Canadianmumof5 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Why do people chew gum while at church? I understand you may not be receiving communion, but c'mon. It is so rude & disrespectful; not to mention distracting for the people who are sitting around you. Rant over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5kidsforME Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 In my fil's case, it's because he's desperately trying to quit smoking. Yes, the incessant chewing of nicotine gum is annoying, but I'm glad he's trying and I don't ride his butt over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Here we go again. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 In my fil's case, it's because he's desperately trying to quit smoking. Yes, the incessant chewing of nicotine gum is annoying, but I'm glad he's trying and I don't ride his butt over it. At church? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 Here we go again. :lol: Oh-oh, must have missed the last go-round....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5kidsforME Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 At church? At church what? If he's trying to quit smoking why do you care if he's chewing gum AT CHURCH? I bet Jesus is ok with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 At church? Yes. Constantly. Everywhere. You have to give him an "A" for effort. I hope it works this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Well, I hate gum chewing anywhere, but I thought it had been established eons ago that nice people can and do chew gum in public. Seriously, if you have room in your mind and spirit to get bothered by this very small thing you are living a charmed or blessed life. Give thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 well I don't go to church anymore, but when I did I'm sure I chewed gum. I enjoy chewing gum and can do so without you even knowing I am. Maybe I'm a stealth chewer. :coolgleamA: People coughing without covering their mouths or coming to church while sick are more annoying than the random smacking of gum to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ByGrace3 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 :001_huh: :iagree: :confused: I was unaware this was an issue... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 well I don't go to church anymore, but when I did I'm sure I chewed gum. I enjoy chewing gum and can do so without you even knowing I am. Maybe I'm a stealth chewer. :coolgleamA: People coughing without covering their mouths or coming to church while sick are more annoying than the random smacking of gum to me. :iagree: I honestly don't see the big deal unless they are smacking or popping gum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadianmumof5 Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share Posted June 4, 2012 Ok......i guess I will have to agree to disagree with the majority & move on :001_smile: I am used to being the odd one out so it is all good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 (edited) I chew gum at church. My whole family chews gum at church, but they don't make noise. The few times that I did hear my son when he was little, I poked him and he stopped making noise. Why? Because I usually forget to bring water/my mouth is dry, and also because I have a fear of talking to someone afterwards and offending them with bad breath. ETA: It's discreetly spit back into the wrapper before Communion. Edited June 4, 2012 by ThisIsTheDay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in LV Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I was shocked when our Priest made an announcement awhile back asking people not to receive communion with gum in their mouths, as it was an ongoing issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirch Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 :iagree: I honestly don't see the big deal unless they are smacking or popping gum. :iagree: I chew gum in church and let my kids do it (and I'm on staff!). It never occurred to me that someone would have a problem with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I've chewed gum at church. :blush: On more than one occasion. :w00t: It wasn't a conscious decision for me. It was a we're-driving-to-church-and-my-horrid-coffee-breath-is-going-to-knock-someone-over-and-I'd-better-do-something-about-it moment. All three times I realized too late that I still had it in my mouth and was already seated before I was aware I was still chewing my gum. I didn't want to distract others by shuffling and leaving/re-entering, I have no desire to swallow gum :ack2: and I figured I'd spare someone starting a rant thread about used gum under church pews. ;) I figure chewing gum silently is better than knocking someone out with horrid breath but it's never been my intention to keep it there all through the service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Guilty! You caught me! I was chewing gum this morning in church. My coffee-breath was offending even me and the passing of the peace was coming up soon. I didn't want anyone fainting when I greeted them. I did spit it out before communion. I did NOT stick it under the seat in front of me. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I think it's trashy and low-class to (audibly) chew gum anywhere except int he privacy of one's own home. :tongue_smilie: I'm only half joking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I think it's trashy and low-class to (audibly) chew gum anywhere except int he privacy of one's own home. :tongue_smilie: I'm only half joking. :iagree: (to both :D) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 There have been a few times I have, because it helps my sinuses/ears to stay clear. Sometimes my allergies are REALLY bad and I'm either going to be sniffing and snorting or chewing gum. Gum seems less annoying. Cough drops help too, but you aren't supposed to eat too many. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djsmom Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 My husband chews gum at church. He's the drummer on our worship team and it helps him keep the beat.