Being held to a higher standard.
By makingpots
@makingpots (11915)
United States
March 31, 2008 5:55pm CST
I read a blog written by a Youth Pastor working at a church here in the US. He writes about his ministry, books he reads, his hobbies, etc. I read it because he and his wife used to attend my church and I enjoy reading about his family and how they are growing.
One day he used the word 'friggin' in his blog entry. I had to stop and think about that one for a minute. Isn't that a word used in the place of the F word? I guess I wasn't sure how I felt about a pastor using that word. I am looking for opinions on this one because I am not sure exactly where I stand.
I know that this is no different than when I try to say shoot when I'm mad whenever my son is around, instead of the uglier word that occassionally slips out. But as a Pastor and especially one whose ministry effects the lives of teens, should he be held to a higher standard?
Opinions please!!!
5 people like this
8 responses
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
1 Apr 08
I agree that it was wrong.
Of course he is human like the rest of us and may slip occassionaly, but he posted it in a blog that is open for public viewing and could have easily been edited before posting. He obviously thought it was ok.
I find it unacceptable for someone in his position.
4 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Well, that was my thought as well.... the fact that a blog is SUCH a public thing.
4 people like this
@gtargirl (5376)
• United States
1 Apr 08
I am going to say yes . . . and no. We are all held to a higher standard if we claim to be Christians. I see you point of view though. But, being a pastor's kid, I know the pressures of what these pastors go through and the judgements that are laid at their feet each day. I do believe it's probably not a good idea to use such words, even though we only think of them as substitutes. Then again, have you ever said Oh my gosh! Are we substituting? It's a toughy but a good question. I say, forgive this youth pastor. He must have been really mad, and he is human after all. It's kind of hard going through life perfect.
4 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Thank you so much, gtargirl. (love your username, by the way). I just needed to hear another opinion and I appreciate you giving a view from the inside, so to speak. I can't even imagine the pressure of going through life feeling like people expect you to be perfect.
I didn't mean to judge him and definitely don't feeling like I need to forgive him for anthing. My thoughts were more along the lines of "Wow, I don't believe I would have used that expression if I were you".
This is one of the reasons I enjoy myLot. Thanks, I needed that.
This is one of the reasons I enjoy myLot. Thanks, I needed that.4 people like this
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Many people do not realize that is what that word means. They also do not know that Gee whiz, means Jesus, Golly means God, etc.Darn means, well you know. Yes, it behooves people who are modeling themselves for others, who are claiming to be faithful and religious to be ultra careful. I imagine that if this were brought to his attention as a stumbling block to others he might reconsider what he was saying. For the record, some of the more dishonest people I have dealt with have been pastors from my church. I have to remember that I serve God, not the ministry team.
3 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Thanks, Gerty. I appreciate your opinion.
3 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18260)
•
4 Apr 08
i guess they are just words and he is just human. I firmly believe there is a place for such language, like when you hit your thumb with the hammer. I think the problem comes when we use expletives without passion, then they become meaningless
blessed be
@mummymo (23706)
•
1 Apr 08
I think as a pastor , especially a youth pastor he needs to set as good an example as possible sweets but at the end of the day , yes he is a Pastor but he is also human and none of us are perfect! I guess I understand why you feel the way you do but at the end of the day it is only a word, he isn't hurting anyone and if this i shte worst he does he is a pretty amazing man! Hugs xxx
2 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
4 Apr 08
Yes his is only human. Thanks, mummymo. I come off as very judgemental with this post and I don't mean to be. It didn't bug me as much as it just made me think, 'wow, I think I would have used a different expression if I were you'.
As always, I appreciate your response.
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
1 Apr 08
I have mixed feelings on this because yes it is wrong however, kids today aren't interested in religion of any sort but talking to them in their "language" seems to get their attention. Sad, yes but sometimes it takes drastic measures to get their attention. As long as this pastor doesn't take it any further, I'd let it slide..... for now.
2 people like this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Very good point, CatsandDogs. And knowing this guy (a wonderful person, I should add) he probably thinks along those lines. Letting it slide.
2 people like this
@casita (237)
• United States
1 Apr 08
Yes, I do believe that pastors and ministers are held to higher standars. But I also believe they are human and can do something like use a word they shouldn't.
However, this is a blog.
He had time to write and think about his blog entry.
He even has the opportunity to go back and edit and delete each blog entry.
I would think that if he is expressing a frustration or anger at some situation he could find a more resourcefuls use of the language to get his point across.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
2 Apr 08
I don't think it was appropriate..I just hope that he is not actually speaking it aloud when around kids...It sends a conflicting message..especially being a Priest...
