Can a christian say Oh My God

Is it okay for a chirstian to say Oh my God, Oh my goodness, Oh my gosh, oh may Word, Discuss

What do the Ten Commandments say?

"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain."

but what about Oh my goodness

A friend of mine says, "Oh my badness" all the time. No one has any goodness in them.

Boy, if we can get OCTSRIS on here, this might turn into quite a debate… :)

I, personally, am not against such phrases as "Oh my gosh" or "Oh my goodness." (Though, as Anna pointed out, there is no such thing as human goodness anyway!) But as for the first phrase suggested (I'm not even going to type it), I agree with Rachel that it is taking God's name in vain.

What does OCTSRIS say?

I'm not going to type any of them, as my parents have taught us that all of those sayings are bad…which is why we are NOT allowed to say any of them in our house.

Personally, I don't see the point of ever saying any of them.

I think there is a difference between, "CAN a Christian use those terms?" and, "SHOULD a Christian use those terms?" A couple of those who posted above already responded to the question by actually using the terms. Because, as far as I can tell, those who have used the terms already in this thread are Christians, it follows that it is completely possible to be a Christian and use those phrases. :)

However, I think the real question is, should we use those phrases? I would say that, in most circumstances, the answer is no. If used as an exclamatory statement for a purpose wholly unrelated to God Himself, I think those phrases are taking the Lord's name in vain. When using those phrases in the context of a casual exclamation, the heart of the utterer isn't on the Lord, but rather on unrelated topics. Those who use them merely throw them out as a way to blow off excitement or steam. I personally think that "Oh my goodness" is an acceptable utterance, but I have to ask, why are we saying such phrases in the first place? If as a way to vent off steam, we should question whether useless exclamations are needed. I believe that the Bible says we are to act patiently and correctly, not using needless phrases and expressions. Therefore, I don't really see that using such phrases is needed or even desirable.

I would like to say, though, that there are certain circumstances in which using the terms above can definitely be acceptable. One such example is in prayer. When we pour our hearts out to the Lord, we can use such terms of adoration as "my God," "O/Oh my Lord" and others. When used reverently, these phrases can be worshipful. By using those phrases to praise and worship God, we refrain from taking the name of the Lord in vain and instead use them to bring Him glory.

These are just my thoughts. I would like to know what you all think. :D

I don't personally see a problem with the two phrases I mentioned, because they are not using God's name at all, nor am I using them as a replacement for it–instead, I personally use them only in exclamations of surprise. And even then, I don't use them very often anyway. Obviously, like Jimmy Waters pointed out, all of these can be used wrongly, such as if they are uttered to express anger or merely to "vent off steam." And again, I vehemently oppose the using of God's name in any exclamation except in that of praise to Him. I don't see how any Christian could do such with a good conscience.

I agree with Jimmy that there is a place to say the first phrase reverently; also substituting any of the names of God. But in that case, we have to use extreme caution - Exodus 20:7 says,"…for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."

ps. 144:2 says in the king james version. my Goodness and my Fortress
my God and he in whom I trust…
So i think that seems to clearly be a name for God and also in John one
Jesus is described as the Word.

The problem is, though, that those phrases are not usually said in a reverent manner, but in an exclamation about something - generally totally unrelated to the things of God. Maybe we can conclude that these phrases are fine within the context of speaking reverently to God or of Him, but not how they are normally used.

I agree, but is it a "sin" to do so? and should we tell people that we hear saying those phrases?

By the way - the commandment says "Thou shalt not take the NAME of the LORD thy God in vain." (Emphasis on 'name' added.) The English word 'God' is NOT our LORD's name. The four consonants of the tetragrammaton comprise the LORD's covenantal name. I really don't think saying 'Oh my God' is breaking the third commandment. Still, using the word 'God' (which describes a very holy subject) flippantly is probably wrong.
Jewish (or at least Pharisaical) tradition (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 3, Chapter 5, Section 4) held that the third commandment prohibited calling God's name to account falsely. Such oaths were rebellious, because they essentially asked God to punish the one who took the oath if he didn't do what he swore to do. Then, a lack of faith in God was displayed when the one who swore did not perform his oath, disregarding his stated, but not heartfelt wishes that God would punish him.
Yeah, okay, I know. The pharisees were hypocrites. Why then should we trust their tradition? Remember: the pharisees were fond of ADDING to the commandments, not taking from them. Still, they may or may not have been right.

Even I sometimes say 'Oh my God.' But I MEAN IT! There is nothing with crying out to God in this way - if you mean it. These words should be used as a prayer. So yes, a Christian can, (and arguably should) say 'Oh my God.' (As Jimmy Waters said.) But they should mean it! In my mind, flippant use of the phrase is out of the question.

