https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 15:19:34 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315243 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:48:33 +0000 Torchwood 2315243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@daniellemybelle: Oddly, I was *not* raised to say ma'am/sir or Ms./Mr. (name). My little brother and sister were though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315242 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:46:31 +0000 Torchwood 2315242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also wanted to add- I don't see oh my god as the same as Jesus Christ as an exclamation. It's not specific to a particular god. I don't capitalize it, and I actually say oh my gods often as not, because I'm a nerd and watch too much battlestar galactica. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315183 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:03:36 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2315183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jessibear: ay Dios mio means oh my God, right? I have used and heard that the same way people use OMG or omigod. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315109 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 15:11:59 +0000 jessibear 2315109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>All words have the potential to offend. And it will all, always, come back to personal choice. It's never my intent to offend anyone but will probably frequently offend someone. </p> <p>I'm interested, would those for whom this is offensive be equally offended by someone saying "ay dios mio?" Is it the English word for god that is offensive or any language? Allah is simply god in another language. While I agree that American culture is perhaps more inclined to "take the lord's name in vain," and not those of other religions, I think that speaks more toward our demographic and vernacular than prioritizing protection of other religions more than Christianity. </p> <p>Again, know your audience and try not to be an asshole. But I don't live life focused on aligning myself with the beliefs of others. These are offensive terms to you. They aren't to me and I don't use them to offend. I'll stay as cognizant of my audience when employing these terms as I am with my use of other exclamatory phrases. So, basically, not with my boss or her bosses. But I'll always try not to be an asshole. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315102 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 15:07:44 +0000 daniellemybelle 2315102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: I was raised with the same kind of restrictions. We were not supposed to say "butt" or "crap" or "stupid." There were a lot of "bad" words in our house.</p> <p>While it might have been over the top, I guess it has programmed me to be highly sensitive to the vocabularies of children. I wouldn't care at all if an adult said "crap" or "fuck" or whatever the hell they want to say. ;) It probably wouldn't even register. But I guess I like a child to sound more polite/innocent so when I hear kids - even younger teenagers - use "bad" language, I'm not a huge fan. Obviously they are not my kids and so it's none of my business! But I can't shake how I was brought up so I am ultimately raising LO the same way.</p> <p>ETA: To me, it's similar to me to teaching LO to say, "Ms. (First Name)," and "Yes, ma'am/No, ma'am." When she's an adult she can speak however she wants but politeness/respect from a child is just something that is ingrained in me. I'm from the South. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2315069 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 14:20:55 +0000 coopsmama 2315069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: At the end of the day, you phrased it better than I could - if the word has the potential to offend, I make the effort to eliminate it from my vocabulary. </p> <p>We can use examples and disagree all day long so I'll just leave it to that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2314974 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:57:52 +0000 looch 2314974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist: Why shouldn't they be compared? They are both words and they both have the potential to hurt people. </p> <p>That's what it all comes down to for me. Doesn't matter what the actual word is. I am not at all saying that I am perfect and I don't slip, but I make an effort to eliminate certain things from my vocabulary. I don't demand the same from others.</p> <p>But in any event, we can agree to disagree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/3#post-2314969 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:55:50 +0000 Torchwood 2314969@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Using "oh my god" is something I do a lot. Honestly, I think "oh my goodness/gosh" sound contrived and weird. I won't stop LO from saying it either. I do say Jesus Christ (and Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ) a lot, but reading through this I'm willing to reconsider that one. I don't say it in front of my (highly religious) family already. </p> <p>I will say that DH and I are way more laid back about what we consider a big deal on the curse word front. Possibly because I was raised with so many restrictions (even "darn" type words were banned, because they were just another way of cursing, and things like "butt" were banned as well), I just don't think it's a big deal. We'll teach LO appropriate contexts for it, and she can more or less say what she wants as she's old enough to understand when it's okay. (Like not at school.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314957 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:46:09 +0000 mrsjyw 2314957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm Christian, practicing and strive to live firmly in my faith, I don't find it offensive and I've definitely slipped and said oh my god. Not in vain but just a common "phrase" heard around here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314956 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:44:57 +0000 .twist. 