Is OMG or Oh My God considered swearing (or cursing)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When I say—oh my god—I’m referring to Zeus, so none of you Baptist fundies need to get upset.

I think that’s why “oh my god” does not upset me, but Jesus Christ does. I feel like if I started shouting Shiva or Allah, people wouldn’t take it well.

[Anonymous]

There’s a lot of ridiculous crap I make my kid do (or not do) just because I’m socially anxious and timid. For example, I always called my parents’ friends by their first names. However, I was one of the last of my friend group to have kids, and was a little surprised when their kids were prompted to call me “Miss Jane”. So I kind of went along with that for my DD. I completely disagree with banning the word “hate” unless it’s directed at a person. Stuff like that I think is dumb but I want people to like and include my kid.

[Anonymous]

What about Sweet Jesus?

[Anonymous]

Not in our house, but we aren't religious.

We try to encourage using gosh instead of god when around others but if they don't, eh no biggie.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I teach my children not to take the Lord's name in vain. It is wrong to say God's name when not in prayer, or irreverently.

But several priests have told me that having a potty mouth, while vulgar, is not sinful. In order for cursing to rise to the level of a sin, it must be meant as a curse.

Friends who lived in Europe have told me that priests from some countries swear terribly, but not sinfully

Context matters, too.

Here is a true story. Once I was finishing confession. It was a face-to-face confession in the Sacristy. As Father finished his final blessing I saw a mouse scurry along the wall behind Father. I was startled and said "Oh my G*d, there's a mouse." Father made me start my confession again and gave me an additional penance.

[Anonymous]

Hell no.

[Anonymous]

The responses that assume no one uses other deities’ names profanely are funny. I do. I’m an atheist and I love expressive language. Sometimes nothing but blasphemy will do. I say OMG and Jesus Christ, of course. I also say Sweet Buddha and by the many arms of Vishnu (a la Apu from the Simpsons-no clue if it’s a real saying). They’re not all negative sayings. For instance, I might say, “Sweet Buddha, this pie is so good!” We also make a lot of Zeus references in our home. “By Zeus, your room better be clean when I get home.” “By the many arms of Vishnu, I swear it is, Mom!” Once in a while we throw in an Aphrodite reference, just to mix it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The responses that assume no one uses other deities’ names profanely are funny. I do. I’m an atheist and I love expressive language. Sometimes nothing but blasphemy will do. I say OMG and Jesus Christ, of course. I also say Sweet Buddha and by the many arms of Vishnu (a la Apu from the Simpsons-no clue if it’s a real saying). They’re not all negative sayings. For instance, I might say, “Sweet Buddha, this pie is so good!” We also make a lot of Zeus references in our home. “By Zeus, your room better be clean when I get home.” “By the many arms of Vishnu, I swear it is, Mom!” Once in a while we throw in an Aphrodite reference, just to mix it up.

Maybe it’s common among atheists, but it’s using the names of non-Christian deities isn’t common if you are Christian. And I know lists of Muslims and Hindus from India. Neither group has used the deities of the other as a swear or exclamation around me, despite lots of cussing generally.

[Anonymous]

Yes. It’s rude. -agnostic

[Anonymous]

It's calling the Lord's name (or a representation of it) in vain, which is the definition of swearing, and of what not to do.

Please don't do it.

[Anonymous]

I dunno but, ive said it over 100 times at school and nobody said anything about it.
If it is a sin/sware word why isn't it censored?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Extreme liberal here, and for some strange reason, I always ask my kids to say 'oh my goodness or gracious or whatever'. I cannot say why but a child saying 'oh my God' seems,well, irreverant to me. I'm a coasting Jew (proud of my heritage but willing to violate shellfish laws in the selfish search for the ultimate eating experience) but we don't even print the word God. It is always printed G-d. Maybe that's my dysfunction. It also seems disrespectful to all other religions that have a diety. Kind of like buying a cake that says 9/11 on it. It cheapens something. What it cheapens I'm still not sure of.

I am a Jew too and I am not even the slightest bit religious anymore. I married a catholic and our kids are being raised without any religion. To this day, I still cannot write the word G-d in its full form and have mild guilt over not fasting or going to temple for the high holidays. My DH went to catholic school in South America and now considers himself an atheist. He still has a hard time with masturbation because of what was drilled into his head when he was young. So if anyone wonders how brainwashing works.....

[Anonymous]

Consider the intent. So yes, it's swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain. Even if you don't know the true name of Yahweh. I wouldn't be offended, though. That's between you and your religion. It's not my place to judge your devotion.

[Anonymous]

Probably to some people

[Anonymous]

To me, yes. It’s a commandment not to take the Lord’s name in vain. So, it should be offensive to any Christian.