"Oh my gosh" and other sayings...

[ReginaPhlange]

Just thought I'd share my thoughts and wondered what the rest of you think....

As a Christian, I do not blaspheme. However, I do not also say "Oh my goodness/gosh", etc as I see it as one step away from saying (please excuse me, using this as an example only) "Oh my God".

It's like you won't say "God" as that is blasphemy, so instead I'll change the word to "goodness".

Do you understand what I'm getting at?

What do you think?

 

[Qyöt27]

IMO, that logic only works if you don't view the phrases as completely separate formations and insist they still have the same meaning and intent. Being used in a similar situation (typically surprise or other exclamation) doesn't mean it's an automatic equivalency. Also, my view on blasphemy or swearing is now simply an extension on swearing improper oaths or being religiously libelous. So while I personally don't use the phrase 'oh my God' because of my upbringing, neither am I offended if someone else uses it, nor do I view the substitution of words like 'goodness' or 'word' to be the same as the original phrase.

For me, it usually falls into two categories: either I don't say the bowdlerized versions because I think they sound put on, if not stupid (like 'dang'), or I have no problem saying any number of them because I view them as separate enough that I had all intent to say the word/phrase I said, rather than a more extreme or possibly offensive one. But I also don't have a problem with using actual profanity if the situation calls for it and the audience isn't going to be offended.

 

[Whisper84]

^^ Good answer.

I don't say "Oh my God" because I... just don't. I never got in the habit. Some of my friends say it all the time & it doesn't bother me though. I know a few people who use "Jesus Christ" in a way that makes me kind of uncomfortable, but I honestly don't know if that's because it's wrong or because of my upbringing.

I don't let my kids say "Oh my God" or "Jesus Christ" in the same way I don't let them use four letter words. They're too little to understand when it's okay to use "sentence enhancers" and when it's not.

They hear profanity from time to time, and I love how nonchalant they are about it. Some of my friends' kids act all shocked and horrified, but mine just nod and maybe whisper to me "I don't say that word Mom."

 

[tobethebest]

Something sort of humorous....I find pictures on-line of the Amish people and I want to order books that would teach me more about their way of life, but I stop there and leave the ordering for later. Anyway, I fell onto a group of pictures of Amish children throwing the finger at picture takers; the kids are all ages too, from six on up. A group of the older teenagers all but one, were quick to throw the finger up at whoever it was who took their picture. You can find them on this website: Amishphoto.com - the online gallery of photography by Bill Coleman My initial response was to laugh, later I wondered how the elders of their faith might react from hearing of such things........Personally, I'm no angel when it comes to driving home from work. Slow drivers annoy me, especially when there is no room for passing. "Oh God" should be comforting for me, if anything.

 

[Aratinga]

If I recall correctly, it's considered extremely offensive and invasive to photograph an Amish person. That might have something to do with the vehemence of their reaction to being photographed.

 

[tobethebest]

It's all a matter of tradition. Personally, if the Amish want to draw a picture of me, they can. Maybe in the process, I could get some of those biscuits they make so well. Their pies are delicious. Don't buy their heaters though. The craftsmanship is good but the unit won't heat a bathroom. My brother and I each bought one and found they were more for show and had no ability to heat. They refunded the money, no questions asked.

 

[geneseib]

Just thought I'd share my thoughts and wondered what the rest of you think....

As a Christian, I do not blaspheme. However, I do not also say "Oh my goodness/gosh", etc as I see it as one step away from saying (please excuse me, using this as an example only) "Oh my God".

It's like you won't say "God" as that is blasphemy, so instead I'll change the word to "goodness".

Do you understand what I'm getting at?

What do you think?

1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Why is everything always about, "What can I get away with"?