More on Crudity.

In 1989 when John Piper was in prison for picketing an abortion clinic, he was overwhelmed by the crudity of language.  Wondering why there was so much profanity and coarse language he wrote these words:

"Here’s one suggestion: there is a kind of macho ego-satisfaction that comes from pointless swearing and foul, sacrilegious talk. The thing that makes it macho is that offensive language feels assertive and virile. So if you are weak and insecure, one way to camouflage it is to pepper your conversation with social no-nos. Using verbal no-nos is like playing with switch-blades and brass knuckles. It feels tough and gutsy. It gives an insecure person a sense of swagger. It’s the verbal form of spiked hair and torn jeans."

This is a common problem with us men.  Later in 2007 at the Annual Passion Conference, Piper himself crossed the line and had to publicly recant. He wrote, "I think if I had it to do over, I would not say it. On the one hand, I don't like fanning the flames of those who think it is hip and cool to swear for Jesus. That, it seems to me, is immature."