of my brother’s friends. Some of them I knew from my sporting days.
Most of them know about my Christian experience and some made a few comments which were in fun. One thing I am thankful for is their respect. We had some conversation about the past and some of the changes that have taken place in our lifetime. There were a few religious comments.
Being different in a room of seven or eight men and a few women can be challenging. As I am writing this, I wonder did I mince oaths in my conversation? The answer appears to be no as I sense no conviction from the indwelling Holy Spirit. I have learned, in my Christian walk, that if I do, say or think something that God does not approve of that I feel a prick (tormented) in my conscience or spirit.
The following is the article that I mentioned earlier.
A minced oath is a euphemistic expression formed by misspelling, mispronouncing, or replacing a part of a profane, blasphemous, or taboo term to reduce the original term’s objectionable characteristics.
You will find, below the questions, a link to a website that has a list of minced oaths and their meaning.
Throughout the Bible Christians are admonished to be very careful about their speech, especially when it comes to showing respect and reverence to God. In today’s society, it is common for the secular world to use euphemisms such as ‘gee’ or ‘gosh’, or acronyms such as ‘OMG’ as a means of expressing oaths in a mild or less offensive manner. Unfortunately, many Christians also seem to think that using these terms is acceptable, and often use them without stopping to consider their real meaning. For example, ‘gee’ or ‘gosh’ are both used as substitutes for Jesus or God. Some may use terms such as ‘holy cow’ or even ‘holy crap’ nonchalantly, or without any thought as to the impression it may leave. Holy is a word which should only be used in describing something that is moral or ethical in the sight of God. Christians are to be holy or set apart for God, and their language should always be such that will show reverence, and reflect an appreciation for the holiness found only in our triune God.
Isaiah 6:5 ‘Then I said, Woe is me, for I am ruined! because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’
Psalm 19:14 ‘Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.’
Psalm 141:3 ‘Set a guard O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.’
Colossians 4:6 ‘Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so you will know how you should answer every man.’
Colossians 3:17 ‘And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.’
Do you find yourself using ‘mild oaths’ carelessly?
Do you think it is wrong for Christians to use such language?
How can one change or get rid of such a habit?