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lara in Colo Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 My dh has the worst Sinus drip breath EVER. I always have gum in my Bible for him, otherwise he could offend people several seats away just by breathing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaceful Isle Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I chew gum..and I'm the pastor's wife! I just figure that the people I council with would rather have my breath smell like mint than coffee. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I chew gum quite a bit because I have this horrible, horrible, horrible habit of nibbling the inside of my mouth. I *HATE* that I do it, but I do it subconsciously. I chew gum or eat sunflower seeds while I watch tv. It would be rude to eat sunflower seeds in church imo so I opt for gum. Wait. I don't go to church anymore.:tongue_smilie: Smacking or blowing bubbles would be VERY rude, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 My husband chews gum at church. He's the drummer on our worship team and it helps him keep the beat.:D Love this!! :) :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Bad breath. I have horrible sinus drainage that causes bad breath. I would much rather someone chew gum, than to have to sit next to someone who singing or passing the peace w/ horrible breath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ibbygirl Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Sorry to go off topic, but what is "passing the peace"? I've never heard of that before. Now back to your regularly scheduled thread. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Why do people chew gum while at church? I understand you may not be receiving communion, but c'mon. It is so rude & disrespectful; not to mention distracting for the people who are sitting around you. Rant over. Really? :001_huh: I'm baffled that this is on your radar. I've chewed gum in church before to cover up coffee breath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Sorry to go off topic, but what is "passing the peace"? I've never heard of that before. Now back to your regularly scheduled thread. :D :bigear: Yeah. :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth in MN Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I chew gum because I have a wicked case of morning breath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmoira Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Really? :001_huh: I'm baffled that this is on your radar. I've chewed gum in church before to cover up coffee breath. I assumed there was some noise because it was "distracting." Most people manage to chew quietly, and you wouldn't know they were chewing gum unless you happened to be looking at them. Audrey, your FIL totally gets a pass. Good for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama2Many4 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 :bigear: Yeah. :bigear: I've never heard it called passing the peace, but we exchange a "sign" of peace before receiving communion. We shake each others hands and say "peace be with you," or give the peace sign to those too far to reach. It's quite nice actually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I chew gum..and I'm the pastor's wife!I just figure that the people I council with would rather have my breath smell like mint than coffee. :D I've chewed gum in church before to cover up coffee breath. :iagree: I enjoy my coffee on the way to church and then chew some gum on the way in to cover up coffee breath. I remember seeing the pastor's wife chewing gum in church and figured if she did it then it was ok. KWIM? I have been to churches where it would clearly not have been ok to chew gum. I think chewing gum helps my dc listen to the sermon better. So we all chew gum in church--except dh--but we do so quietly. Funny thing is I don't really like chewing gum at all otherwise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pqr Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 (edited) Ok......i guess I will have to agree to disagree with the majority & move on :001_smile:I am used to being the odd one out so it is all good! I am with you on this one. The way some people chew gum always reminds me of cows chewing their cud. With the exceptions given earlier (health reasons etc) I do not think church is a place to chew gum. Edited June 4, 2012 by pqr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I've been known to have a mint or hard candy in my mouth at church, especially during the sermon. Honestly? It helps keep me awake. I'm one of those folks whose brain needs more than one thing to do at a time in order to pay attention to anything. I also have a blood pressure quirk that means I tend to fall asleep any time I hold still for any length of time. The combination of those two things means that sitting quietly in church with nothing to do but listen is pretty miserable for me. I either zone out or nod off (or both). Sucking on a candy, doodling on my order of service and similar things make me a better, calmer, more attentive church goer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I've been known to have a mint or hard candy in my mouth at church, especially during the sermon. Honestly? It helps keep me awake. I'm one of those folks whose brain needs more than one thing to do at a time in order to pay attention to anything. I also have a blood pressure quirk that means I tend to fall asleep any time I hold still for any length of time. The combination of those two things means that sitting quietly in church with nothing to do but listen is pretty miserable for me. I either zone out or nod off (or both). Sucking on a candy, doodling on my order of service and similar things make me a better, calmer, more attentive church goer. I'm with you on this one. If I do not do something with my hands, I will bite my nails and/or fall asleep. Some of it is a genuine compulsion (dermatillomania) and some of it is exhaustion-related (anemia). Either way, the only way I will be able to pay attention to the sermon is if I occupy my hands in some way, so I crochet during the sermon (not during worship or prayer). There are those that have an issue with it, but this simple activity saved my church experience and kept me going when I was tempted to quit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Well, I hate gum chewing anywhere, but I thought