Adam Blumer

In Defense of Clean Speech in Christian Fiction, Part 3

By Adam Blumer November 2, 2012 Articles, Christian Living, Clean Speech Initiative, Fiction, Inspiration, Introspection, Publishing, Sharing Your Faith, Weekly Post 4 Comments
In Defense of Clean Speech in Christian Fiction, Part 3

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8. What Is “Clean Speech”? Before we discuss what unclean speech is, let’s define clean speech based on the ultimate authority: God’s Word. The Bible is jam-packed with great verses about communication that would merit God’s smile (Ps. 19:14; Prov. 15:26; 16:24; Matt. 12:36; Col. 4:6; Titus 2:7-8; ), but I think this verse is probably the best. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8) In other words, clean thoughts come from clean words. The publication “A Biblical Approach to Objectionable Elements in Christian Education” puts it this way: This grand prescription for mental, moral, and spiritual health [Phil. 4:8] expresses the principle that dwelling on good will help to drive out evil.…

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In Defense of Clean Speech in Christian Fiction, Part 1

By Adam Blumer October 19, 2012 Articles, Christian Living, Clean Speech Initiative, Fiction, Weekly Post, Writing 12 Comments

See Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8. Over the last year, many Christian authors have participated in virtual blog debates about what language should or should not be permissible in Christian novels published for the Christian marketplace. Some folks have appealed to common sense and logic, others to audience and publisher guidelines, some to realism and freedom of expression, others to what they “think” crude language/cussing is and isn’t. All well-meaning folks who are brothers and sisters in Christ, whom I truly love. But often discussions have been bathed in the soothing balm of relativism. You’re okay, I’m okay. What you think is okay for you is okay for you. What I think is okay for me is okay for me. As if no one could possibly stand up and say, “I know the answer.” Getting to the Core Very few of the debates I’ve seen…

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