@biblebeefanatic - is it a sin to do what? I think if you hear people taking God's name in vain, and you have the opportunity to talk to them about it, definitely, do so.

@InSoloChristo - You are saying that when you say, "Oh, my God", it is not just an exclamation about something exciting or whatever, right? You are saying that you always would say it reverently, and in the contexts where it would be honoring to him, correct? If so, I agree.

Yes, that's what I meant.

I agree with savedbygrace. but i would also like to say my theory for the whole is it ok to replace 'oh my God' with 'oh my gosh' and 'oh my goodness' thing is that if u are not saying those 2 staments to 'replace' it then u r still 'replacing' it with silence!

Is it okay for a chirstian to say Oh my God, Oh my goodness, Oh my gosh, oh may Word, Discuss

I try my best not to… I am interested in doing things in a way that is pleasing to Christ and as it's questionable as to whether or not we can do that, I would rather just stay away from it!

In Brazil, we have the same problem with equivalent phrases. Here, people usually say: Meu Deus do céu (My God in heaven), and other expressions. Our culture was strongly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, and so our language. People say things, like: Minha nossa (referring to the Virgin Mary) all the time, including evangelical Christian. As a Presbyterian I quote the Larger Catechism of Westminster question on the third commandment:
Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.

Saying god's name in vain is just like the slang. Oh, my goodness is fince since God's name is not in it.

Question: If it's wrong to say, "Oh my God" is it also wrong to say, "Oh dear God?" I hear that one in Christian radio dramas a lot. It's like, since the audience is trained to be offended by "oh my God," they won't really notice that saying "oh dear God" is basically the exact same thing. When one isn't talking to God directly, how is the one not just as bad as the other?

Also… what about, "Oh my Lord" or "Good Lord" or "Lordy" Is there any difference there? A lot of Christians (especially in the black community) seem to be okay with those, even if their not okay with OMG.

I agree with what Jordan said in his comment - "I am interested in doing things in a way that is pleasing to Christ and as it's questionable as to whether or not we can do that, I would rather just stay away from it!" Thus, I would not be comfortable saying or hearing anyone saying the above phrases, Christian. They seem to be pretty much the same as the previous phrases mentioned when this post started, therefore I wouldn't want them said.

"Psalms 144:2 (KJV)
My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me."
also Jesus Said "there is none good but God"
So Technically I'm not good, so who really is my "Goodness"?
God.
Also alot of people say God is not God's name it's LORD, But usually we refer to God as God, we use the name God and call God, God. Still with me? So if we Call God, God we are using it as a name of God.
also God calls himself "God" "I am the Lord thy GOD"

Yes it is absolutely fine to use these phrases when you mean them but, is it okay to use them when you don't mean them?
I'd Say no.

If you're praying to God, then it's fine, but if you're using them to express disgust, that's wrong.

Search Way of the Master/Living Waters - I think they have an answer.

If you're praying to God, then it's fine, but if you're using them to express disgust, that's wrong.blockquote> I totally agree.

Agreed

Do you guys need help thinking of topics to discuss? I mean, really, leave it to ya'll to bring up everything everybody else would avoid:) You guys are awesome…testing ALL things with Scripture!

Sure, please, maybe you could enlighten us with more of your wonderful, always fully biblically sound views on issues. Then we can give our opinions, and you can tell us how blasphemous we are because we don't agree with us. :D

But, really, go ahead. I'm interested to see what you'll bring up.

Regardless of how we might view other's language, we need to be careful not to be overly sarcastic or disparaging about it. Although we might perceive someone to be incorrect, we must not disparage them for it. Remember the golden rule. :)

Thanks for calling out ChiefOfSinners HYPOCRISY, doing what he's just accussed me of! That's too bad he has to be belittling, sarcastic, disparaging, rude, and unChristian is his language after he's just tried to cast the speck out of my eye, when he has a mote in his own!

Your post is so childish that I don't even have time to respond to that nonsense. I posted, and complimented by brother's in Chirst. Then, you respond with such vile language I am appalled!

Well said Leah. I would really like to see people stop fighting over this, and get back on topic. I want to learn more about these topics, but until everybody stops fighting I won't and many others who have questions about these topics won't either.

facepalm Yo, C4C! If you're really in the right, shouldn't you be telling us that we are wrong( if we are) in a more supportive way? After all, " We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."(1 Cor 8:1). Were you showing Christian love? Were you building up, or too busy being puffed up?

Alright guys, I just saw this forum as well as the suggestions by SBG and Bethany.

