Is it wrong to say, "Oh my God!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

[Anonymous]

We are Catholic and do not take the Lord's name in vain; thus, we do not say, "Oh my God." We say, "Oh my gosh," or, "Oh my goodness." It does really jump out at me, then, if I hear a child say it.

I do remember my DD coming home from K (Catholic school) last year and saying her teacher was working on it with the few non-Catholic kids to stop saying it, b/c it wasn't allowed in school either. Though I do know one of them still does say it b/c she's on my DD's soccer team, and I have heard it come out of her mouth!

[Anonymous]

Contrary to popular belief among the fundamentalists, there is nothing wrong with saying "Oh my God". They don't know which God you are referring to, the one on the money, the one in the pledge of allegiance or Morgan Freeman. Showing respect for an imaginary being is pretty silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

Sure, explain it that way if that's what makes sense to you and your family. But the point is, many people do find it offensive, whether you do or not. Why not just teach your child not to say something many others find offensive, especially since it is meaningless phrase to you in terms of your own religious belief?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

Sure, explain it that way if that's what makes sense to you and your family. But the point is, many people do find it offensive, whether you do or not. Why not just teach your child not to say something many others find offensive, especially since it is meaningless phrase to you in terms of your own religious belief?

That sounds like a truly great idea. Let's censor ourselves and our children over imaginary gods because someone might take offense. My grandmother's neighbors took terrible offense when she marched with her housekeeper in 1968. Most of her neighbors believed in segregation then. So because most people believe in an imaginary deity, you have to pretend that saying that name is meaningful enough to avoid using it?

[Anonymous]

Religions that include the Ten Commandments in their heritage usually see this expression as falling into the category of taking the name of the Lord in vain. Those who believe in no religion or one that doesn't use the Ten Commandments don't seem to care.

It's a free country, so people can say what they want, but if I'm aware that someone may be offended by an expression that I'm okay with, I tend to avoid using it just in the interest of treating others with respect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

Sure, explain it that way if that's what makes sense to you and your family. But the point is, many people do find it offensive, whether you do or not. Why not just teach your child not to say something many others find offensive, especially since it is meaningless phrase to you in terms of your own religious belief?

That sounds like a truly great idea. Let's censor ourselves and our children over imaginary gods because someone might take offense. My grandmother's neighbors took terrible offense when she marched with her housekeeper in 1968. Most of her neighbors believed in segregation then. So because most people believe in an imaginary deity, you have to pretend that saying that name is meaningful enough to avoid using it?

Where to begin. This is such a stupid post on so many levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

Sure, explain it that way if that's what makes sense to you and your family. But the point is, many people do find it offensive, whether you do or not. Why not just teach your child not to say something many others find offensive, especially since it is meaningless phrase to you in terms of your own religious belief?

That sounds like a truly great idea. Let's censor ourselves and our children over imaginary gods because someone might take offense. My grandmother's neighbors took terrible offense when she marched with her housekeeper in 1968. Most of her neighbors believed in segregation then. So because most people believe in an imaginary deity, you have to pretend that saying that name is meaningful enough to avoid using it?

Where to begin. This is such a stupid post on so many levels.

It truly is. Just ignore it.

[Anonymous]

Vulcans do not say the lord's name in vain because their eyebrows are super agile.

[Anonymous]

Do those who feel it's wrong to use the phrase in question because some feel it is using the name in vain write G-d because some feel that spelling it out is taking the name in vain?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do those who feel it's wrong to use the phrase in question because some feel it is using the name in vain write G-d because some feel that spelling it out is taking the name in vain?

When I have worked in a situation where most of my coworkers believed in writing G-d, I have written it that way also to be respectful. My own religion sees the writing of the name differently, so in that context, I would write it out.

[Anonymous]

Like all profanities and expressions, you need to gauge your audience. "Oh my gosh" and the other God-avoiding phrases ("golly," "dangit" and "cheese and crackers" just sound stupid to me, but to each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it'd be wrong to say it in a temple or a church, or in front of a rabbi or priest. But just out in public, or public school? No.

Here's what those two little girls need to understand: If something is against their religion, then it's for THEM to do or not do. They don't get to try to force ANYONE ELSE to conform to THEIR religion. Best they learn this now.

Yes, it isn't up to them to decide what is right or wrong for anyone else.

OP here. So do I let this go or do I say something to my son's school or give him advice on how to handle it better next time? I'm just really annoyed that this girl is trying to censor him because of her personal belief.

OP, don't make a big deal about this to the school.

Your son said something. Two other students responded negatively to it and explained their reasons. This is not a "problem." This is people with different backgrounds and opinions interacting and engaging with each other in a healthy manner. ENCOURAGE THIS. Do not discourage it and go tattling on people to the school. Explain to your son why some people believe that saying "Oh my God" is rude or disrespectful. If you think it's okay to continue using the expression, then explain to him that these girls are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but you feel it's okay for him to use the expression if he still wants to as long as he doesn't mean to be rude. Remind him that the girls may be hurt/offended and may say something to him again. Coach him for an appropriate response. Or just give him some suggestions for other expressions he can use as alternatives.


I am not Christian and do no use this expression, out of respect.

Be sure to explain to your son why he is not invited back to play dates.

Yeah -- that some people are so touchy about a commonly used expression, that they will shun an child who uses it.

Sure, explain it that way if that's what makes sense to you and your family. But the point is, many people do find it offensive, whether you do or not. Why not just teach your child not to say something many others find offensive, especially since it is meaningless phrase to you in terms of your own religious belief?

NP -- first of all, in my experience, only a small minority of people find "Oh my God" offensive. Secondly, it's a commonly used phrase. Third, because there are too many religions out there that might take offense to keep all the rules straight. This is a secular, pluralistic society. People with religious beliefs will have to grow a thicker skin.