Is saying OMG or words like 'geez' still taking the Lord's name in vain?
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Asked July 01 2013
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Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Bren Stewart
I am amazed at all of the explanations here with regard to this question.
My experience with the usage of OMG, is that more often then not it is used when someone is witness to a horrific event or sight...which causes me to ask myself; are they, in a way, praying instantly for those who are suffering in the horrific event...in other words what is their intent in using these words in that given moment.
As to myself, I have fallen to having said OMG, when something has surprised me beyond belief, in which case I also immediately say I am sorry to the Lord.
Greg Kelly
Here is one that will mess with the ole' noodle that I thought of once.
In the movie "Planet of the Apes" at the end when Charlton Heston sees then Statue of Liberty he utters a very consise statement, I'm sure many are familiar. In the pure "context" of the movie circumstances he is NOT taking the name of tne Lord in vain, he means it.
Nevertheless, since it is "only" a movie, is that not taking the name of our Lord in vain? Just a thought question "comment",to attach to the many comments, respond how you will, I'm interested in responses, just a thought of mine hoping to spur and perhaps even (in humility) enhance the discussion's premise.
In Jesus, I seek to understand before being understood. Thank you.
A F
“God” is not his name. It is a title, the same title given to every other god named by other names. There is always a problem when we apply our current culture to the historical principles. Taken out of context, we become like the Pharisees who crucified Christ, but now we do to his would be followers.
Bren Stewart
AF, I don't understand your comment. What is His name then?
What does [culture] have to do with [principles], as you have stated here, in terms of things being "faken out of context"?
I had to look those two words up so I could try to understand what you are saying here. Here is what I found:
Culture:
The tastes in art and manners that are favoured by a social group
All the knowledge and values shared by a society
The attitudes and behaviour that are characteristic of a particular social group or organization
***************************************
Principles:
A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
A rule or standard especially of good behaviour
A basic truth, law or assumption
A rule or law concerning a natural phenomenon or the function of a complex system
the fundamental reasons or logic behind something; the justification for something
[ ethics]
And I still can not see what you are trying to compare here in terms of God's 'name'. Whether it is Past, Present or otherwise.
AF can you help me to understand your perspective?
Bren
Ken Tomes Sr
No matter how you say it--"omg" or "gosh"--when you say it you cause me to think it. You sinned and made me sin. In any way it is said, sin is sin. The "f" word is covered in so many ways, but however you say it, I think it. Why not ask God for a clean heart? Then he will handle it. Ask and He will send a helper
Frank Smith
I think using the Lord's name in vain is when an unsaved person uses, "Oh my God" and any spoken word that does not honor God. However the use of the phrase “God damn” is much worse than the other words!