Boss told me off for exclaiming Jesus Christ

It's really not a big deal. It's not like Christians follow the bible much (thank God!)

I try to avoid blasphemy although 'bloody hell' does slip out sometimes. I avoid swearing and blaspheming altogether in the work environment (years of working in customer-facing areas where it is a complete no-no). I swear freely at home, usually variants on 'fuck'. I've occasionally had people apologise for swearing in front of me at work, so possibility I have a completely undeserved reputation as a puritan.

I have no religion and can imagine myself saying that, but I also think your boss was right to pull you up on it. It is not professional and could cause offence.

All I said was this piece of halibut is fit for Jehovah!

Why are people saying this who claim to be Christians? It’s a commandment to not take the Lord’s name in vain. It’s a big deal for Christians.

I know many people don’t think that’s a particularly strong swear, but I really do. It’s up there with all the ones you’d never say at work.

I don’t know why it’s become a weak swear. I think maybe people’s disdain for faith, religion generally makes it feel satisfying. An extra rebellion if you like- rude word and anti religious at the same time.

I have a colleague who says this. I was really taken aback when they did it the first time. As a Christian, I really don’t like it, but haven’t had the courage to challenge it as I don’t want to come across as over-sensitive.

When we were at church a few years back I went to the back to talk to the priest about a christening for our newborn after the service. When my other DC (2) ran to a cupboard and opened it, the priest exclaimed "JESUS CHRIST" at the top of his voice, so personally I think anyone getting offended by it is just looking for things, but I'd still try to avoid saying it because people are so easily offended these days, especially on behalf of others.

I'm not a believer, but it's not a phrase I'd use at work, just as if I find myself about to type it out in a response to a post on Mumsnet, I censor myself. When you don't know all the individuals in your audience, it makes sense to be cautious.

The right to religious freedom = I respect your right to believe and I won't harrass or discriminate against you for it.

That's it.

Yeah, of course you are...

Christ is one of the major prophets of Islam.

I don't understand why he would say it's rude to people of different religions. Other than Christians, who does he mean?

It’s unprofessional language in a work meeting. No need for it.

I had that once and immediately followed with oh god, I'm so sorry. Wasn't my finest hour. I was so embarrassed that I didn't make the mistake again -you'll probably find you are the same.
You didn't intend to offend anyone, you presumably apologised, so forget it and move on.

I am not a believer I do think that it’s inappropriate for the workplace, as is swearing generally. (I swear but not in a work context).

I don't think it’s professional or appropriate.
I wouldn’t expect anyone I work with to exclaim in that manner or use swearing etc either if they are working in a professional environment.

To you, perhaps. Not objectively.

Like swearing, blasphemy doesn’t belong in professional or workplace settings. Personally, you can swear at me all day long but I will very politely ask you to stop if you’re blaspheming. I find it more offensive (appreciate this is my personal viewpoint)

It's really hard when certain phrases are so ingrained.

Good lord
Oh lordy
Good god
Oh my god

My mum used to say 'Jesus H Christ' when something like the wind slammed a door shut.

I do try to say 'cheesus' now and pretend it was a cheese reference.

Blasphemous language is the most offensive language you can use around colleagues.

I don’t think it deserved being told off, maybe just a gentle reminder that some people may find it offensive. Your boss was probably just trying to cover themself in making sure their staff are following general guidelines re religion etc etc.
Wouldn’t worry too much about it unless your boss came to you to say that someone had actually been offended.
I think it’s perhaps slightly unprofessional to make an exclamation in a meeting maybe. But I wouldn’t be shocked or offended I was in a meeting with someone who swore out loud or whatever.

Another DEI bashing thread. How anyone looks at the US and thinks 'that's the way' is beyond me.

DEI is about the LGB as well as the T. It's a slippery fucking slope.

I’m a Christian and I find it pathetic to be this sensitive. People use it as a phrase when they are shocked or whatever, I do it too.

it would be different if you were screaming I hate allah or something

I was raised in a Christian environment. And even though i don’t believe in any god anymore, i still don’t like it when people swear. It is just not a very professional reaction, it sounds aggressive and like you’re out of control. I wouldn’t like it if my colleagues would swear.