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Original poster

To wonder if Jesus Christ is swearing

329 replies

badmornin · 16/09/2026 18:41

Because I exclaimed OH JESUS CHRIST in frustration today on the school run. Not my finest moment and I will admit that; it had not been a good morning, lots of stress here and my younger child nearly tipped me over the edge demanding to be carried and blocking everyone’s way on the very narrow pavement, picked her up, dropped everything else I was carrying and said the above.

We have had a message about bad language in front of the children and I feel like it’s aimed at me.

wondering what MNetters think?

OP posts:
SorcererGaheris · 19/09/2026 11:52

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 18/09/2026 21:44

I’d never really thought of it like that! That patron saints are a bit like trying to replace the “lost gods” if you like.

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@GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing

The other gods aren't really lost. They're still being actively honoured and engaged with by pagans, witches and occultists.

SorcererGaheris · 19/09/2026 11:41

Thegirlwhowent · 18/09/2026 13:34

Yes, but Karen, Fanny and Dick are real people who can tell us if they're offended. God isn't and can't. Jesus might perhaps once have been real but even if he was, he's not around now to hear it.

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@Thegirlwhowent

My objection to the use of 'Karen' as an insult is that it's blasphemy against the great Karen Carpenter. When people hear the name Karen, I'd prefer they think of a lady with a glorious voice who was also a talented drummer, rather than some entitled, obnoxious female.

If I were to ever have children (unlikely) and any were a daughter, I'd consider Karen as a name in her honour.

Brahumbug · 19/09/2026 11:20

Jesus was actually going to be called Henry until Mary stubbed her toe

thislittlelife · 19/09/2026 11:12

It's a bit inappropriate, and yes I expect the message was aimed at you. My 9yo has started saying this and it's driving me nuts, I don't like hearing it from a child (although I wouldn't bat an eyelid at an adult saying it). We're modelling language so need to think "Would this be fine for a child to say?"

Having said this, years ago I dropped a glass in what I thought was an empty kitchen and muttered "Fuck sake." Under my breath, only to hear a luttle voice behind me say the same thing... hadn't realised my 2yo had followed me in 🫣 not my finest moment... I shrugged and was more mindful of my language moving on!

BeanNaGealai · 19/09/2026 11:01

LizzieW1969 · 19/09/2026 10:34

Point taken, it’s easy to forget that because it’s a word you hear so often being said on TV and in general conversation.

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As is omg etc…

LizzieW1969 · 19/09/2026 10:34

BeanNaGealai · 19/09/2026 09:56

Surely “damn it” would also be offensive given that it’s short for god damn it? Dropping god’s name doesn’t change the meaning of the phrase.

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Point taken, it’s easy to forget that because it’s a word you hear so often being said on TV and in general conversation.

BeanNaGealai · 19/09/2026 09:56

LizzieW1969 · 19/09/2026 08:24

I tend to say ‘Oh my gosh’ actually, or ‘oh my goodness’. When I’m really frustrated, I confess that ‘shit’ can slip out occasionally, or ‘damn it’. So my language certainly isn’t perfect all the time.

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Surely “damn it” would also be offensive given that it’s short for god damn it? Dropping god’s name doesn’t change the meaning of the phrase.

LizzieW1969 · 19/09/2026 08:24

Fulbe · 19/09/2026 07:25

Wow, I had no idea. Thank you, I don't want to offend people and clearly have been doing so for years without realising.

What do you say instead, in frustration?

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I tend to say ‘Oh my gosh’ actually, or ‘oh my goodness’. When I’m really frustrated, I confess that ‘shit’ can slip out occasionally, or ‘damn it’. So my language certainly isn’t perfect all the time.

Fulbe · 19/09/2026 07:25

Chocolatelabsarebest · 19/09/2026 05:47

Yes I would find it offensive and would not let my children say it. Also OMG.

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Wow, I had no idea. Thank you, I don't want to offend people and clearly have been doing so for years without realising.

What do you say instead, in frustration?

Chocolatelabsarebest · 19/09/2026 05:47

Fulbe · 18/09/2026 23:54

Does this mean that "oh God" is offensive too? Just curious to hear others' views.

Yes I would find it offensive and would not let my children say it. Also OMG.

Fulbe · 18/09/2026 23:54

Does this mean that "oh God" is offensive too? Just curious to hear others' views.

LizzieW1969 · 18/09/2026 22:10

Chocolatelabsarebest · 18/09/2026 21:31

As a Christian I believe that God gave us the Ten Commandments to live by; and the third commandment tells us not to use the Lord’s name “ in vain.”

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^I believe the same as you, about using Jesus’s name. It does go against the Third Command. As I said earlier, I do find it upsetting, whilst I acknowledge the historical context in Ireland.

I don’t have the same concern about other swear words, though I’ve always disliked the F word. (Sadly, DD1 has developed the habit of using it during the last couple of years.)

Thegirlwhowent · 18/09/2026 22:04

Chocolatelabsarebest · 18/09/2026 21:31

As a Christian I believe that God gave us the Ten Commandments to live by; and the third commandment tells us not to use the Lord’s name “ in vain.”