2314956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: No. I said there was a difference between using retarded and jesus christ. I don't use the word retarded. Which is also not what this conversation is about. I merely mentioned, as others have, that they shouldn't be compared. Know your audience doesn't mean "find out everything about them before talking". It means, the more you learn about someone, the more you will be able to gauge their level of humour, their opinions on hot topics, etc. </p> <p>@coopsmama: @Truth Bombs: already said exactly how I feel about your comparison between JC &amp; Muslims being searched at an airport. I won't reiterate what she said. Also, I am an atheist and I rarely use the Lord's name in vain because it just isn't in my vernacular. (OOPS, forgot: BUT, most of the religious people I know use some for of OMG or JC!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314942 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:28:36 +0000 Truth Bombs 2314942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@coopsmama: In this very thread you wrote the word "God", which can be offensive to devout Jewish people. I'm sure you had no intention of offending anyone, but it's quite possible you did. Don't hold others to higher standard than you hold yourself. Or assume that others should know and adjust to what might offend a Christian, but that there is no need for you to know and adjust to what might offend a Jewish person. And I really can't get on board with the idea of Christians playing the victim that they are the only ones who aren't allowed to be offended. Think of all the controversy surrounding cartoon depictions of Muhammad which is extremely offensive to Muslim people but most people support the free speech rights of journalists to choose to continue to create them. And being offended by someone saying OMG or JC is no where near the level of being singled out and searched by TSA for no reason other than your appearance or religion... there is obviously no comparison there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314936 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:25:22 +0000 simplyfelicity 2314936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I know your comment was for @coopsmama, but I don't know any Christians (whether protestants, catholics, etc) who use the Lord's name in vain regularly. In my experience, they are non-practicing or those who identify with a religion for familial/ cultural vs spiritual reasons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314905 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:06:42 +0000 rachiecakes 2314905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I always read OMG as "oh my gosh" :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314897 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:55:50 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2314897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Was anyone else brought that taking the Lord's name in vain really meant swearing by Him? </p> <p>"Over Spring Break I went to a Madonna concert and swear to God she saw me in the crowd and invited me to chill backstage with her!"</p> <p>That's what I was taught- don't evoke God into your BS. </p> <p>I don't like GD and JC for the same reason as @simplyfelicity: because it's making curse words out of God and Jesus.</p> <p>Eta: is OMG more of an awe/awesome thing anyway? I don't see this as swearing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314896 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:55:07 +0000 autumnlove 2314896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I say it. I try to remember around religious friends but I've slipped (a lot) before.</p> <p>My friend spanked her daughter when she said "oh my God" at my house last week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314895 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:54:44 +0000 coopsmama 2314895@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I don't know any professing Christians who use it. It's definitely something that is more common among those who are not part of that faith - among my friends it's mostly those who are atheist/agnostic. But I don't think it's really something that is group to group - just varies person to person. One of my lapsed Roman Catholic friends uses it all the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314894 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:54:11 +0000 coopsmama 2314894@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: And yes, that was another thought of mine, too. You can't know everything in advance so I think it's just best to err on the side of not being offensive as much as possible. And there are certain words which in America are considered to be more slangy or just rude so that's why I just don't use any of them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314893 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:52:27 +0000 mrbee 2314893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>&lt;&lt; in this case it's clearly Christianity and more specifically using JC as a curse word. I can't think of any other religious figure that is singled out as a curse word. &gt;&gt;</p> <p>@coopsmama: I am probably wrong about this, but I always thought it was Christians who started using "JC" as a curse word? Most of my Jewish and Muslim friends make it a point not to use that phrase... I hear it mostly from Christians, lapsed Christians and agonistic/atheists! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314892 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:52:05 +0000 coopsmama 2314892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: So should a Muslim not be offended if they are held at an airport to be searched without any cause because they *chose* to be and dress like a Muslim? Frankly, I just find your assertion that choice have anything to do whether someone should be offended to be illogical. And yes, I'll just go on being offended by whatever the "hell" I want to be? (Was that seriously necessary?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314886 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:50:56 +0000 looch 2314886@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: okay, so you're saying what, that if you and I worked together, you'd try to find out that my brother had disabilities before using retarded in a conversation?</p> <p>I am not trying to start a fight, believe me, it's not my intention, but I am trying to understand how you'd go about it.</p> <p>I also think we're in agreement that the best solution consists of both approaches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314885 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:48:20 +0000 .twist. 