Profanity

[Maureen K Clifford]

Well put Marty - thumbs up from me

[manfredvijars]

I think that the Bible is a profane and vulgar document and should not be read ...

I am amazed that "profanity" is acceptable in any way or form! Personally I strongly believe profanity does not belong in the noble book called the Bible, be it done in the name of effect, or whatever. It is always inappropriate. It brings that noble book down.

Isaiah 36:12
But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you? ... (getting pissed??)

... and the others ...
1 Samuel 25:22
1 Samuel 25:34
1 Kings 14:10
1 Kings 16:11
1 Kings 21:21
2 Kings 9:8
2 Kings 18:27 ... for EMPHASIS perhaps??

Profanity belongs on the garbage dump. There is simply NO justification or excuse for it. Never ever in the Bible. Don't we encourage our children to read the Bible?

[Zondrae]

uumm..

Is this Australia? I was taught that 'profanity' was serious swearing or even blasphemy. As far as taboo words, I thought English had only two and neither one begins with p. Yes, toilet humour is not the best, but in MHO 'piss' is not profane.
Profanity should contain some slur against God. Perhaps it is common or vulgar but not 'profane'.

[Vic Jefferies]

While I agree that the particular word used by Marty in his poem is no longer seen as being dreadfully "profane" I think we should avoid the use of vulgar crudities and obscenity in our writings.
I remember when I first competed at Tamworth ( a long time ago now) the use of such language was severely penalized and not only discouraged, but totally banned!
In my opinion profanity seldom (if ever) adds to a work but may offend some and that is not what we should be about.
I have noticed of late the main Sydney newspapers are printing language that would never have been tolerated ten years ago and I can't help think we are going backwards.
Surely we should try to do better.

[Neville Briggs]

The straw man argument Manfred.

[manfredvijars]

Indeed Nevvie, just as ridiculous as the Original position ...

[Neville Briggs]

You're a stirrer Manfred. Both the Bible and the poetry writing need the same thing; the old commonsense that takes into account, the cultural context, the intention of the writer and the appropriateness of the words to the message.
But I do think we need to be careful of some words which might draw attention to themselves (like the clanging rhymes ) and upset the balance of the verse.

[manfredvijars]

I know Nev, but at least I endeavor to read an article/poem first before making comment or passing judgement. The 'offending' word wasn't genital related and Glenny's post wasn't even read, judging by the comments that followed. `

The most hollow statement in our language is the phrase, "I'm offended by that!"

What does that mean exactly?

[Bob Pacey]

Holy snappin duck shit it offended me


Boib

[warooa]

The most hollow statement in our language is the phrase, "I'm offended by that!"

What does that mean exactly?

I remember Stephen Fry giving a very good explanation of his thoughts on that phrase and its relative importance.

Marty