it had been established eons ago that nice people can and do chew gum in public. Seriously, if you have room in your mind and spirit to get bothered by this very small thing you are living a charmed or blessed life. Give thanks. :iagree: My understanding was that a small piece, chewed discretely, was acceptable. In my case, I deal with dry mouth and it puts my breath at greater risk of offending even after brushing and using mouthwash. A piece of gum occasionally (and not chewed with my mouth open) can prevent greater offense. It's also discretely gotten rid of before communion. I was taught that rudeness is when one is blowing bubbles from it in church (usually a kid or teen). My grandmother kept mints, but it's difficult to find mints without fake sugar in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Well, I hate gum chewing anywhere, but I thought it had been established eons ago that nice people can and do chew gum in public. Seriously, if you have room in your mind and spirit to get bothered by this very small thing you are living a charmed or blessed life. Give thanks. Gotta agree with TB here. Such a little thing to be upset about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Well, don't sit next to us. My grandmother kept Chicklets in her purse to keep me quiet at church. I keep gum and Altoids in my purse mostly for church. Why? Just always have. We don't chew like cows. :glare: I can't fathom why anyone would even care :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Sorry to go off topic, but what is "passing the peace"? I've never heard of that before. Now back to your regularly scheduled thread. :D "passing the piece"? When g'ma slips you a mint or gum ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BMW Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I chew gum in church and lots of places because I enjoy that last sip of coffee many times and want my breath to be fresh when I greet others or give a hug, etc. Yes, there are breath fresh mints, but I find a good mint gum is longer lasting and I don't enjoy strong mints... When someone laughs next to me and I can detect the spices they used in their last meal, I wish they'd chew a piece of gum... lol... (and that does happen...). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Wow, I must go to a totally different sort of church than some. Gum = totally acceptable. Many of us even drink our a.m. coffee during the sermon. We read our Bibles --gasp-- from our iPhones. And we wear jeans. :coolgleamA: Not a big deal. I doubt Jesus cares as long as we're there to worship and glorify Him. (*However, I can see how gum smacking is annoying and a bad habit, regardless of location. I don't let my young ones chew gum in church because they lack self-control and discretion.*) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Lulu* Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Wow, I must go to a totally different sort of church than some. Gum = totally acceptable. Many of us even drink our a.m. coffee during the sermon. We read our Bibles --gasp-- from our iPhones. And we wear jeans. :coolgleamA: Not a big deal. I doubt Jesus cares as long as we're there to worship and glorify Him. (*However, I can see how gum smacking is annoying and a bad habit, regardless of location. I don't let my young ones chew gum in church because they lack self-control and discretion.*) :iagree: I chew gum between sets to help keep my mouth from drying out. (And because no one wants to smell whatever the band had for breakfast when we pass the peace and meet and greet after services. :D ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnificent_baby Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Really? I chew gum in church all the time. Take it out for communion, then put it right back in. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Why do people chew gum while at church? I understand you may not be receiving communion, but c'mon. It is so rude & disrespectful; not to mention distracting for the people who are sitting around you. Rant over. Yes, gum chewers and pen clickers are extremely annoying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 alisoncooks: Wow, I must go to a totally different sort of church than some. Gum = totally acceptable. Many of us even drink our a.m. coffee during the sermon. We read our Bibles --gasp-- from our iPhones. And we wear jeans. :coolgleamA: Most people wear jeans and read Bibles on the iphones. But I gotta tell ya, I've been in these churches where people eat and drink and even talk through the service. There IS a point where overly casual just goes too far. I had enough at a Vineyard once when a teen took out his bag from McDonald's and proceeded to pull out his Big Mac and fries and chomp through the service, smelling up the building. That was just beyond rude and inappropriate in a church setting. Honestly, I'm not cool with coffee drinking either. It's not a casual social gathering to me. I realize that most people don't care but it just doesn't feel right to me. I drink my coffee before I come. Not a big deal. I doubt Jesus cares as long as we're there to worship and glorify Him. Just personal opinion and I realize that I'm probably a couple decades older than some people here, but there is a point at which being casual just ventures into irreverence, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Probably for the same reason why they wear perfume! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) NO! The perfume wearers want to kill the asthmatics. The gum chewers just want to annoy! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TranquilMind Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I've never heard it called passing the peace, but we exchange a "sign" of peace before receiving communion. We shake each others hands and say "peace be with you," or give the peace sign to those too far to reach. It's quite nice actually. Yeah, a Catholic thing....also known as passing the germs in the winter!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnitWit Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I buy gum FOR church. The kids KNOW to leave the *church gum* alone during the week! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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