2314885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@coopsmama: You can be offended by whatever the hell you want to be offended by. No one is stopping you. </p> <p>I used Christianity in my comment because it's what is being talked about widely in this thread and I relate to it more as I was born and raised Catholic. </p> <p>People do matter, of course, but I'm not going to tip toe around every sensitive issue just because someone, somewhere, may be offended. I guess, at the end of the day, you are a better person than me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314880 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:42:47 +0000 coopsmama 2314880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So just because you choose something doesn't mean you can't be offended by it? Riiiiight. I don't see that play out at all in day to day life. Except, in the case of Christians which is so fascinating to me. Everyone else from any other religious group gets a pass but when a Christian is offended - nope, no big deal.</p> <p>And clearly, the point of my example (about using retarded or gay or what have you) for those who are questioning it is that just because YOU are not necessarily aware or not offended by a phrase doesn't make it any less offensive. I don't know any one personally in my day to day life who is gay. No family members, etc. so it's not something I think about or honestly even really care about. But just because it's not something that doesn't personally affect me or those I love doesn't mean I would use the word as a slang phrase or in a potentially derogatory way. I'm just not going there. Same with any other religious or people group.</p> <p>People matter. At the end of the day, they do. Regardless of sex, religious group, etc. and so when I can choose to not use a phrase that is potentially offensive I won't use it. It's pretty straightforward. And I think that people are usually on board with that until they get to something they just don't understand so they don't even make an effort - and in this case it's clearly Christianity and more specifically using JC as a curse word. I can't think of any other religious figure that is singled out as a curse word.</p> <p>And yes, intent and knowing who you are around matters. Obviously if you're with a close friend say whatever you want because you're not going to offend them. But I've heard people scream out JC at the store and frankly found it very offensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314860 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:24:25 +0000 .twist. 2314860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I have had pretty good luck "know your audience" my entire life. I think even being conscious about it is better than nothing. Of course people screw up, but Christians "sin" all the time and if I say "Jesus Christ" in front of one, once, accidentally, I think they will survive it. </p> <p>Also, I know it's been said before in the thread but there is definitely a difference between using "retard/ed" and "Jesus Christ". </p> <p>You don't choose if you're gay or bisexual or trans, and you don't get to choose your disabilities or the degree of severity of your disability. However, you certainly do choose your religion and the degree in which you follow it.</p> <p>ETA: what I'm trying to say is, instead of just "find a new phrase", maybe it's best if people learn to "know their audience" (because there are oblivious people out there) AND if you're so inclined and want to make a difference, work on finding a new phrase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314848 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:17:45 +0000 looch 2314848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think knowing your audience is one of those things that is a good idea, in theory, but in practice, when certain things are part of your vocabulary, no matter how careful you are, you slip.</p> <p>My brother has special needs. People in my life know this. I can not tell you how many times people have used retarded. People who are smart, know their audience, whatever. In my mind, it is better to find other phrases. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314840 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:08:26 +0000 simplyfelicity 2314840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To me, it's all about intent. My MIL often says "GD" or "JC" in front of me and it makes me uncomfortable because I feel like she is equating the God I believe in with a curse word/ something negative (because it's said in a negative context.) The thing is, I know she doesn't mean to offend me, so I let it go. I just hope she can curb it around DS. I don't imagine for a second that I don't accidentally offend others, too, so I hope they would forgive me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314831 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:01:04 +0000 MrsSCB 2314831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jessibear: @.twist.: Yes to "know your audience." My coworker recently said "Jesus Christ" about something in front of another coworker who is VERY religious. I will admit, I say that on occasion. But I would be sure to never say it in front of that particular person. He didn't say anything about it, but even I felt awkward... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314725 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 09:41:52 +0000 .twist. 2314725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jessibear: Totally. I think, like with pretty much anything in life, knowing your audience is absolutely KEY. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314719 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 09:30:34 +0000 jessibear 2314719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: ha! I think I need a sticker that says "trying not to be a straight up douchebag." It's my new life mantra.</p> <p>To answer the question, we say all of these things and don't feel it's inappropriate. I would probably not say them around people that it would make uncomfortable. I also don't think it's comparable to calling something gay or retarded. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314608 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 08:08:44 +0000 Alivoo01 2314608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Ditto! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/taking-the-lords-name-in-vain/page/2#post-2314602 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 08:04:15 +0000 blackbird 2314602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: +1 </p> <p>I don't have the energy to worry about people clutching their pearls over every little thing I say. I try not to be a straight up douchebag, but...meh. You worry about you, I'll worry about me and mine, is how I feel about it </p>