OPINION:
Actor Alan Ritchson recently sparked viral headlines when he unleashed a screed many saw as an anti-Trump rant, but there was something embedded within it that deserves deeper attention.
Mr. Ritchson, an outspoken Christian who recently hurled a slew of expletives during the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast with Josh Horowitz, defended using profanity. In fact, he seemed to argue that there are times when it’s appropriate for Christians to sound off in such a way.
The “Reacher” star made his statements while discussing politics and his passion for holding leaders accountable.
Among other subjects, Mr. Ritchson tackled the Epstein files, lambasting “pedophiles” and those mentioned in the now-infamous documents. His colorful language included multiple expletives as he expressed fury over the matter.
This is where Mr. Ritchson made a moral error, though. He pushed back against Christians who might take issue with his language, proclaiming that some situations justify a terse response.
“I shouldn’t say f—- because I’m a Christian and people are going to be like, ’How can he say f—- and he’s a Christian?’” he said, going on to react to the Epstein files. “Because that is something that should make you want to say f—-, you know? Sorry.”
The actor’s anger was directed at President Trump, who he said “has the keys to the nuclear codes” and should “go to jail,” seemingly basing this contention on his beliefs about the Epstein files and Mr. Trump himself.
But, Mr. Trump aside, here’s the problem with Mr. Ritchson’s argument about language: Christians are called to watch and control how we speak and react, even when we experience justifiable anger.
“In your anger do not sin,” Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) reads. “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Right after, the Apostle Paul wrote something else that should truly get us thinking about the impact of our words.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) reads. “But only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
We’re called to be in control of our language and actions, with Scripture warning that any decision to step outside this self-control can violate our faith and the truth we hold dear.
Other portions of Scripture also clearly address our words. James 3 is one of the most prevalent chapters on this topic, explaining the true dangers of unleashing one’s tongue.
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example,” James 3:3 (NIV) reads, with verses 4-5 continuing: “Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
And that’s the most important piece of the puzzle here. What comes out of one’s mouth has the ability not only to harm others, but to also defile the person spouting various claims.
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body,” Ephesians 3:6 (NIV) continues. “It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James fully drove home this point when he proclaimed that the tongue is a “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” Unfortunately, Mr. Ritchson’s contention that it’s sometimes permissible to unleash untempered anger doesn’t align with Scripture.
Other verses corroborate this notion, including Colossians 3:8, which reads, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.”
The latter mention of language concerns corrupting words that arise from sinful attitudes.
Jesus himself also addressed this matter, speaking a convicting message that should cause us all to pause and ponder what’s coming from our mouths.
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?” Matthew 12:34 (NIV) reads. “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Now, Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees about the very serious matter of them accusing him of operating under the power of Satan. But, regardless, the last line says it all: what we speak is an outpouring of what’s in our hearts.
Political rantings aside, Mr. Ritchson is right that we should take a stand for truth and justice, but we must do so in the context of building up others and in truth — all while cloaked in love and self-control. Any other pattern puts us at risk of compromising ourselves or harming others.
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Mr. Hallowell also is the author of four books.
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