To wonder if Jesus Christ is swearing

Biblical writers are quite crude in a number of places, actually. More so in the Old Testament; for example, when Elijah mocks the prophets of Baal, he suggest that Baal might be on the toilet. So he was quite crude really; translators toned it down.

I admit that I’m not above a bit of swearing myself; I sometimes mutter ‘shit’ under my breath, for example. (I don’t actually understand why that’s a swear word, really, but obviously it’s crude.)

I do find the subject of language very interesting.

But why say the name of Jesus Christ? Why does his name get used as a swear word? I don’t get it. There”s a whole raft of words to use to express annoyance, from the very mildest to the not-to-be-said-in-public 😁

It isn't like saying shut the door.

If everyone started using a particular common name in the same way as Jesus Christ, in place of a swear word, people with that name would care and I bet it'd fall out of use. Just like Karen, Fanny and Dick. I feel very strongly against the modern use of Karen too and although it's not a swear word being used as an insult is bad enough.

I'd hate my name to be used like that.

Very true, and I guess that again its a doctrinal position that I hold and most likely a conversation for another thread. I guess I left Catholicism for a reason so have my own points of contention on theological topics and I guess my question is 'devotion to what or whom?'. Anyway, it's not relevant for now. Thanks for you kind words about my daughter. I think I have it sorted thankfully.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Has God asked St Anthony where His ear is yet?

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.

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.

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.

I love Jesus Mary & Joseph - 😆🙌

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.”

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.”

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.