In reply to the specific question: "Can a Christian say, 'Oh my God'", it depends on what you mean. I don't think that it's impossible for a true Christian to say that, but I think what the question really means is "Is it sinful for a Christian to say, 'Oh my God'"? The answer to that is: absolutely. Exodus 20:7 cannot be any more plain. That verse is believed by some to mean that you should not rashly swear on God's name, and by others to mean that you should not use it as an interjection. I believe it means both. Some say that "God" is a title, not a name, therefore you are not using God's NAME in vain. But that's just an excuse. "Son of God" is a title as well. Would you say, "Oh, Son of God!" if you god angry or surprised? No. Another excuse I've heard is that it's okay to say it because "God" is not the LORD's real name. God's real name, which He revealed to Moses at the burning bush, is "JEHOVAH" or "I AM". Again, while that is the real name of God, He has other names, too. One of them is "God". It's used all the time in Scripture and, in fact, is the most commonly used one. So if your conscience does not bother you about saying, "Oh my God", then I won't judge you, but I believe it is sinful. I mean, it's using God's name in vain; is there really any way around that?

As for any minced oaths, such as "gosh", "darn", "heck", "shoot", "freaking", and stuff like that, I think it comes down to conscience. It would be sin for me to use those words because my conscience tells me it's wrong. But if your conscience doesn't tell you it's wrong, then it might be okay for you. Hopefully no one on here would be thinking the bad word that they're using the substitute for. If that's the case, then it's definitely wrong. Here's another thing to consider: if you use minced oaths in the church, there might be Christians who, before converting, used the real profane language. Now, how do you think they feel when they hear substitutes for those words? It reminds them of the days when they lived wicked lives. Just a thought. Don't forget that we will "give an account for every idle word we speak"! Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, "Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." (ESV)

@Cowboy4Christ~ How old are you? I'm 15.

Christian, I think what you said to Cowboy4Christ was somewhat unwise. It was not nearly as shocking as some of the things he's said, but it was sarcastic and probably had a bad influence on him. Maybe if you apologized to him he would see that you didn't intend to be hypocritical. :-)

gasp You're posting? On Memverse? AH! I thought you left all the posting here for the rest of us!

Hey, OCTSRIS… he did apologize. :D See "Guidelines for Theological Discussions." :) Anyway, your input on the topic being discussed here is appreciated. :)

OCTSRIS - you haven't been on here for a while! Welcome! When is your birthday, May I ask?

OCTSRIS - you haven't been on here for a while! Welcome! When is your birthday, May I ask?

@Rachel~ Febuary 11th.

@Samuel Elliot~ You guys got me interested in comments by… someone, not saying who. So I came on here, and in doing so, happened to see this forum. I immediately clicked!

@Everyone~ So do you guys basically agree with what I said? If anyone thinks I'm wrong, go ahead and state your opinion!

Alright, sorry Christian if I butted into your business. I just want to be as friendly and Christlike as possible to Cowboy4Christ. Hopefully we can be an example both to him and to others - all to God's glory! :-)

sighs And as usual, people misspell my last name. Oh well, it's the price I pay for being such a cool ninja………

And yeah, I agree with what you said. It always annoys me though, when people just use God's name flippantly. It's just, like, so disrespectful!

And sinful… :P

So what do you all think about saying, "Oh shoot!" or calling something "freaking"?

Oh! I'm sorry, Sam. Your name is spelled with 2 t's at the end, isn't it. Elliott? Or… am I completely mixed up? Anyway, sorry about that! By the way, I LOVE your new username!!!

I really don't care about saying "oh shoot", and "freaking" just sounds a bit weird to me, but I don't get annoyed at people for saying it.

And yeah, that's how you spell my name. And do you really like my username, or are you being sarcastic? Just wondering.

As for any minced oaths, such as "gosh", "darn", "heck", "shoot", "freaking", and stuff like that, I think it comes down to conscience. It would be sin for me to use those words because my conscience tells me it's wrong. But if your conscience doesn't tell you it's wrong, then it might be okay for you.

I appreciated that you said this, OCTSRIS. It used to be that you said that you believed people (including me) were sinning when they used those words. I'm glad that you're more willing to call it a conscience issue than a black-and-white sin.

I don't use many of those words very often, but when I do, I can assure you that I'm not just chafing under the restriction of not being able to say the words for which they are euphemisms. I merely use them because it's something that I say instead of those other words. The whole point is that I'm not saying the bad words. That's why they're substitutes.

But, I respect your view, and I can assure you that I will do my best not to say those words around you. ;)

A agree with you I don't really like when people say'freaking'

Not as bad as someone saying "spewing" all the time. Gets so annoying.

I personally try to stay away from those words, because I don't think we should be trying to see how close we can get to doing evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 "Abstain from all appearance of evil". Sometimes when we say minced oaths, others mistake it for the real thing. I've seen it happen before.

"Spewing"? Huh, never heard that before. Must be an Australia thing. ;P lol

lol :)