Should I not have said this?

[Ko-Ko]

I have been wondering about this for some time now, so I figured I would ask you since you have all been so helpful. I was with some friends and we were walking in a mall. Somehow I tripped, and as I fell, I exclaimed, "Jesus Christ!" As I was trying to get up, I saw a woman giving me this evil glare. She went on her way without saying anything, so I can't be entirely sure, but the only reasonable explanation is that she was offended by my comment. I never thought of comments like that were innappropriate, as it was just an expression of shock, but apparently some are of a different mindset. So what do you think about saying things like "Jesus Christ" or "Oh my God?"

Ko-Ko

[Gileswench]

I'm afraid I'm rather inclined to take the names of a wide varieties of deities in vain when startled or miffed beyond self-control. Some people - most often those who believe in said deities - are offended by such a use. In particular, one of the Ten Commandments is not to take the Lord's name in vain, so a believer who takes that commandment seriously (as is only proper for a believer) would find it inappropriate at the very least, and potentially quite offensive.

So yes, it can certainly be considered rude...but it can also be difficult to retrain yourself out of the habit. Try to restrain yourself, be prepared to apologize if someone is offended, and do your best not to trip because it's easier to avoid saying something impolite if you aren't startled too badly.

[Lisbeth]

I think it's something you need to be careful about.

When I was a kid, my best friend came from a Mormon family who frowned hard on saying the names of G-d or Jesus Christ as exclamations of this nature.  A few times I got harsh looks until I remembered not to do it.

I think that if you do it involuntarily and someone gives you an Icy Glare, the best thing to do is just apologize.

[ZipTheWonder]

I wouldn't take the name of anyone's diety in vain and would rather others did the same.  I think it's best to try to put this into your 'coarse language' filter with other language that is 'not for public consumption.'

[Ko-Ko]

I'll try to stop the habit. It's funny that I have a habit of shouting "Jesus christ" because I am Jewish. I still remember the time I said it as my rabbi was walking by. He paused and looked at me. I said, "What? Jesus was a Jew." He just shook his head and walked away.  

Ko-Ko

[madmusician]

I'm a Christian, but I wouldn't necessarily have been compeltely offended. I believe it's wrong to take the Lord's name in vain, but I'm not going to wish you to h.e.l.l. for it. If you were a friend of mine, I might mention it privately, but I'm used to hearing it in public. I guess the woman with whom you were interacting was a bit more sensitive. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I think it's disrespectful to say it--but I would also think it disrespectful if you had shouted "Holy Ghandi!" (Although in that scenario I might have laughed at you.)

[IndianInlaw]

A good response to that is "I know him!  He goes to my church!"

[Clara Bow]

I've cracked off a blasphemy or two, it doesn't bother me because I have no religious affiliation. But I try to be a little cautious as I try to respect the feelings of others. However, I think glaring at people for slipping up in a situation such as that is a little much. At least you didn't drop an F-bomb....

[Lauren]

I don't see anything wrong with it.

Then again, I never knew it was such a bad thing until I came to this forum. Having gone to a Christian school in high school (it wasn't encourged of course, but nobody would glare at you) It seems to be an American thing.

[MrsP81]

Personally I wouldn't have been offended but there are many people who would.
When I first started dating DH he said "oh my god" in front of his mom and she was not impressed! From then on I learned to say "oh my gosh/goodness" instead (except when I almost stepped on a snake when I was walking with MIL - then it slipped out!).

[ShadesOfGrey]

Personally I wouldn't have been offended but there are many people who would.
When I first started dating DH he said "oh my god" in front of his mom and she was not impressed! From then on I learned to say "oh my gosh/goodness" instead (except when I almost stepped on a snake when I was walking with MIL - then it slipped out!).

It's funny, I dont see "oh, my god" as the same as "Jesus Christ."  I suppose in the strictest terms, it is the same thing, but I have always seen "oh, my god" as a phrase, whereas with "Jesus Christ." you are actually talking about a person.  I agree they probably should be in the 'not for public consumption' folder, if not to avoid offending someone, then definitely to represent yourself as a lady/gentleman.   I am guilty of the 'oh, my god', though I do try to switch it to gosh or goodness. 

[lazytimegirl]

I would find this offensive.  It's considered cursing.  Public cursing really turns me off.

[gadget--gal]

I'm  Christian (though I'm not the type to evangelise in someone's face) and I inwardly wince when I hear the Lord's name taken in vain. I might look up at the person doing it as a quick glance, but no necessarily glare or make eye contact uinless I knew the person.

I have a (lapsed catholic) boss who sometimes mnakes the same exclamation. I said nothing about it till one, time when I could stand in no longer,  I said half-jocking "and could you NOT take the Lord's name in Vain! " she went "oops" and she's never said it again!

[DottyG]

I would find this offensive.  It's considered cursing.  Public cursing really turns me off.

I would as well.  I abhor people taking my Savior's name in vain.  Yes, I know it's "the norm" now.  But, that doesn't make it right.

[freakyfemme]

I would find this offensive.  It's considered cursing.  Public cursing really turns me off.

I would as well.  I abhor people taking my Savior's name in vain.  Yes, I know it's "the norm" now.  But, that doesn't make it right.

Does it offend you more than if someone fell and got hurt and yelled the F-word, for example?  I'm not trying to invalidate your feelings on the matter, I just always wondered if taking God or Jesus' name in vain was as bad as actually swearing.