Is it a sin to "Oh my God"

[lolraichu]

It is a gravely mortal tier 7 sin to the 12th degree. May require exorcism

 

[TheRealJuliane]

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.

I believe that is what many of us do, we pick up a verbal habit without even recognizing what we are saying. Any expression that includes the word “God” or “Jesus” ought to be said with reverence in the right setting. Otherwise I fear we do risk taking His Name in vain. Not a curse, but in vain.

I have known people who would say things like “Jimminy Christmas” but that is just a transparent substitute for “Jesus Christ!” said as an expletive. So I try to avoid those too.

 

[sharmin]

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.

Are they allowed to say it when praying? I am thinking of many times I have prayed, “Oh my God!”, one of which is the Act of Contrition.

 

[Equites_Christi]

I am thinking of many times I have prayed, “Oh my God!”, one of which is the Act of Contrition.

Wouldn’t that be funny, if in the confessional in the very act of renouncing your sins, you sin!

I used to say it a lot, then I stopped and I convinced my girlfriend to stop too. “Gosh” works just fine for us

I find that the less you speak God’s name, and if you limit it to a reverent context, it becomes much more meaningful and powerful.

 

[Anthony_V]

First, let’s take a look back into history.
The Jews were only allowed to say God’s (YHVH) name ten times a year-- and it was the high priest, mind you-- on Yom Kippur. In fact, ordinary Jews were not even taught the syllables of the name. They referred to him as Adonai (my Lord) when used in a biblical context. This is found frequently in Psalms, and through out the Torah. Adonai, though, was still considered too holy to use for every day language. They referred to him as Hashem, literally meaning “the name”. Even continued to this day, it is Jewish custom that if you write Adonai or YHVH, or God down on anything really, without censoring it in some form or fashion i.e. Ad-nai, Y—H, G-d, it is treated the same way we would treat a sacramental. You must either burn it or bury it if you wish to dispose of it, and it must be treated with respect.
The act of actually SAYing God’s name, however, is not an issue in the Jewish custom since no on actually knows how to pronounce YHVH. Scholar’s have gotten from Yahweh to Jehovah, and everything in between.

As Catholics, we do not actually know God’s name either. We may invoke him by Adonai (Lord), God, Father, etc. as the veil between the sanctuary and the people has been torn asunder by the Paschal sacrifice. Those in communion with the Church are admitted to our Lord in the Eucharist, which is more than any Jewish priest (perhaps even Moses) has ever experienced. In addition, we are consecrated to the Lord by Baptism. This does not insinuate that we are allowed to take advantage of being in God’s house but profaning his name, but do bear in mind that we have the benefits of being in his house by having the sacred responsibility of being in his house.
In brief, if you say “Oh my God!” out of excitement, joy, happiness, etc. this is not simply not a sin, but an ejaculatory prayer (as mentioned above). If you say his name in a questionable manner on accident, then I would say it is a venial sin at best (or worst). If you purposely take the name of the Lord and blaspheme it as to express anger or the likes against him, that would probably be mortal sin. The culpability may by subjected to other things like maturity, knowledge of the matter, etc.

 

[Cecilianus]

Saying it seems like a bad habit and not the most reverent thing to say, but I don’t see the need for blowing it out of proportion. My attitude is to not say it and not care whether it’s a “sin” or imperfection or whatever it is. The discussion starts getting silly when people get scrupulous over euphemisms - and downright ridiculous when people scruple about its use in prayer.

 

[Ad_Altare_Dei_1]

I say “oh my gosh” and I still feel guilt for that! I guess cuz the sentiment is still there, just the name is omitted. Sort of like when people say “Oh fudge!”. You know what word they are implying but not outright saying.

 

[onshore6]

Agree!

I’m new here so am not sure what I am doing but some of the answers about “using God’s name in vain” shocked me. Especially the one that said something about… if our consciences feel clear then it is OK. We have to face the truth. If we are not praying or studying about God then the use of His name is in vain.We should all strive to bring our conscience in line with “Thou shall not use the name of your Lord, God in vain.” and stop making excuses in our sin. The 10 commandments were given to all of us for a reason. We can’t just pick and choose the ones me like to follow.

