Should Christians patronize "TGI Fridays"?

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MysticMissMisty

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Hello.

I know this probably seems like a bit of a scrupulous question, but…

The Phrase “TGIF” is now used by many as taking the Lord’s Name on vain "(Thank God It’s Friday).

So, then, is it right for Christians to patronize the restaurant of the same name (“TGI Fridays”)? IF we do, cold that not imply that we agree with the name of the restaurant taking God’s name in vain?

Even though we may enjoy the food and/or atmosphere? Even though many people replace the offensive “God” (in this context) with “goodness” or even “gosh”?

Thanks.
 
I haven’t been to one in years because their food and service is terrible.

Setting that aside, I never had a problem with the phrase “TGIF”. First of all, there is nothing profane about thanking God for anything, including that it’s Friday. And second of all, if one doesn’t like God’s name associated with a restaurant, substitute “Goodness”.
 
Tis_Bearself said:
I haven’t been to one in years because their food and service is terrible.
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This is the much better reason to avoid it.

Also their ads I think reference “Thank goodness it’s Friday” if that helps, though someone else may then argue to avoid them because they’re removing the reference.
 
I have no problem with TGI Friday’s, and in fact, I think they have bowdlerized this in recent years, by emphasizing the “thank goodness…” part, possibly in response to those who might be offended. As TBS points out, there is nothing wrong with thanking God for anything good, and the end of the work week is certainly a good thing. Their food is OK and, sometimes, precisely what you want.

The real “problem child” is Moe’s Southwest Grill. They boldly support JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), which promotes embryonic stem cell research — slaughtering of the newly conceived child to extract its cells. JDRF politely tells anyone who objects to this, to go spit up a rope. (That, too, is a bowdlerization.) Moe’s food is awesome but I haven’t eaten there since they started supporting JDRF.
Aquinas11 said:
Not only Gods name in vain but Friday is last day we should be celebratory. Instead should be somber and sacrificing. Sunday we should be celebratory when Christ resurrected.
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Your point is well taken. Friday remains a day of penance, and it is only by derogation that the Church allows national bishops’ conferences to permit forms of penance other than abstaining from meat. While there would be nothing wrong with having a seafood meal at TGIF’s on Friday, keep in mind that they are open six other days out of the week as well.
 
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My understanding is that a lot of people, if not most, when they use this phrase, basically mean only that they are glad it’s Friday, with God having nothing to do with it. So, in essence, they gloss over God’s name, thus, taking it in vain in the sense that they do not take His Name seriously and/or reverence it when they use this phrase.
 
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Yeah, I’ve heard that there has been some controversy about God in the phrase being replaced by “goodness”. However, I have always replaced it in this way out of reverence for God’s name in such a phrase. When I use the entire phrase, I myself say, “Thank goodness it’s Friday,”, so, in a way, I wonder if the restaurant isn’t doing this for similar reasons? If so, I think this could be considered a good thing.
 
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Your post cam through while I was typing my previous question. A follow up: so if I say a quick prayer, without really thinking about the meaning, just glossing over the whole thing, eg a Hail Mary or Glory Be during a rosary, that may be taking the Lord’s name in vain?
 
MysticMissMisty said:
Yeah, I’ve heard that there has been some controversy about God in the phrase being replaced by “goodness”. However, I have always replaced it in this way out of reverence for God’s name in such a phrase. When I use the entire phrase, I myself say, “Thank goodness it’s Friday,”, so, in a way, I wonder if the restaurant isn’t doing this for similar reasons? If so, I think this could be considered a good thing.
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It’s a meaningless phrase — how do you “thank” goodness? It’s just a way to avoid the perception of taking God’s Name in vain.

I fail to see how being thankful to God for any good thing is misuse of His Name.
 
MysticMissMisty said:
My understanding is that a lot of people, if not most, when they use this phrase, basically mean only that they are glad it’s Friday, with God having nothing to do with it.
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How do you know this? Have you polled everyone who uses the term?
Because many of the people I know who would say “Thank God it’s Friday!” or “Thank God the work week is over” or “Thank God I have a couple days off” actually do believe in God and are genuinely thankful.
 
As Bear said, how do you actually know what people intend when they say the phrase?
 
HomeschoolDad said:
The real “problem child” is Moe’s Southwest Grill. They boldly support JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), which promotes embryonic stem cell research — slaughtering of the newly conceived child to extract its cells.
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The Moe’s Southwest Grill near me burned down.
 
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