Using God/Christ in negative threads

[Tigertalk]

Hi all, I’m a long time mumsnetter but finding it hard to read constant threads (as a Christian) that use phrases starting with ‘ for G*d’s sake ( insert some nasty phrase about something) . We don’t accept racist or phobic language so why is it okay to use God, Jesus, Christ etc in these contexts? It’s really uncomfortable to read constantly 🙁

I’m another one who finds it the frequent use of blasphemy offensive, the really offensive references seem to be more prevalent on Mumsnet than in real life thankfully.

Free speech is crucial, but at the same time I will never understand why people don’t have the empathy/common courtesy not to use language that obviously would upset many people (same with swearing), it just seems to show a certain degree of ignorance.

The word 'god' is not hard speech against anyone. Those who think it is have obviously never come across actual hate speech.

‘Your religion isn't sacred to anyone else. Do you worry that Jews or Muslims will be upset because you eat a bacon sandwich near them? Of course not, why should you.’

I would avoid eating things around people who were greatly bothered around them, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience me greatly.

On a separate note, I did not know motherfucker meant someone who fucks their own mother.

On another separate note, I don’t think we can all go around having our own definitions of an established church. The U.K. has an established church in law. I would assume most people learn this in school. It’s why schools always cover the Tudors - so we understand the origins of our own government and legal system.

‘Free speech is crucial, but at the same time I will never understand why people don’t have the empathy/common courtesy not to use language that obviously would upset many people (same with swearing), it just seems to show a certain degree of ignorance.’

I assume it is a lack of self control rather than ignorance. I associate it with people who can’t control their tempers, unless it is said in context.

@bathsh3ba

As a fellow Christian, I take your point but these phrases are ingrained in the vernacular and it's fashionable to be rude about religion. So I don't think you will get very far. Maybe this is one of the areas where we hold ourselves to higher standards than we expect of those who don't know the reason why we have those standards? Tbh I am a newish Christian and I find myself using 'Oh __' from time to time and have to stop myself. It's part of everyday language - the Bible does say we will be counter cultural...

How is it fashionable to be rude about religion

Oh @mnhq - another FABULOUS thread where you’ve allowed a religious group to be mocked and ridiculed.

For once I do hope the DAILY MAIL get this thread and then MAYBE, JUST MAYBE you’ll start PROPERLY moderating in a proactive manner.

I KNOW you’ve had LETTERS questioning the moderation of late. You clearly don’t care........ maybe you need the clients who advertise though you to care??

I don’t think there has been much mockery on here, tbh.

@Orchidflower1
OP posted on AIBU, so asking for other people's opinions. People gave their opinions, some of these people (myself included) think OP needs to get a grip. It's hardly mockery or ridicule, unless you think Christianity or any religion for that matter must be protected from criticism. But if you're offended by "omg", then you're already quite sensitive to finding offence to begin with.

To some people religion is just a few fairy stories... it’s an opinion on something

At a stretch it could be called a bit of history. If it happened, hero worshipping a man who is supposed to live up in the sky

But now it’s hoped the daily bloody Mail will pick it up?

I am deeply offended OP that you had children out of wedlock. You do realise that this world is sinking into the abyss because of people like you and all the gays and the baby murderers !!!

Oh no wait I don't actually believe in any of that shit.

If your question was do we realise we are offending you with all our Jesus fucking god shit the answer is YES and I will keep doing it until you and all the other god botherers leave the rest of society in peace and fuck off !

I remember taking a university course entitled 'Myth and History', and some Christians taking the course being mightily offended that the Bible stories were being filed under 'myth' in that course! No problems with the Koran, or legends of Aoteaora were also filed under that same heading, of course. . . that's different, innit. . .

I find the use of Jesus : Jesus f Christ : Mary Mother of God as swear words astonishing. Just why? Aren’t there enough Anglo Saxon words to use?

Obviously we have to turn the other cheek on rude, offensive language which is hurtful to a lot of people. And just because you think it’s all about sky fairies, billions don’t so maybe a little mutual respect will help?

Not that it will be shown but just putting it out there, it’s offensive to a lot of people

I believe that many people simply won’t accept we live in a pluralistic society. They believe society is going to change so that everyone agrees with them.

They therefore see making some basic attempt to be courteous to others to be a waste of time.

There are also of course also people who have ludicrously high expectations of how much courtesy they can expect to receive.

There are always going to be rude people swearing, shouting, saying abusive stuff, dropping litter, eating smelly food on public transport, playing loud music at 3 in the morning and all manner of other irritating things. Arguing about it is what keeps MN going.

Rather than take offence, why not simply forgive them?

Abracadabra12345

Many of us have suffered religious indocrination to some level at schools, families, society.
If religion could keep itself personal , wipe its feet at the door, without the need to infect others then I would support.
But christianity is an evangelical, proselytizing virus.
Mutual respect?
I am told I will burn in hell because I am full of sin.
How is that respectful?

I think the only way to avoid giving offence to anybody, either on MN, or IRL, is to render oneself mute. And stay indoors, with the curtains closed.

Because God doesn't exist

If you haven’t taken offence, there isn’t anything to forgive!!

Lots of religions are only too happy to say mean stuff and spread lies about Satan and his supporters, so it's a bit hypocritical that God's fans don't like their guy getting mocked.

@Mumoblue

“Mumsnet is a godless place”. I want that on a T-shirt.

I'd love to have that T-shirt!

Rather than take offence, why not simply forgive them?

@Moonmelodies

Very well put. Won’t someone think of the demons?

I told (the priest) my post partum depression was so bad that it was either contraception or i would kill myself

I'm very sorry you were so poorly, Custardo, but you were probably on a hiding to nothing with that one as the church regards suicide as a grave offence too

I attended the funeral of a coleague's son who'd taken his own life at 19, and knowing the priest's views I was surprised he'd agreed to do it at all
Once there, however, we found out why ... he used the homily, in front of the lad's grief stricken mother and everyone else, to tell us exactly how full of sin her son had been (and made a point of stalking past her without speaking afterwards)

A "man of god"? I think not ...

@Tigertalk

Hey I’m not going around getting offended all day. I don’t find many people verbally saying this stuff anyway. It’s mainly on here. I was comparing it to racism and homophobia to just make a point that it isn’t tolerated, yet *@HoneyDragon can just write cnting apostles or Jesus f** Christ and no one bats an eyelid. I just don’t see the need when there are so many other ways of expressing things. I understand, as a Christian country, certain phrases seep in and people probably don’t even realise there could be any offence taken. I’m sure people would be very careful in the use of Allah, but God, Jesus Christ etc are fair game and I just find it annoying. Nothing will change I’m sure but I find it personally jarring to read so many posters using this and just wanted to raise it

I agree OP. A lot of posters seem intent on trying to offend those with strong Christian beliefs and do not even attempt to understand where a Christian might be coming from.....in fact, it seems that sometimes they try to find even more offensive language. I don't understand why someone would do that.

I agree OP. A lot of posters seem intent on trying to offend those with strong Christian beliefs and do not even attempt to understand where a Christian might be coming from.....in fact, it seems that sometimes they try to find even more offensive language. I don't understand why someone would do that.
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Because sadly some people lack empathy and some are just there for the fight to goad and belittle people who are different.

Sorry bold fail for the quoted post.