Support NeoGAF

[God's Hand]

So there's this girl I work with who a year or so ago became Christian because she saw God and thinks we live in a fallen world. Her words. I'm the absolute oposite and a complete asshole, HOWEVER, I do not get into arguments with her nor do I "say the Lord's name in vain".

Yesterday I noticed she was upset about something, and I asked her what was up. She told me she's getting fed up with me for always saying "Oh my god" or just plain "god!". I say those sometimes because that's just what I say when I'm surprised or do something stupid.

I asked her why it's offensive, and she said: "Why is it offensive? Because I am a Christian and that is considered taking the Lord's name in vain."

The thing is, I don't say those things to offend anyone. In fact, I believe the term god is generic, because there are tons of gods out there that people believe in. Only problem is her's doesn't have a name, it's just God.

So is she making a big deal out of nothing, or does she have a valid reason to get offended?

 

[LakeEarth]

It's something you're not supposed to do. No one cares though :lol

Spoiler

Well, except god.

 

[demon]

Tell her to invest some of that emotional energy into something that's worth a goddamn.

 

[acidviper]

Just say "He who must not be named" or "OMFG". All your bases are covered.

 

[Tamanon]

Just start saying Cthulu.

 

[Manics]

Oh my gosh works.

 

[impirius]

Start saying "criminy" or "geez Louise"

 

[Fragamemnon]

Talk to your boss to ensure that using the word "God" in the way you've been using it is fine, and then continue to use it with impunity.

Don't worry about her actually taking steps to stop you. All evangelical types need that persecution complex to fuel their massive cognitive dissonance, and a usual persecution complex for a passive personality is day-to-day working with "godless" people.

 

[Musashi Wins!]

Tell her to invest some of that emotional energy into something that's worth a goddamn.

:lol

 

[Gattsu25]

Technically, you are using God's name in vain, God's Hand, though it normally (and by normally I mean in 99% of Christians*) isn't percieved to be as offensive.

*not based on facts

My suggestion: just say “Shit” instead

also: asking for opinions regarding anything related to christianity (even something as mundane as this) on at GAF--on the OT?

 

[Matlock]

I'm partial to "GOD OF THUNDER AND ROCK AND ROLL!"

 

[sprsk]

just tell her its your god not her god

christians dont own the word god

 

[Zilch]

Traditionally, "Oh My God" and "God" refer to the Christian God, even if you don't mean it that way. What other gods are named God, anyhow?

 

[sprsk]

Traditionally, "Oh My God" and "God" refer to the Christian God, even if you don't mean it that way. What other gods are named God, anyhow?

JEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSS

 

[Zilch]

Same difference.

 

[human5892]

Start saying, "Oh my fucking ass shit" instead.

 

[teruterubozu]

Just say you were praying spontaneously.

Next time just kneel and do the sign of the cross!

 

[Discharger]

Start saying, "Oh my fucking ass shit" instead.

I second this, mostly because it's the most awesome thing I've heard so far today

 

[aparisi2274]

So there's this girl I work with who a year or so ago became Christian because she saw God and thinks we live in a fallen world. Her words. I'm the absolute oposite and a complete asshole, HOWEVER, I do not get into arguments with her nor do I "say the Lord's name in vain".

Yesterday I noticed she was upset about something, and I asked her what was up. She told me she's getting fed up with me for always saying "Oh my god" or just plain "god!". I say those sometimes because that's just what I say when I'm surprised or do something stupid.

I asked her why it's offensive, and she said: "Why is it offensive? Because I am a Christian and that is considered taking the Lord's name in vain."

The thing is, I don't say those things to offend anyone. In fact, I believe the term god is generic, because there are tons of gods out there that people believe in. Only problem is her's doesn't have a name, it's just God.

So is she making a big deal out of nothing, or does she have a valid reason to get offended?

I bet she is a Born Again Christian. That whole group is a little umbatz in the head.

Anyway, I am a Chrisitan, but I do not believe in going to church. If I want to talk to God, I can talk to him in my own home. Anyway, if she feels that it is offensive that you said "Oh my God" or "God Almighty" or just "God" in general, and she is getting upset, then you need to confront her and tell her that her militaristic views on religion is offensive to you. Just tell her you have every right to say God, Oh My God, or God Almighty as you are a christian as well. If she still says its offensive, tell her there is nothing else you can do, and she has to accept it. Why should you change your views, because it offends one person.

 

[whytemyke]

Wouldn't God's name be like Jehova or Yewa? I mean... if you were going around going "JEHOVA DAMMIT" then you'd have a beef, cuz you're using God's name in vein. But I don't remember God ever saying, "Yo man, my name is God." He says I am your God. But God, really, is just a term we applied to it. For all we know, he could have a cool name, like Logan or Kwame. Kwame God. Has a nice ring to it.

Tell her that. Tell her God's name is really Kwame, and you're not taking his name in vein. You're taking his categorization in vein... which, Biblically speaking, is perfectly alright.

