Is it a sin to "Oh my God"

[Cecilianus]

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.

There is a huge difference between blasphemy and saying “Dear Lord” when you have a headache. The latter seems to be an appeal to God in the face of pain, much like when you say “Good God” in shock - not something that should be problematic at all.

It is very little to ask not to use His name as an expletive, but it is a comparatively unimportant issue. It’s not like people are committing horrid blasphemies or something. I’m disagreeing with people, only suggesting that we be a bit less scrupulous.

It gets silly when harmless statements like “good gracious” or “oh my goodness” are reviled as “blasphemous”, and we start going far beyond the teaching of the Church when we label coarse language as sinful (socially inappropriate in most contexts, to be sure, but not sinful).

 

[RosaryFan]

There is a huge difference between blasphemy and saying “Dear Lord” when you have a headache. The latter seems to be an appeal to God in the face of pain, much like when you say “Good God” in shock - not something that should be problematic at all.

It is very little to ask not to use His name as an expletive, but it is a comparatively unimportant issue. It’s not like people are committing horrid blasphemies or something. I’m disagreeing with people, only suggesting that we be a bit less scrupulous.

It gets silly when harmless statements like “good gracious” or “oh my goodness” are reviled as “blasphemous”, and we start going far beyond the teaching of the Church when we label coarse language as sinful (socially inappropriate in most contexts, to be sure, but not sinful).

When you consider that the Jews won’t even say the word in proper context out of reverence to God, then you can easily see how your logic is not correct. Saying “Good God” when you are in shock is not reverent. Although it may not be grave matter, it is a bad habit that is offensive to God and to those who don’t take His name in vain. I know I cringe when people take God’s name in vain in my presence. It is offensive.

This is how a lack of reverence begins to snowball. Once you lose reverence for the name of God, then it is easy to slip into bad behavior in other matters.

Those who take care to not offend our Lord should not be called “silly” or “out of hand” or “fanatics” or whatever names are being thrown around here. They should be applauded for their attempt at proper reverence for God. It is indicative of the importance they place on their faith and in matters of faith. It is an example that should be followed by all.

 

[sjng]

I normally do not compromise with GOD’s commandment–If God says not to call HIS name in vain thats IT!!!

 

[mom2em]

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

Personally, for me, I do try not to say it. Sometimes it might slip out once in a while, but never with thought or intention. I do not let my daughter say it as many kids do off handedly. Like I learned. I should like her to learn respect, even if the kids around her toss it around. Right or wrong. I do the same with my niece and nephew when they are visiting. I cannot control what they do in their own home, but they know when they are here, that I will not let it fly by.

Perhaps this has been posted already, and if so, sorry. If not … FR.Serpa’s answer on the matter: Is Saying “Oh My God” Breaking The Second Commandment?

 

[Lingua]

Yes, unless it is in a prayer like the act of contrition.

 

[speakttruth]

We are to use holy words reverently. People say Oh my God all the time. It’s like some one calling your name and you keep saying yes?, yes?. Oh my God what? Always say amen after you say the word of God if you don’t have anything else to add to the reverence. We should not use the words that refer to holiness as everyday language. Even the word holy. Like some say holy smokes. Get used to saying Oh my Gosh or oh my goodness instead. Is that so hard?
I had a friend that used to say it all the time and when she was in confession, her priest said it was a sin. and gave her quite a penance. That word is supposed to be holy, not common.
May God Bless this site.

 

[Paxvobis]

Unless you are saying this expression in the context of a prayer it violates the Second Commandment. It is not only a sin, but it can easily be mortally sinful. It is not mortally sinful when said without thinking but that said, one should change their habits and maybe say “Oh my gosh” in stead.

 

[fred_conty]

Hi,
I believe you know the answer or why would you ask the question if it didn’t bother you?