Is it a sin to "Oh my God"

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followingtheway

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Would saying “Oh my God” be taking the Lord’s name in vain? What are your thoughts?
 
Depends. If you say it after you see something amazing, then of course not. It’s a sign of love and appreciation to Him.
 
God gave us the ability to speak. It’s our responsibility to use our words and our abilities for the greater good and not to spout out foul things that disgrace us and our dignity.

So using Gods name as a curse word, or using it in a way that isn’t praying or thanking God is kind of misuse of our gifts. Is it a sin? It could be, although most people do it without even thinking. I think if everyone knew the truth they would be a lot more careful about using God’s name.
 
Like the others said depends on its usage. It certainly isn’t always a sin, as it is the first thing we say in the Act of Contrition!
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because
they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
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I have a relative that says “oh my G-d” all the time, it drives me insane.

I’ve taught my children to not say that phrase, ever. if they see something amazing, say “wow” that is sufficient.
 
Yes. I routinely fall into the (bad) habit of blaspheming that way. I suppose it’s not a sin to use it as an exlamation of thanks or wonder - but as an expletive or expression of irritation I’d say it was on the sinful side.
 
My wife and I differ on this. I do tend to “let slip” now and then, but never with the intent to blaspheme. My wife (and now my kids!) admonish me.

I believe God looks at the heart, at our intent. If your conscience is clear about it, that’s a good sign.
 
I want to modify my statement. As a general rule, we don’t say “oh my G-d” unless it is in prayer. If you’re saying “oh my G-d” at something amazing, then one might start saying it for other reasons. Better to be safe than sorry.

I’m in no way condemnng anyone or saying that anyone is wrong. This is just what we do in our home.
 
I say it in despair, as a cry for help. I do not believe that is blasphemy, it is an ejaculatory prayer. As for those people that throw it around willy-nilly all the time, I know a few of those, and I have to admit that that annoys me greatly. I do think that is definitely taking the Lord’s name in vain.
 
Lucky_Scrunchy said:
I want to modify my statement. As a general rule, we don’t say “oh my G-d” unless it is in prayer. If you’re saying “oh my G-d” at something amazing, then one might start saying it for other reasons. Better to be safe than sorry.

I’m in no way condemnng anyone or saying that anyone is wrong. This is just what we do in our home.
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I really like your practice! I would like to share my extended opinion on my interpretation of the concept.

The use of “Oh my God” for Good or Bad Awe struck moments is using his name in vain because of the parallel drawn between a single earthly event and God.
A similar application would be my mom seeing me type my name and saying, “Oh my Son!” in awe of my abilities. If the ability to type my name was the extent of which she saw in me, she would be missing out on the whole me.

The use of “Oh my God” for prayer purposes is not using his name in vain because this is your greeting to Him. It is one of great reverence because there is proclamation of Awe through the “Oh” and declaration of God as Father.
 
Saying OMG very often and without thinking what we’re saying… I’d say it’s bad. This would be because God is after all the most important person in the Universe, and you can’t use his name so easily, without even thinking. But a sin? I dunno.
 
I guess I just can’t do it… it doesn’t feel right in my mouth for some reason! Where someone might use a negative “oh my God” I use “good grief” a la Charlie Brown. Oh my gosh has already stood me in good stead in many situations! I feel like there’s no need for it.
 
From Webster’s New World Dictionary:

vain[vān] *adj.*OFr < L vanus, empty, vain: see WANT

**1. **having no real value or significance; worthless, empty, idle, hollow, etc. vain pomp]
**2. **without force or effect; futile, fruitless, unprofitable, unavailing, etc. [a *vain endeavor]
**3. **having or showing an excessively high regard for one’s self, looks, possessions, ability, etc.; indulging in or resulting from personal vanity; conceited
**4. ***Archaic *lacking in sense; foolish

**SYN.- **FUTILE — in vain
**1. **fruitlessly; vainly
**2. **lightly; profanely; irreverently

**Vainness *n.
SYN.- VAIN, in this connection, applies to that which has little or no real value, worth, or meaning [vain studies *]; IDLE refers to that which is baseless or worthless because it can never be realized [idle hopes, idle talk ]; EMPTY and HOLLOW are used of that which only appears to be genuine, sincere, worthwhile, etc. [empty threats, hollow pleasures ]; OTIOSE applies to that which has no real purpose or function and is therefore useless or superfluous [otiose remarks ]

When expressing OMG has no real value, it is irreverent and a sin against the Commandment. The circumstances would dictate whether it was Mortal or Venial sin.

I too, am trying to break this thoughless habit. I should have more respect for God.
 
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