Is saying "O my god" a sin?

[fred_conty]

I think it can be sinful, but it depends on the context, situation, person, etc. Some people say it in vain while others say it as an exclamation. I really think it just depends.

My personal opinion: There are plenty of other things to say, so why even bother with something that could be sinful and/or could cause a bad habit in the future. I say people should refrain from using it alltogether unless in prayer.

I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but it is always a sin unless a person is unconscience and not knowing what they are saying. IMO even in a light way it is always a sin and to be avoided. Whether it is a mortal sin depends… Every knee should bend, and every head should bow at his holy name. We should love him with our whole heart, and raise our voice only to pronounce his praises.

 

[grasscutter]

Here’s my other :twocents: I think that one of the ways of taking the Lord’s name in vain is by sanctioning a war in the name of “religious” beliefs. Saying “Oh my God” is pretty tame in comparison.

I’ll get my shield out to deflect any potentially angry responses .

 

[JoArtist]

My husband is a sailor and is friends with sailors, so let’s say we have some colorful language used around us. One thing that is not allowed in our home is using the Lord’s name in vain. To us it is worse then using the “F” word. You should not use the name of the Creator of all and our Savior in any way other than with the utmost respect and honor.

 

[BigDave31]

And I agree JoArtist. in all that you say~~

 

[fred_conty]

Here’s my other :twocents: I think that one of the ways of taking the Lord’s name in vain is by sanctioning a war in the name of “religious” beliefs. Saying “Oh my God” is pretty tame in comparison.

I’ll get my shield out to deflect any potentially angry responses .

It’s not a question of either/or, both are wrong.

 

[bigbibles]

“mom2em” posted a link to this response from Fr. Serpa. It would seem he went in a different direction than most of the posters.

Is “Oh, my God!” a blasphemous phrase? It has become so common in our society to say “oh, my God” when we are surprised at something, but is it using the Lord’s name in vain? Is it better not to use this phrase, unless we mean it literally?
Thank you.

Unfortunately, the holy name of “Jesus” is used in disrespectful ways. But
phrases like “Oh, my God!” and “Oh, God!” and “Lord, have mercy!” and “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” are never used to blaspheme. Simply because we may blurt out one of these phrases without the full awareness of their significance, does not render them disrespectful. In fact, they can help us to be aware of our need for divine help at such times.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.

 

[bigbibles]

Does anyone know what the word “vain” means in biblical language? I read in a moral theology book the phrase in vain means “uselessly.” Not sure if that helps.

Is the commandment just talking about taking oaths?

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

“mom2em” posted a link to this response from Fr. Serpa. It would seem he went in a different direction than most of the posters.

Is “Oh, my God!” a blasphemous phrase? It has become so common in our society to say “oh, my God” when we are surprised at something, but is it using the Lord’s name in vain? Is it better not to use this phrase, unless we mean it literally?
Thank you.

Unfortunately, the holy name of “Jesus” is used in disrespectful ways. But
phrases like “Oh, my God!” and “Oh, God!” and “Lord, have mercy!” and “Jesus, Mary and Joseph!” are never used to blaspheme. Simply because we may blurt out one of these phrases without the full awareness of their significance, does not render them disrespectful. In fact, they can help us to be aware of our need for divine help at such times.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.

Fr. Serpa’s understanding echoes my own.

Which is funny, because I’m usually the one that’s the “heretic” around here!

 

[bmullins]

Fr. Serpa’s understanding echoes my own.

Which is funny, because I’m usually the one that’s the “heretic” around here!

I don’t think Fr. Serpa has ever had a 13 year old girl yell at her mother in an exasperated voice “Oh my God!” while slamming her door for being asked to take make-up off.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

I don’t think Fr. Serpa has ever had a 13 year old girl yell at her mother in an exasperated voice “Oh my God!” while slamming her door for being asked to take make-up off.

I know what you mean, and I can sympathize with your point of view if you think that is wrong.

Personally, I think it’s only rarely wrong.

I’m thinking of it this way: who is better to call on when you are short on patience and love for your parents? None better than God!

There’s a distinction to make. Of course, on the one hand, it seems unlikely for God to be overly concerned about the most mundane events in our lives. On the other hand, He did die on the Cross to save us, so that shows you how highly esteemed we are in his eyes.

