Dear Sir,
Our society claims to be both PC and tolerant. On the one hand we must not say anything, no matter how truthful, that may potentially offend our hearers. On the other hand, because there is no objective truth (so it is claimed), whatever you consider true is true for you, even though it may not be true for me. So in my tolerance I should not be offended by your ‘truth’
But this tolerant society will only ‘tolerate’ what it agrees with, which of course is not tolerance at all. So for example ‘Jesus is the only way’ is a truth claim, just as ‘there is no God’ is a truth claim. But our culture will only tolerate the latter and not the former.
Also this culture finds ‘swear words’ that are nothing more than vulgar sexual terms unacceptable, but to use the name of the King of all creation as an expletive is generally acceptable.
So I intend play our culture at its own game, yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3.15). Too often I have failed to point out that I am offended by the misuse of Christ’s name, I have tolerated the intolerable. From now on I intend to appeal for political correctness and point out the offence caused, whether intended or not.
I may start by pointing out the irony that simple vulgarities are unacceptable whereas blasphemy is deemed okay. I might explore the rationale that if the name of Jesus Christ means nothing to the person using it, then why use it at all? For example why not say ‘Peter Pan’ another name they don’t believe in? Why not? Because it would be ridiculous, that’s why not. The reason Christ’s name has been inculcated into our culture as an acceptable expletive must be based upon a deliberate defiance of God.
I am not so optimistic to think that I will be influential in changing the culture, but that is not my aim. My aim is that by raising the issue in a gentle and non-aggressive way it will present the opportunity to have a discussion about the true nature and divine character behind the name so casually and inappropriately used. Who knows it may result in that person eventually using that same name in loving worship, as it should be.
Yours sincerely,
