“Hence, in all true Christian asceticism, that respects for the thing rejected which, I think, we never find in pagan asceticism. Marriage is good, though not for me; wine is good, though I must not drink; feasts are good, though today we fast.”
- C.S. Lewis in “Some Thoughts”
I think that I would like to throw out one more post and then put a lid on this whole discussion of the use of Christian profanity. I am finding that the general consensus has been that its use, indeed, has its place. Used properly it can be an effective and powerful language tool and can even be considered good. At the same time, though, its usage must be carefully measured out lest it lose its force or be used for ill.
When you think about it, this is really the way that Christianity looks at much of what we find in creation. Many things are naturally good when treated properly (sex, alcohol, food, etc.) but can be turned to evil when abused. This is what separates Christian asceticism from the asceticism of other beliefs as well as from the puritanical abolition that is often are mistaken for Christian asceticism. Self control is a fruit of the spirit and is key, not only to the Christian life, but to a healthy life in general. Lewis said it well in the aforementioned essay:
“Because we love something else more than this world we love even this world better than those who know no other.”
Previous posts on this subject here.