But really, what are we doing when we say “Oh my God!” when we are feeling angry with someone? If we are using it as a means to chide them, that’s probably not a good thing.

On the other hand, if we are using it as a way to appeal to God in a moment of exasperation to help us keep to a commandment (in this case, Honor Thy Father and Mother), then that’s a totally different thing IMO. We may not even be consciously aware at the moment that it’s relevant to any particular commandment, but perhaps we are thinking of it more as a “God, grant me serenity” type of deal. (Serenity is always a good thing!)

 

[RubyT]

I refuse to use O-M-G because I think it is wrong just plain wrong.

I often say Oh My or Oh my goodness when I am suprised or astonished with something happening. These phrases have no part of our sweet Lords name in them.

As a matter of fact just today I corrected my niece for saying Holy Mother of God(writing this for communication purposes only, please forgive me Holy Mother).
There are many ways to say the same thing, why involve our Lord or Mother Mary.

I feel strongly that it is using His name in vain; if it is not in praise or in a general discussion of our faith. Break this habit and/or let people know it is unacceptable.

Good question OP, it may seem like a “no brainer” to Catholics but I have no doubt this was a helpful discussion for many.

God Bless you all my friends.

 

[John21652]

Hello,
Is saying “o my god” a sin? Is it a mortal sin?

What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain?

I have a lot of knowledge friends of mine who are serious catholics use “God’s name” somewhat flippantly. Is it a sin?

Is there any church documents that speak to this?

thanks

An excellent little sermon by St. Jean Marie Vianney, titled -

ALL THAT YOU SAY OVER AND ABOVE THESE IS OF EVIL.

It begins with -

It is indeed surprising, my dear brethren, that God should have had to give us a commandment forbidding us to profane His sacred name. Can you imagine, my children, that Christians could so hand themselves over to the Devil as to allow him to make use of them for execrating God,…It is a sin which makes the hair stand on end in anyone who is not entirely lost to the Faith…I tell you that badly instructed people often confuse blasphemy with swearing…

It’s very instructive…

 

[Mark_Roberto]

If it’s said inadvertantly or said even deliberately without malice toward God, it’s probably a venial sin of using the Lord’s name in vain. If said with defiance to insult God or attempt to injure his majesty, it could potentially be a mortal sin of hatred towards God.

 

[chris62]

Is spelling God with a small “g” a sin?

 

[crazzeto]

Is spelling God with a small “g” a sin?

I can’t answer this, I wouldsay it is proper to use G when refereing to the one, true, Holy, God. When referrering to idols, or daemons mascarading as gods, then a small g is appropriate.

 

[tvdxer]

Hello,
Is saying “o my god” a sin? Is it a mortal sin?

What does it mean to take the Lord’s name in vain?

I have a lot of knowledge friends of mine who are serious catholics use “God’s name” somewhat flippantly. Is it a sin?

Is there any church documents that speak to this?

thanks

As an exclamation, it’s probably a venial sin, even if said with full reflection and consent of the will.

 

[bmullins]

Is spelling God with a small “g” a sin?

It’s according to why and who your referring to. In my personal case when I use ‘god’ I am talking about one of the mythical gods. Zeus, Poseidon, Baal, etc. I use the small g to denote they are not THE God. The capital of course I only use to refer to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The only way I could imagine using a small g would be a sin would be if you did it in order to say a bad thing about God. To purposely use a small g as an insult, to try and say our God is nothing more than a mythical god. Then it would be a sin.

 

[tvdxer]

This should answer your question:

THE IRREVERENT USE OF GOD’S NAME

WE take God’s name in vain and break the Second Command-
ment when we use the word " God " as an exclamation of
wonder or impatience, or merely as an interjection in such
phrases as " good God," " my God," " by God." If these
phrases are used at fitting times and with due reverence they
are, of course, not sinful but meritorious; the sin consists in
using them without due reverence, too frequently, and merely
as expletives, for such an abuse of the holy name of God shows
a want of reverence to him and is displeasing to him.

This irreverence, however, is not grave, and so the sin of
taking God’s name in vain is of itself only venial ; indeed, want
of advertence will often prevent it from being even venially
sinful. Still, care should be taken to correct any bad habit
that may have been contracted in this matter.

What has been said of the name of God may be applied with
due proportion to those of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and
the saints.

From a “Manual of Moral Theology for English-Speaking Countries” by Thomas Slater, S.J. Out of copyright.