When atheists raise the name Jesus instead of cursing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about when Catholics do it? Is it ok then?

No. I mean there’s a general cultural rule that it’s more ok to say something offensive about your own background than about someone else’s, but there are better ways to behave period.

Do you think people who say it are trying to “say something” about religion?

I think people’s modes of speech reflect their principles and priorities generally speaking, yes. I mean I know it’s a verbal tick which is why I let it slide as long as it’s not something people do all the time. Nobody is perfect including especially me. But I would say the people who do it more are, on average, more likely to be contemptuous of people of faith than people who do it less. I would expect the principles that cause the person to justify the behavior to themselves would show up in other ways. But we are talking generalities here.

Kind of you to "let it slide" /S One wonders what other affronts to your precious religion you let slide. /S

A fair amount. There are a lot of maladjusted jerks in the world, especially on anonymous Internet forums.

[Anonymous]

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, folks! It's fine!

[Anonymous]

I find it amusing

[Anonymous]

I had a college friend "Diane" who was constantly "Goddammit"-- I think she was half Jewish. It was always so amusing because of the way she said it and the silly things she was upset over, like not being able to light her cigarette during that half year she kinda pretended to smoke.

Every now and then it slips out and is nothing religious at all. It's pure Diane speaking!

[Anonymous]

I am a Christian and it's a habit I've picked up from the culture (one that I try to suppress, obviously), so I don't assume it reflects much more than that on the part of anyone.

Either way, I know atheists (often) think my religion is silly. That's fine; 1/3 of the world is Christian, which means most people think my religion is silly or wrong (including a lot of the Christians!). I'm not offended or insulted by that.

[Anonymous]

How do you know the people taking the Lord's name in vain are atheists?

[Anonymous]

You might be reading something into it that’s not there. I am atheist and say Jesus occasionally mostly because my (extremely catholic) father always did growing up and I picked it up.

[Anonymous]

Op here, the atheist i am referring to often mocks belief in God besides saying Jesus every 20 mins.

[Anonymous]

Language and vernacular! How do they work?

Jumpin' Shiva on a pogo stick this is a dumb issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, the atheist i am referring to often mocks belief in God besides saying Jesus every 20 mins.

Maybe Jesus is trying to get their attention. Who knows? I simply don’t think this is an issue worth getting worked up about. And I’m a minister. I don’t say it, but only because I was raised in a home where it wasn’t ok. When I hear others say it, I just assume it’s a figure of speech. I don’t think they are invoking the avatar Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here, the atheist i am referring to often mocks belief in God besides saying Jesus every 20 mins.

Are you referring to an individual you know?

[Anonymous]

Now this is funny. Doesn't the word "cursing" refer to "curse", as in bring down the anger of some divine being? Doesn't the word "swear" invoke making oaths to a divine? So what should atheists do when they hit their thumb with a hammer?

[Anonymous]

Oh, and can we say "good bye"

*late 16th century: contraction of God be with you!, with good substituted on the pattern of phrases such as good morning .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Now this is funny. Doesn't the word "cursing" refer to "curse", as in bring down the anger of some divine being? Doesn't the word "swear" invoke making oaths to a divine? So what should atheists do when they hit their thumb with a hammer?

Oh, Universe! Oh Science! Ouch!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about when Catholics do it? Is it ok then?

No. I mean there’s a general cultural rule that it’s more ok to say something offensive about your own background than about someone else’s, but there are better ways to behave period.

Do you think people who say it are trying to “say something” about religion?

I think people’s modes of speech reflect their principles and priorities generally speaking, yes. I mean I know it’s a verbal tick which is why I let it slide as long as it’s not something people do all the time. Nobody is perfect including especially me. But I would say the people who do it more are, on average, more likely to be contemptuous of people of faith than people who do it less. I would expect the principles that cause the person to justify the behavior to themselves would show up in other ways. But we are talking generalities here.

I'd say they are just cursing and not thinking about faith at all. Did you ever say "holy cow" knowing that you were dissing buddhists?

I've heard Catholics saying "Jesus, Mary Joseph!" are they cursing?

Only Irish catholics say that. Italian catholics say "Madonn!"