"F-bombs"
“F-bombs” are everywhere; singular, in clusters and in streams. Every slight irritation is sufficient to provoke a flood of this profanity. Boomers seldom heard this expletive until we were later adolescents but, since then, it has become so frequent in our daily experience that we hardly notice. Still, an element of offence remains and it is therefore useful to the wicked as an expletive.
Perhaps “F-bombs” came into general use because taking the Lord’s Name in vain and associated blasphemies no longer served to assault the sensibilities of the hearers. Too many people believe that there is no God and that damnation in hell is not a thing to be feared. Too few people know who Jesus Christ is or that He is significant enough to be abused for profane use. The old profanities no longer have the desired effect.
But why “F-bombs”? Taking the Lord’s Name in vain is no longer an effective option. Since man is made in God’s image, taking man’s name in vain is the next best thing. Because of this connection, the third commandment prohibits both (see below). Human sexuality is fundamental to man’s nature. We were created male and female with the purpose of becoming one flesh for companionship and children in order to care for and enjoy the creation. In the Babel confusion of the potentially infinite spectrum of sexualities and genders, sex consumes our imaginations and energies. Sex is the new god and, so, “F-bombs” are the new blasphemy.
The abuse of God’s Name and truth is a symptom of and means to unbelief and disobedience, destroying individuals, relationships, culture and the creation. The abuse of man’s name and nature is a symptom of and means to destroying the very thing it profanes. God is not holy and sex is not sanctified. Lord, deliver us from these evils! Purify our hearts and speech.
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From The Westminster Larger Catechism:
Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God’s name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God’s decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God’s truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it. (emphases added; thanks to our editor for suggesting the link to the WLC.)
See also WLC, 139: "The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment... are... all corrupt or filthy communications..." (emphasis added).
