Listen to a conversation between me and an atheist that goes something like this:
Him: Why is it that so many of you who call yourselves Christians, Christ followers, believers, evangelicals, etc. often use God’s name or Jesus’s name as expressions of horror, fear, shock, or even praise or excitement?
Me: Can you give me some examples?
Him: What about the frequent use of the letters OMG to express any of the previously named emotions? In your Christian world, wouldn’t that be considered blasphemy? Also, there are others who just come right out and say “Oh, my God“ as an expression of amazement over a tender, juicy steak or delicious dessert. I hear this exclamation all the time in restaurants, business meetings, grocery stores, and even guests in my own home. Maybe I’m more agnostic than atheist because I find myself feeling somewhat disappointed that those who say they love this God they worship on Sunday mornings is just an expression the rest of the week. I guess if they said OMG or oh, my God or even Jesus in a reverent and worshipful manner, I wouldn’t be so surprised. Sometimes I just want to say to them, if you really believe this man is your s\Savior and that I should have what you call “personal relationship” with Him, please give me something substantial to follow rather than just an expression. And in these difficult times we are living in, especially since our country is so divided, I am seriously looking beyond politicians to bring me the peace that I so desperately crave.
Me: I hear you, but I don’t have an answer for what’s on the hearts and minds of those people you are referencing. This is something I want to ask those who I believe are fellow believers in Jesus and God and get some input from them.
So, dear readers, this is a little different topic of discussion, right? Help me out here. I suspect that some of you are believers, and some of you are not. Only you and God knows your heart. Please help me out here! What should I say to this man? I do know that God‘s word tells us that “He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9.
I’m sorry I don’t have ananswer for you either.
I don’t use OMG, and I would say “oh my gosh” if I was thinking OMG.
I actually don’t like it when people say “oh my god”, in casual conversation, when it’s clear they are not referring to my God.
It makes me cringe when people say it in that way.
So I probably haven’t helped much Auntie Char.
We love and miss you!
I grew up hearing my devout Christian family saying, “Oh my gosh!” They would also say, “darn” or “dang it” as an exclamation or reaction. I never once considered it taking the Lord’s name in vain. However, if I know that those expressions bother someone else, I would certainly do my best to not use them. I feel it is what is in the heart of the person using those expressions that put the meaning in the words. I am open to try and remove those phrases from my vocabulary knowing that others apply a different meaning than what is intended.
I really don’t use “oh my God !”, and I correct my grandchildren when I hear them say it. However, I am guilty of saying “oh my goodness or gosh, which are basically, Synonyms. In my head and heart, I’m not using the Lords name in vain when I don’t say His name.
I cringe when I hear anyone use Jesus or Christ as a curse word or exclamation! In that case , one is definitely using our Lord’s name in vain.
So, if a Christian uses God’s name in vain and in their heart they know it’s a sin, then it definitely is a sin for that person.
Just my opinion. Take it or leave it.
My parents were adamant that expressions like this were not allowed. Taking the Lord’s name in vain (emptiness, vanity, or falsehood) has been interpreted many ways. In this area, I err on the side of caution. What I think is most important is how we are perceived by others. Followers of Christ should be careful not to bring or cause harm. Knowing that expressions like these bring doubt and confusion are enough for me to refrain from using them. That point of view can also be used as a weapon of guilt so moderation is key.
I left a two paragraph message of my thoughts yesterday and they never appeared! Too old and tired to redo!!I suppose I did something wrong!
This happened to one other person who sent me an email instead. I don’t know what went wrong. We use WordPress for this blog and most of the time it works just fine. I’m sorry that this was probably very frustrating for you.
I never use His name in vain. My grandkids know better also. So many people use Jesus Christ as exclamations, swear words. When I hear it I ask if they were praying. His name is so precious to me.
Love it that you ask people who take Jesus name in vain if they were praying! Last week I walked out of the community center as a couple was walking in. When the man saw the sign stating he couldn’t leave his ballot there for the early voting, he yelled out Jesus name, clearly not as a prayer. I wanted to ask him if he thought the day might come when he would seriously need to call on Jesus. For quite a number of reasons, my personal safety being one of them, I refrain from saying anything. Felt sorry for his wife who looked embarrassed!
King James Bible
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Do you really think that OMG is what GOD had in mind? We are all struggling with our faith and with what is happening in our country. I ask GOD to guide me in his wisdom and he has made it clear that I answer to him and only him. It is only GOD who can question my actions. Tell your friend to ask GOD if OMG offends him and let us know what GOD has to say. When he gets to heaven I am sure that is not what GOD would have on his mind to discuss with him.
This is generating more comments (and personal emails) than I thought would happen! To answer your question, I do think God would consider the expression OMG as blasphemy. Others agree with me (including atheists or agnostics) but there are a few Christians who disagree. I guess my desire would be to encourage all of us to refrain from using any expressions that offend others (or more importantly, God or Jesus). I stand guilty of some of the expressions some mentioned in their comments. The intent of this blog was not to cast aspersions but to generate discussion and make us think. I have a plaque that says “I can’t believe I said that out loud!” It’s funny but also convicting since often find myself saying words I wish I could take back, like hitting the “delete” key on my computer!
My dear believing Grandmother always said “oh my goodness” in her sweet, slightly Finnish accented way. I am certain in her mind she was not swearing or meaning to use the Lord’s name in vain. In our abbreviations crazy world (due to texting, emails, etc. because heaven forbid we take the time to fully write something out) we end up with abbreviations with multiple meanings. Or for us old-timers abbreviations I have no idea the meaning of. if I use OMG it is my grandmothers expression. But I see know how someone, who does not know me or my heart, could make an ASSUMPTION that I was using it in the “bad” way. Many non-Christians actively look for ways to criticize Christians – to point out our faults. That should lead to a discussion about His grace.