 

[sonicfan]

I can't believe it.....

 

[lexbubble]

Wouldn't God's name be like Jehova or Yewa? I mean... if you were going around going "JEHOVA DAMMIT" then you'd have a beef, cuz you're using God's name in vein. But I don't remember God ever saying, "Yo man, my name is God." He says I am your God. But God, really, is just a term we applied to it. For all we know, he could have a cool name, like Logan or Kwame. Kwame God. Has a nice ring to it.

Tell her that. Tell her God's name is really Kwame, and you're not taking his name in vein. You're taking his categorization in vein... which, Biblically speaking, is perfectly alright.

Brilliant....i think i might start saying jehova dammit


to the question - being catholic - i think that she needs to realize that you can't expect everyone to conform to her wants and needs. don't change for her. its silly for her to get to upset about something to small. i say Oh My God all the time. I don't think its taking the lords name in vain. that would be if you said Jesus F-ing Christ. or some other curse word for emphasism. Thats bad- but you aren't doing that....so....

 

[Shig]

Say "Oh Satan, winged prince of the underworld and master of my soul!" and throw up the horns.

Or take a note from Bender: "Oh your god!"

 

[Zilch]

I bet she is a Born Again Christian. That whole group is a little umbatz in the head.

Anyway, I am a Chrisitan, but I do not believe in going to church. If I want to talk to God, I can talk to him in my own home. Anyway, if she feels that it is offensive that you said "Oh my God" or "God Almighty" or just "God" in general, and she is getting upset, then you need to confront her and tell her that her militaristic views on religion is offensive to you. Just tell her you have every right to say God, Oh My God, or God Almighty as you are a christian as well. If she still says its offensive, tell her there is nothing else you can do, and she has to accept it. Why should you change your views, because it offends one person.

You're not a Christian.

 

[Tamanon]

Or the tried and true

"Jesus Titty-Fucking Christ". That's a winner, gold star!

 

[aparisi2274]

You're not a Christian.

and do you want to explain to me why I am not a christian? I would LOVE to hear this...

 

[FortNinety]

Thank God the Christians I know aren't so militant and overly sensitive. God's Hand, nothing your saying is the least bit offense, at least in my opinion. I say "Jesus Christ" around my Christian friends and coworkers and none of them are bothered by it (and I just asked a minute ago due because of this topic).

If I were you, I'd tell her that you mean no ill will and that she perhaps needs to lighten up, but promise to do your best to not say that around here. Make it clear that you are not changing just for her all the time.

And make sure you never mention what you call yourself on the GAF.

 

[FortNinety]

You're not a Christian.

Oh boy...

 

[Triumph]

I'm big on saying "Jehovah!" or just a simple "Jesus... yeah, that fucker still owes me money".

 

[IAmtheFMan]

and do you want to explain to me why I am not a christian? I would LOVE to hear this...

It's obvious! Your personal, spiritual interpretation of God's and Jesus' religious virtues don't match with the man-made doctrine made by a bunch of old white guys a couple of centuries ago. Get ready to burn, burn, burn!

 

[aparisi2274]

It's obvious! Your personal, spiritual interpretation of God's and Jesus' religious virtues don't match with the man-made doctrine made by a bunch of old white guys a couple of centuries ago. Get ready to burn, burn, burn!

oh schuks. Call me Crazy then.



EDIT. Oh and I also believe alot of what was said in the book "The DaVinci Code"

Someone get the stakes ready, a heretic is gonna get burned.

 

[Leatherface]

So there's this girl I work with who a year or so ago became Christian because she saw God and thinks we live in a fallen world. Her words. I'm the absolute oposite and a complete asshole, HOWEVER, I do not get into arguments with her nor do I "say the Lord's name in vain".

Yesterday I noticed she was upset about something, and I asked her what was up. She told me she's getting fed up with me for always saying "Oh my god" or just plain "god!". I say those sometimes because that's just what I say when I'm surprised or do something stupid.

I asked her why it's offensive, and she said: "Why is it offensive? Because I am a Christian and that is considered taking the Lord's name in vain."

The thing is, I don't say those things to offend anyone. In fact, I believe the term god is generic, because there are tons of gods out there that people believe in. Only problem is her's doesn't have a name, it's just God.

So is she making a big deal out of nothing, or does she have a valid reason to get offended?

I'd tell her to go rot in hell with satan. (make sure to do the hannible lecter tongue thing and raise those devil horns) I kid of course, but she's being a little too sensitive. If she wants to be an asshole, then choose a word she says frequently that annoys you and do the same thing to her. :lol

 

[Instigator]

So there's this girl I work with who a year or so ago became Christian because she saw God

What does he look like?

 

[Archaix]

There are many gods out there, but to christians, there's just the one. So if you say "God", you're talking about "the God" in their minds. If you say it in anger or when you're upset over normal earthly bullshit, you're using his name in a way it shouldn't be used. Supposed to be above all that and what have you.