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Do you follow the commandment about not making graven images? Actually, I think most of the commandments are sensible rules to live by, but I think they came from rational people, not from a god. If we use our brains, humanity and empathy, we can generally work out what's good and bad.

trekkiemonster · 18/09/2026 21:48

Not sure but better than saying ‘Gosh’ or ‘Oh my gosh’ 🤮

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 18/09/2026 21:44

TurquoiseGoldPeaches · 18/09/2026 21:41

I love Jesus Mary & Joseph - 😆🙌

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You mustn’t forget the wee donkey!

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 18/09/2026 21:44

Darkdiamond · 18/09/2026 16:32

Oh I know, I'm Irish! If you lose your keys, St Anthony is on speed dial in my parts. St Jude if you're really stuck. St Gérard Majella if you're trying to get pregnant. I am a teacher and a few years ago was teaching my class about Viking gods, with the god of war and god of wheat and god of whatever, and it really resonated with me growing up Catholic. The polytheism really clicked.

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I’d never really thought of it like that! That patron saints are a bit like trying to replace the “lost gods” if you like.

ProjectFailScary · 18/09/2026 21:43

I’m an atheist so blasphemy isn’t important to me, also blasphemy isn’t a crime. However, I would be respectful in a Church school. 😂 No harm done, move on, it was a mistake, learn from it.

TurquoiseGoldPeaches · 18/09/2026 21:41

PinkLemons99 · 16/09/2026 18:52

I absolutely detest passive aggressive complainers.

People who won’t say things to your face but make a song and dance and have a generic whinge to the world at large, can get to fuck as far as I’m concerned.

Try saying “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” next time. I’m sure that will help. 😂

P.S. DS went to a Catholic school and you should have heard the language from some of the parents, but then I live in Ireland and we don’t really give a feck.

Edited

I love Jesus Mary & Joseph - 😆🙌

Chocolatelabsarebest · 18/09/2026 21:31

Thegirlwhowent · 18/09/2026 13:34

Yes, but Karen, Fanny and Dick are real people who can tell us if they're offended. God isn't and can't. Jesus might perhaps once have been real but even if he was, he's not around now to hear it.

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As a Christian I believe that God gave us the Ten Commandments to live by; and the third commandment tells us not to use the Lord’s name “ in vain.”

BeanNaGealai · 18/09/2026 21:28

NeverDropYourMooncup · 18/09/2026 17:51

Has God asked St Anthony where His ear is yet?

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That would be an ecumenical matter.

Thegirlwhowent · 18/09/2026 21:07

Whynottryagain · 18/09/2026 15:20

I'm not Karen but I'm offended on behalf of Karens. Other friends of Karens may feel the same.

The question was, is Jesus Christ a swear word if used as the OP used it. The answer is that many people find using it in lieu of a swear word very offensive. It's irrelevant whether God is real or not, if your goal is to avoid causing offense.

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I find the use of 'Karen' offensive but I'm not going to be bothered about upsetting any imaginary being. Whether they are real or not is absolutely relevant. I'd be mindful of the people around me because of their feelings, but I wouldn't worry about what the so-called god thought.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 18/09/2026 17:51

BeanNaGealai · 18/09/2026 16:45

That’s only for those without a special relationship with st Anthony. He does everything for my mother apparently. He has god’s ear so just sorts it all out for her regardless of whether there is another saint who is officially in charge.

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Has God asked St Anthony where His ear is yet?

BeanNaGealai · 18/09/2026 16:45

Darkdiamond · 18/09/2026 16:32

Oh I know, I'm Irish! If you lose your keys, St Anthony is on speed dial in my parts. St Jude if you're really stuck. St Gérard Majella if you're trying to get pregnant. I am a teacher and a few years ago was teaching my class about Viking gods, with the god of war and god of wheat and god of whatever, and it really resonated with me growing up Catholic. The polytheism really clicked.

Show quote history

That’s only for those without a special relationship with st Anthony. He does everything for my mother apparently. He has god’s ear so just sorts it all out for her regardless of whether there is another saint who is officially in charge.

Darkdiamond · 18/09/2026 16:32

BeanNaGealai · 18/09/2026 14:39

In the case of my mother, she has a particular devotion to St Anthony who is used as an intermediary to god. That is also common in Ireland. Lots of people have their favourite saint who they pray to. Again, it harks back to polytheism. There is nearly always a picture of the sacred heart hanging in the house of devout catholics and when we were kids, the rosary would be said in front of the picture every night.

For my mother, Jesus would be the one you pray to seriously whereas st anthony is more akin to a good friend. But Jesus would still be a family member.

Show quote history

Oh I know, I'm Irish! If you lose your keys, St Anthony is on speed dial in my parts. St Jude if you're really stuck. St Gérard Majella if you're trying to get pregnant. I am a teacher and a few years ago was teaching my class about Viking gods, with the god of war and god of wheat and god of whatever, and it really resonated with me growing up Catholic. The polytheism really clicked.

Whynottryagain · 18/09/2026 15:20

Thegirlwhowent · 18/09/2026 13:34

Yes, but Karen, Fanny and Dick are real people who can tell us if they're offended. God isn't and can't. Jesus might perhaps once have been real but even if he was, he's not around now to hear it.

Show quote history

I'm not Karen but I'm offended on behalf of Karens. Other friends of Karens may feel the same.

The question was, is Jesus Christ a swear word if used as the OP used it. The answer is that many people find using it in lieu of a swear word very offensive. It's irrelevant whether God is real or not, if your goal is to avoid causing offense.