Do you think the use of the "N" word is okay for Christians?

[Injen]

Alot of negative history comes behind the 'N' word of yesterday. It was used to slander and demean an entire race of people for generations. (Even still in alot of places today.)

However, today, it is used as a common term between friends, and is also casually used outside of the African-American community, as well.

Do you think it's okay for Christians to say the "N" word?
Do you think it's racist for white people not to be able to say it in it's current meaning?
Do you think it's sinful?

Why? Why not?

Discuss.

[LordsTemple]

No! no one should be using it, very derogatory, very foul word.

[Five16 Magazine]

As Christians, we should be setting an example and not following the crowd. Yes we want to touch those who are not saved by communicating in their terms, but should not be using such controversial and derogatory words. I am going to step out and say, if there is a name that one race cannot call another, then that word should not be used at all. We are all Gods children and should respect each other equally.

God Bless.....

Chad Armel
[e-mail]
www.five16.com

[Dat Boi Corey]

Seeing that the definition of the word means: an ignorant person...I do NOT think ANYONE should use it, and changin' the last two letters is just slang and it is not different. Rosa Parks sat on the front row of the bus to make a point and to stand for what she believed. If we believe in God and his word we should not say things that are a memory of this world. The bible says for any man who follows Christ let him deny himself and take up his cross. WE should be outcast to this world in order to see the vision God has planned for us. So in conclusion, to fade away from things such as foul language, negative expressions, or any other worldly actions is not an opinion, but it is God's order from his word.

-DJ Thesis

[Zion's Pub aka Jaelyn Chambers]

I don't feel that the "N" word should be used by Christians. We have to learn to separate ourselves from things of the world. How does the "N" word glorify God or another person? It doesn't matter how the term has been altered to "friend" or "hommie". As we do in the bible, we must go back to the law of first mention. The origin of the word is negative. It's like using the "B" word as a positive form of communication. When you come to know who you are and who your represent and truly know who Christ is to you, you allow him to renew your mind; change your talk. Even though society has embrassed the "N" as a positive way to greet someone, that does not make it right. Our words have power, and we are still speaking IGNORANCE over our brothers and sisters no matter what race we are.

[Zion's Pub aka Jaelyn Chambers]

I don't feel that the "N" word should be used by Christians. We have to learn to separate ourselves from things of the world. How does the "N" word glorify God or another person? It doesn't matter how the term has been altered to "friend" or "hommie". As we do in the bible, we must go back to the law of first mention. The origin of the word is negative. It's like using the "B" word as a positive form of communication. When you come to know who you are and who your represent and truly know who Christ is to you, you allow him to renew your mind; change your talk. Even though society has embrassed the "N" as a positive way to greet someone, that does not make it right. Our words have power, and we are still speaking IGNORANCE over our brothers and sisters no matter what race we are.

[Sheneka]

I don't think anyone should use the word, even if you are black or white. To me it still is a derguatory word.

[The Fisherman]

the bible says we are snared by the words that come out of our mouth. The N word means ignorant and we are not ignorant for our eyes have been open to the truth, we are new creatures in God, the former things have pass away... Some will continue to use it due to the fact that they're are void and in darkness.. We speak truth, light and words of encouragement, not words of defeat,,,

[Mc Spirit]

The bible talks about that Christian are saints. We need to start using those types of words to refer to one another. If we see ourselves as saints then we will be more open to do good because we want to meet that standard (even though we never will), but at least we will strive to be. If you are constantly being called evil or a derogatory name that you will start associating yourself with that word. Just as if you are constantly being called a criminal and you may say well people think I am anyway so I might as well do this.
We need to set ourselves to a higher standard and reflect the image of God. It also reminds me that we are ONE BLOOD and by using derogatory names such as the word in discussion means that we are different and it will keep races separate. The world tries to separate a black man and a white man and then they say that a man and a woman are the same. God says that we are formed from one blood and that men and woman are different but equal.

[Petey the Disciple]

Hey fam, ima say it like this. The only "N" we should go by is newness, save that other noun for the demons and speak change into the misfits. Most think the word is cool to use but if we all think back to where it came from there is no coolness in it, only downgrade, humilitaion and torture. Jesus took all that for us so lets bring more fruitful words into our vocab. Praise God n God Bless.

[yshwa4life]

Nah i think it's stupid..i don't like bein called a cracker either..even if somebody is usin it in love.

[Timothy (aka Timzo)]

I'm going to say the thing that's not popular here, but I don't see a problem with the word. Here's why.
You must understand who we are as a culture. We (black people) have this uncanny ability to take something that was meant to be used against us, and turn it into something that we use to make us stronger. If you study the origins of hip hop, you'll see examples of what I'm saying. For example, slaves used to be hung with ropes-and killed. Go back to the early days of our hip hop culture, and you'll see many artists wearing Gold ropes around their necks-as a means of outright defiance right in the face to those who oppressed our ancestors. It was to say "what you used to kill us has only made us stronger and more unstoppable." The same applies to the word. Just like the gold rope, the meaning of the word changed from something horrible-to something that edifies us as a culture. The reason it changed from nigger to N.I.G.G.A. was because it's an acronym that means "Never Ignorant-Getting Goals Accomplished." This is yet another example if how our race has always seemed to find a way to draw our power from pain. Now, please understand, I'm speaking specifically from the perspective of our HIP HIP culture's history-and the mind frame therein. However, it's only acceptable to those who know and understand the the reason for the change of origin. That's not to say it wasn't used as a derrogatory word, but in the hip hop culture, things have changed since then. At what point do 'we' as individuals decide to not be defined by the past of our ancestors? At what point do we decide to stop giving such power to those who opressed us. This, friends, is why hip hop was established in the first place. It all started from a state of rebellion; from people who stepped outside of society's perspective and said "we are not who you say we are. We are whoever we want to be. We're going to take everything you used to kill us and throw it back in your face."
To still be affected by what the word 'meant' is an indication of one's inability to move forward and accept where we are-not only as a culture-but as indiviguals. I think it's a matter of preference, the same as eating meat around a vegetarian-which the bible states not to do, lest you offend your bretheren. With that in mind, Paul was able to become all things to all men, that he might save the more. He knew how to talk to people on their level and reach people where they are. Understanding the historocity of our culture, the perspective therein, and the strength that lies within, is the key thing that connects us to those who desperately need God's love and acceptance. However, not accepting where a person is, not understanding our culture, and not seeing the reason behind the perspective of those you seek to help-will only bring about a disconnection, thereby causing is to lose our 'witness' to those we're called to minister to. The system is what it is, and it can only be changed from the inside out. What we're talking about here is known as the "art of war". One cannot go into the enemy's camp and effectively win the battle if one lacks the inability to be dequised as the enemy. Once you know who (and who's) you are, nothing can effect your perception of yourself: not the clothes you wear, not words spoken. However, This is just my opinion-of which we're all entitled to.
Timothy

[Type Of Christ]

I respectfully disagree. Gospel gangstas in their song "let us pray" used the n word, but said, let us pray my niggas. I think it depends on the context it's used in. If a person is in someone's face sayin' now what nigga? then the word is obviously being used to provoke an evil response, but in the case of the song I quoted, it was used to call us to pray. Feel me?