That's the explination. Makes sense, but I simply don't care. Often find myself saying things along the lines of "Jesus shit" and "christ, fuck" when angry.

 

[Ghost]

Do you work in a store, cause i do and i see bums who look like god (to me) (only scruffier, and smellier) all the time...is she sure it wasnt just a bum?


I think if someone told me i was offending them by saying a word, id just say it more..and more...im a c*nt though.

 

[Leatherface]

oh schuks. Call me Crazy then.



EDIT. Oh and I also believe alot of what was said in the book "The DaVinci Code"

Someone get the stakes ready, a heretic is gonna get burned.

I just read that book..lol AWESOME stuff. Very interesting.

 

[Tsubaki]

In reality, I'm not exactly sure what it means to "take God's name in vain", but I think one reason for her reaction is cultural Christianity has defined it for her.

I believe that girl has the right heart, but being raised in that kind of environment, she is kind of blind to the legalism of it all. I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't follow Christian principles. But I am saying that 1) she needs to discover for herself what principles the faith embodies and 2) not judge you for your actions.

The truth is, saying "Ohmygosh" is the same thing but under technicality, it isn't. So it's accepted. It's the same things the Pharisees did.

 

[aparisi2274]

I think if u say something like "F*CK GOD IN THE A*S" thats taking his name in vain. I think if you just say OH MY GOD, or GOD IN HEAVEN, thats ok

 

[SteveMeister]

You can't say "gee" or "geeze" either, because they're variants on "Jesus".

 

[Diomedeskun]

"Using God's name in vain" does not refer simply to using it offensively, so much as any use that is not prayerful or acedemic (and still reverent) is unnecessary and wasteful of drawing His attention, and thus you are calling upon God in vain. This is a misuse of a sacred term, as His name is always to be spoken with reverence.

Jews actually write G-d so that God is never written on anything that may be thrown out or destroyed, and had theological divisions over whether it was proper to call Him Elohim or Adonai (Lord or God respectively I believe). Yahweh, or YHWH is too holy to use.

 

[darscot]

I'm not Christian or religous at all and I find it offensive when people say things like "Oh my God". It's just so over dramatic. When ever I hear people say it I always respond with something sarcastic like. "I don't think it's so bad we need to pray!"

 

[Dilbert]

If I were you, I'd try to make a good faith effort (no pun intended) to avoid saying "God" around her, simply out of courtesy.

 

[ronito]

Tell her that she's taking the lord's name in vain that she needs to stop breaking the first commandment. I know plenty of Christians that don't use God's name the way she does out of respect. Besides, it's always fun to call a christian a hypocrite, especially when you're right.

 

[FortNinety]

If I were you, I'd try to make a good faith effort (no pun intended) to avoid saying "God" around her, simply out of courtesy.

I do agree, but there is a point where people just have to understand that not everyone is willing to share the same religious understanding. If something is said that is bothersome, but there is no ill-will behind it, the person should let it slide. It's a matter or principle in my book.

 

[demon]

I'm not Christian or religous at all and I find it offensive when people say things like "Oh my God". It's just so over dramatic. When ever I hear people say it I always respond with something sarcastic like. "I don't think it's so bad we need to pray!"

I'm sure you're popular around the office.

 

[Dilbert]

I do agree, but there is a point where people just have to understand that not everyone is willing to share the same religious understanding. If something is said that is bothersome, but there is no ill-will behind it, the person should let it slide. It's a matter or principle in my book.

I would agree that this girl needs to learn to deal with people who do not share her beliefs. However, what is the goal? This is someone with whom he needs to maintain a friendly-yet-professional working relationship, and turning this into a battle of "rights" isn't going to achieve that end state.

It's MUCH easier to make a small change in his behavior and be done with this situation. Now, if she starts trying to proselyze him on his lunch break, then I would fully support elevating the issue...but somehow I doubt it will come to that.

 

[darscot]

It usually get a good laugh from the people around. The person that said it normally gets a little pissed. The odd person that is witty enough will fire back with "Come on lets hold hands and form a circle you never know."

 

[sc0la]

If "God" bothers her, try switching to a new exclamation.




I recommend, "Jesus H Christ!" Also try "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!"

I prefer Jesus H. Buddha

it makes them mad that you used his name, and then makes them mad that you didn't say it right, then it makes them mad you mentioned buddha.

win-win imo

 

[God's Hand]

I really don't care. I just won't say God anymore around her. I've already stopped saying Jesus Fucking Christ, etc., so might as well stop saying the G word altogether. I don't feel like starting a war with her. I mean, if I wanted to, I could create such animosity between us that no one has ever seen before. The unholy war, I would call it.

But eh, what's the point. I got a life to live. Thanks for all the comments, I had a good laugh.

 

[ronito]

So no go on the calling her a hypocrite thing?? Am cry