There was upset at Sunday’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, when the accolade of Best Actor in a Leading Role went to the relative newcomer Robert Aramayo, for his role in the film I Swear. The film is based on the true story of the Scotsman John Davidson and his struggle with severe Tourette’s syndrome, a disorder which causes the sufferer to display physical tics and (in Davidson’s case) uncontrollable outbursts of foul language.
During the show there was another upset. Davidson himself was there, and his Tourette’s made him shout a loud, offensive racist word. He apologised and left the room. The show’s host apologised. The shout was completely unintended. But whereas they loved the film, this was real life and the audience was outraged. The repercussions are ongoing.
Clearly British society, which is famous for its permissiveness, does have one boundary which must not be crossed. Society’s outlook has changed significantly in recent years. Whereas not long ago casual racism was commonplace, now it’s a hugely sensitive subject. Careless use of this particular word has cost careers and ruined lives.
What should be the Christian’s attitude? It’s very simple – this word is denigrating and upsetting, therefore the Christian must not use it: Jesus Christ said, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
But there’s more. Jesus said that this is actually the “second commandment”. Here’s the full quote: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (vs. 37-40).
British culture was largely built on Christianity. At one time there were blasphemy laws and it was a serious matter to abuse God’s name, but society has changed. Nowadays, the second commandment takes precedence. To use an offensive term to refer to a person is a sin which in some circumstances is literally unforgivable – but to insult religion is generally regarded as ‘free speech’. It seems routine for people to use the name of God and Jesus Christ as a casual exclamation.
For the Christian, the first commandment is crucial. God comes first, and insulting Him is serious. He said, “Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified” (Leviticus 10:3). Under the Law of Moses, the punishment for cursing God’s name was death (Leviticus 24:16). Jesus Christ and his disciples only ever treated God’s name with the utmost reverence – and so should all his followers.
If you use a derogatory name about another person, just because of their race, what does that say about you? Very much more serious – if you use the name of your Creator the God of Heaven, or His Son Jesus Christ who gave himself for your sins, as a casual curse, what does that say about you?
Chris Parkin
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