 

[MariaTheresa]

onshore6,

Thank you for your clear response. You said what should have been said at the begining and then case closed. If one has the habit of taking the name of the Lord in vain such as using it as an expression of speech, then one should recognize it, confess it and stop it. the Holy Spirit will help break this habit if asked. It is clearly against the 10 commandments and a sin. Use God’s name when speaking to Him or about Him to others respectfully, not because you need a tag line in your conversations.

Peace-
Mariatheresa

 

[JIMBARRY1946]

I don’t ever say “Oh my God”, but will at time say “Oh my Lord”. I have read that almost any expletive can be wrong. I wonder about that. It breaks my heart that so many young people at best take God for granted saying OMG. The worst part to me is that a kid is more likely to be reprimanded for using obsenities than for profanity.

 

[followingtheway]

Oh my goodness…

So? What’s your answer?

Interesting to know that!

Know what? It’s a question -___-

 

[White_Peony]

If it is in prayer, such as, “Oh, my God I am heartily sorry that I offended Thee.” No.

But if someone made an amazing catch while playing Ultimate Frisbee and in awe someone yelled, “OH MY GOD! WHAT A CATCH!” Then, most definately.

 

[Tony_Stearn]

Look at the Lord’s prayer. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; thus this prayer that Jesus taught us is telling us that even the name of God is holy. When the scribes would write the name of God, they would purposely leave out a letter because they believed that they were not worthy of spelling put his name fully, knowing that even His name is holy. So I would advise that any time you use the name of God, you do it with reverence and respect to the holiness of God.

 

[shylasue]

Depends. If you say it after you see something amazing, then of course not. It’s a sign of love and appreciation to Him.

I don’t know where you got you’re information, but I can guarantee you that as much as I hear this being used, it has nothing to do with love for God!!

 

[Maria_Aurea]

onshore6,

Thank you for your clear response. You said what should have been said at the begining and then case closed. If one has the habit of taking the name of the Lord in vain such as using it as an expression of speech, then one should recognize it, confess it and stop it. the Holy Spirit will help break this habit if asked. It is clearly against the 10 commandments and a sin. Use God’s name when speaking to Him or about Him to others respectfully, not because you need a tag line in your conversations.

Peace-
Mariatheresa

I agree to waht all of you are saying. My mother got so mad at us when we say bad words or use the name of God for fun so we grew up not doing it. Now when I hear kids doing it, I really feel disgusted. I get so mad when my granddaughter says obscene words or use the name of God in the course of ordinary discussion or when she is annoyed. I keep telling her that if I don’t do it, she is not allowed to do it. I thank God that after continously reminding her as well as her mother about it, I am noticing that she is gradually stopping to say those words.
I don’t know who is to blame, is it society or the parents who should be guiding these children. Moral values should be developed from childhood and most important is giving these children the example to follow.

 

[bethanysamuel]

A close family member of mine is always saying “Dear Lord”, like if he has a headache or something. Thats still blasphemous. Its a hard habit to break if you’ve been saying OMG forever, but you can train yourself out of it. Most of my Catholic friends say “Wow”.

 

[MarysGirls]

It is most disrespectful to say it unless in prayer. I’m so blessed to have parents that never allowed me to say it, so I don’t have any habit to break! Oh my goodness and good grief work just fine for me!

 

[Cecilianus]

A close family member of mine is always saying “Dear Lord”, like if he has a headache or something. Thats still blasphemous. Its a hard habit to break if you’ve been saying OMG forever, but you can train yourself out of it. Most of my Catholic friends say “Wow”.

Sorry, but this is getting ridiculously blown out of proportion. Relax, and chill out.

 

[RosaryFan]

Would saying “Oh my God” be taking the Lord’s name in vain? What are your thoughts?

Unless you are addressing God, then saying “Oh my God” is taking His name in vain. I wouldn’t say it’s grave matter, but one of those everyday, pesky venial sins that keeps us from being the best Christain we can be. I always confess it if I say it. It’s a tough, tough habit to break. The more you confess it, the more conscientious you are going forward, and the less it happens. Until, finally, you get to the point where you say it so seldomly, that it surprises you as it’s coming out of your mouth and it feels like you’re spewing out vile filth. That’s when you know you’re finally kicking that nasty habit.

Good luck - it was quite a long process for me.

 

[MariaTheresa]

Sorry, but this is getting ridiculously blown out of proportion.
Relax, and chill out.

I think that it is very important and scripture seems to agree. Whose name is more sacred? It seems very little to ask not to use His name as a tag line or expletive. It’s not like we are talking about the mailman or something.