Recently radio host Don Imus added his name to the list of celebrities who have made racially and sexually insensitive remarks in public. There’s no need to repeat what Mr. Imus said about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. I’m certain everyone has heard the comments ad infinitum by now.

I’ve been impressed by the University, which stood behind its students (that’s always good to see from an institution.) I admire the grace, dignity and restraint the players have shown in a difficult situation. I can imagine their parents are proud to have raised such fine young women.

Why did Mr. Imus make such comments? I don’t know. I’d like to believe that he is, as he says, a good person who says foolish things. Whatever his motivation, there is little doubt that saying insensitive, and even cruel, things is big business. There are stand-up comics, radio shock jocks, movies and television series that delight in taking cheap shots at anyone and everyone.

A lot of this is a response to the “political correctness” movement which attempted to police language for any hint of insensitivity. PC was easy to mock because it took itself so seriously, and came up with some absurd phrases in its attempt to use non-demeaning language. These days PC is widely seen as repressive and obnoxious form of censorship. Many outspoken public figures call themselves “politically incorrect” as a badge of honor. They suggest that it takes courage to let fly with opinions, never minding who might be offended.

I can sympathize. I’ve never been much of a fan of PC. It really is an attempt at censorship and it doesn’t accomplish much except to force people’s ugly opinions underground. On the other hand, I was raised with the idea of speaking with respect and compassion for others. That’s a concept that goes right to the heart of Christianity. In the Sermon on the mount Jesus tells his disciples that hateful speech is as sinful as bad as physical violence. As one recent translation puts it, “…The simple moral fact is that words kill.” (Mt 5:22)

I’m not talking about phony politeness, or trying to be politically correct, or about censoring anyone. I’m talking about each of us choosing our words with care knowing that words have power. Used with care, compassion, and justice they can transform the world. Used recklessly they can crush people, shatter communities, and create hatred and division.

The Epistle of James compares the power of speech to a wild animal running loose, or a fire that has gotten out of control. Once you send out hateful words you can’t call them back and the effect they can have is frightening. Just look at the response the responses to the Imus controversy. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton (no strangers to controversy themselves) have received death threats for calling for his dismissal. Even the Rutgers players (innocent of any wrongdoing) have been getting hate mail from angry fans of Mr. Imus program.

The more powerful a tool is, the easier it is to misuse. Words are some of the most powerful tools we have. At the risk of being called politically correct, I urge everyone to use them with care. I hope we can find ways to speak justly and compassionately. Failing that, I hope we can show the good grace to keep quiet more often.