It seems like just yesterday I wrote “Matters Of The HeART,” a blog post on the subject of profanity in faith based art, particularly when used by professing Christians. That was back when Kendrick Lamar dropped TPAB (To Pimp A Butterfly). Matters Of The HeART was my indirect response to the warm welcome the ultra profane album (TPAB) received from the CHH community. So here we are again unpacking the subject of Christianity, art, responsibility, and accountability. This time the question of profanity’s place in art was raised by well known CHH artist Andy Mineo via a social media tweet in which Mineo asked his Twitter followers, “Do you guys really think if a person uses ‘profanity’ (words we’ve given meaning) in their music they couldn’t possibly b Christian? Why?” Since then, plenty of people have voiced their opinions, most notably CHH rapper/blogger Lavoisier, who accused Mineo of not being consistent in his orthopraxy in the media. Although I believe the question raised on profanity in Christian art is virtually a no brainer, I’m pleased to see the dialogue it’s inspiring within the CHH community, and the church at large. You see, the debate over the use of profanity in christian art is really just the shallow end of the pool, there are far deeper underlying issues, and implications that will hopefully be considered, and addressed, thanks to the splash this is making.
Implications worth talking about:
- Considering the legitimacy of profanity in christian art, is to welcome the notion that profanity may have a proper, and inconsequential place in the Christian’s every day life. In which case the following verses (and many others) would no longer be relevant- James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- To consider profane words for the sake of expression, is to also consider profane gestures, behavior, and actions for just the same. The implication is that these are only profane because of the meaning we give them, and somehow they become less profane depending on the context in which we employ them. 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
Underlying Issues worth talking about:
- Isolation interpretation: Interpreting scripture in isolation, disregarding truths generally understood, and agreed upon by the church overall. Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
- Redefinition is contagious: As society perpetually redefines everything from education, to marriage, the pressure for the church to keep up with all the change is immense. A cursing christian is cutting edge stuff. Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. - Looking for loop holes: We sometimes look for scripture to justify our own desires, pushing the boundaries in ways that will appease our flesh. Debating alcohol, cursing, legalism, and hyper-grace when in the end the scripture clearly states the purpose, and will of God for our lives, and how we are to conduct ourselves. Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
In closing, one of the saddest stories in the bible is that of Peter denying Christ, and using profanity to assure his relationship to Jesus would not be discovered. Matthew 26:73-75 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” 74Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Love Is A Four Letter Word
It seems there are quite a few bewildering statements being made by Christians in music, politics, and even in the local church these days. The grey area appears to be widening, as clear distinction between believers and the world begin to blur. Let us remain focused on the unchanging word of God, remembering to give grace, just as it has been given us; speaking the uncompromising truth with unconditional love. Praying for one another, and rooting for one another. The success of each member benefits the body as a whole, so lets be intentional on helping, and healing the body with our words, and actions.
Related Blog posts: Matters Of The HeART – Remixing The N Word
