Profanity Debate: Kirk Franklin Apologized, But Some Believe He Did Nothing Wrong

Kirk and Tammy Franklin interview with Tamron Hall show.

Shockwaves were released in the faith community when renowned gospel artist Kirk Franklin’s oldest son, Kerrion, secretly recorded his father threatening him with bodily harm and using sharp profanity. Franklin acknowledged he let the faith community down, and he is an imperfect man serving a perfect God.

Franklin’s apology was appropriate. Though it was a private family disagreement, it came to light publicly and hurt some in the church world. However, some of his defenders decided to die on a hill as if he did nothing wrong at all. Some saints are dismissing Franklin’s profanity, admitting they talk to their children in similar ways. Even some pastors and ministers are supporting Franklin by defending the profanity itself.

The bible encourages us to monitor our speech. It tells us not to let unwholesome words come out of our mouths, but only speech that is good for building up others according to their need (Ephesians 4:29). The following chapter in Ephesians also says there should not be a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, greed, nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking.

If you’re a baby Christian with a lifetime of cursing in your vocabulary, it can be a hard habit to break. Seasoned saints should be crucifying their flesh and exercising more power over their tongues. We’re human. We all fall short of grace, but what’s in you will come out. Are you full of joy or are you full of the world? “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” The bible says men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37) God puts more stock in what you say and how you act than what you realize.

Though it’s easy to fall short of keeping your tongue in check, parents boastfully fussing at their children with profanity is ungodly, if not straight up dysfunctional.

No, you won’t find a list of modern-day words we aren’t supposed to say in the bible, for obvious reasons. Language evolves. Modern society decides what words are profane. But Christians who adopt such language into their vocabulary are participating in vulgarity that isn’t considered polite or professional. The government regulates profanity, and professional settings frown upon it. When I worked at a major retailer stocking shelves, we had rules against swearing on the sales floor. Not everyone followed, but some certainly got in trouble for slipping up.

When Franklin’s video was leaked, I heard comments like: “That’s why I don’t trust these Christians.” Because they believe Christians are supposed to be notably different. That’s a judgy opinion, but also not wrong. The bible makes it clear Christians are set apart, and the word commands us to “be holy,” because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). It may be a lot of pressure to know the world is watching you, expecting you to fail, and will go, “See! I knew it,” if you fall short of grace. That’s also the reality. You never know if those same people judging you may secretly admire you. They’re looking for an excuse to stay in their sins, but they’re also looking for an example to aspire to. Romans 14 talks about how we should not be a stumbling block for someone else. “Let not then your good be spoken evil of.” Just because you believe you have the freedom to do something, doesn’t necessarily mean you should. As a Christian, your life isn’t your own. You’re a representation of Christ; the only source to Jesus some men will ever know.

You may be thinking, “It’s just a few bad words. It’s not a big deal.” I ask Christians why they use such words. Is it to be edgy and relatable? Is it to fit in with the world? Those aren’t good reasons. Jesus raised eyebrows and blood pressures when he hung out amongst sinners, but he never stopped acting like Jesus. The bible tells us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). If you’ve adapted for attention or peer pressure, realign your priorities.

Kirk Franklin explained he now has an aggressive relationship with a grown man, and that’s difficult to manage. Kerrion certainly didn’t adhere to honoring his father, but parents must also remember the word tells us to be careful about provoking your children to wrath.

For parents who correct their children with a physical approach, the bible does talk about the consequences of sparing the rod. But it also suggests the purpose of punishment should match the severity of the crime. When you resort to extreme measures to discipline your child, is it to drive them away from an evil path, or is it because they’re irking your nerves? Again, please don’t provoke your children to wrath. The rod is a reference to a shepherd, and they more often use a staff to guide their flocks rather than a rod to correct/protect their sheep.

I wouldn’t want to be in Franklin’s situation. It’s still a developing story, and it’s unfortunate he can’t handle this privately. He noted the world didn’t see him at his best, and he apologized for it.

But for everyone else who confessed—even braggingly—that it’s normal for Christians to verbally abuse their children, I encourage you to live more peaceably with your family.