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 very much resent those who have religious faith trying to control the behaviour of atheists and agnostics

When has anyone on this thread 'tried to control' you? I think it has been about opinions, preferences and perspectives rather than telling anyone what to do.

Well it takes little to amuse small minds.

@Flipflops85

Yep, the response was fairly dramatic! The actual direct response was this

Unlike you I’m able to walk down a street without feeling my imaginary friend is being assaulted. So thanks for the passive agressive sympathy of a racism and homophobia denier, means a lot dear

Far more OTT and aggressive.

Yes that way my response to OP’s passive agressive crap. I wouldn’t say I was passive agressive in response, I think it’s more just agressive agressive.

And I stand behind it. OP’s spiting loads of passive agressive, sanctimonious, holier than thou claptrap, while hiding behind a “oh little old me, I’m soooo nice!” and I think it should be called out.

It is 100% right that these kind of people are held to account for the intent of their words and not allowed to pull the whole silly little woman act.

You were aggressive in your response to OP and got what you asked for @Flowers500

I don't think the OP has been rude....... maybe a little heavy handed with some comments but not disrespectful.

However I think some other posters are trying their level best to be rude/overtly offensive/antagonistic towards others on here.

What happened to mutual respect and grace?

@Cadent

You were aggressive in your response to OP and got what you asked for *@Flowers500*

I was strong in my RESPONSE to OP’s passive agressive crap. Because I believe people should be called out on this rubbish.

@phoenixrosehere

Um.. How does saying for God Sakes compare to racist and phobic language?

oh no.. 😱

is this where this Thread is going 🤔

I was strong in my RESPONSE to OP’s passive agressive crap. Because I believe people should be called out on this rubbish.

Nope, you were aggressive in your initial response to OP, telling her it was 'none of her goddamn business'.

You were deliberately trying to win her up.

I read a comment from a person of the cloth (I forget any other pertinent details) that said that in essence, to blaspheme is to use god’s name to excuse bad behaviour.

So it’s more blasphemous to say that god doesn’t accept homosexuals into heaven than it is to say oh my god.

Either way I don’t really care tbh.

It’s one thing to let something slip out through sheer habit in everyday speech but this isn’t the case when deciding to write something like a post on here. I agree with OP and excuses like it could be any God isn’t going to let you off the hook. Where religion is concerned respect is a given whether you are a believer or not.

Funny that it is the christians who are usually the ones bleating about mutual respect.

AKA " Think as we do and leave us alone"

Neatly forgetting about the culturally embedded misogyny and homophobia the church has left us with, the control of women bodies and reproductive freedoms. Imposing indoctrination- with legal assent- into our children's minds

Until the church allows me to live my life without its pernicious doctrines I will continue to rattle the bars.

Where religion is concerned respect is a given whether you are a believer or not.

I respect the right of the OP to choose not to use phrases they consider blasphemous. I am under no obligation to refrain from using them myself.

excuses like it could be any God isn’t going to let you off the hook.
What hook?

That may have been a word in flowers every day vocabulary. OPcould have said she objected - not come out with passive aggressive pish. Any response thereafter was on OP.

Some people are offended. Some cannot see the offence when there are other things to be more concerned over.

And with regards to this

Where religion is concerned respect is a given whether you are a believer or not.

Respect is never a given. Respect is earned. And those who have had a negative experience with any organised religion can choose to do as they please.

It’s one thing to let something slip out through sheer habit in everyday speech but this isn’t the case when deciding to write something like a post on here.

If it is every day habit for some posters - then it stands to reason that it may well be posted within a response. Do we have to police every word we type just in case it offends someone? I don’t set out to offend anyone generally but concede it must happen.

If it is offensive then report it as such.

But OP getting all passive aggressive and then flouncing after throwing the Grenade won’t get much cuttings from me.

I do like the phrase 'won’t get much cuttings from me' I've not heard that before.

My husband is a practising Catholic. He doesn’t use ‘God’ or ‘Jesus Christ’ as expressions but has no problem calling someone a cunt.

I don't believe in any god. Therefore I feel free to use it as a mild expletive in the same way I would any other emphatic word.

You cannot compel me to believe that your religion is real and therefore you cannot compel my speech either.

If you want to believe in god that's your choice but I will not have my language policed by you or anyone else.

Where religion is concerned respect is a given whether you are a believer or not.

Why? seriously, why?

Respecting another person's right to believe - or not - in whatever they choose may be a given, but even that doesn't mean that you can't question or challenge that belief or disbelief.

Respecting the religion itself - certainly not.

@HypocriteHunter

That may have been a word in flowers every day vocabulary. OPcould have said she objected - not come out with passive aggressive pish. Any response thereafter was on OP.

This makes zero sense.

@ErrolTheDragon

Where religion is concerned respect is a given whether you are a believer or not.

Why? seriously, why?

Respecting another person's right to believe - or not - in whatever they choose may be a given, but even that doesn't mean that you can't question or challenge that belief or disbelief.

Respecting the religion itself - certainly not.

Has anyone said religion shouldn't be questioned or challenged?

Has anyone said religion shouldn't be questioned or challenged?

I didn't say anyone on this thread had. I've come across people who seem to think that.

cadent

It was in response to a poster who said that they could understand someone letting something slip (that could be considered blasphemous) in their everyday speech but NOT in a post.

If you read down a bit I explained that because it is in every day speech it stands to reason it could easily be typed in a post.

By someone like me who rattled out a response to a post in a slightly haphazard fashion due to time constraints.

Someone said that they were winding up OP by using a certain word which I won’t repeat again.

Rather than just objecting to the use of the word, OP came back with an unnecessary post (not just in my opinion).

Sorry it wasn’t clearer first time round.

It was to me when I was responding to the posts around it.

But I’m out now before I say something that will offend

@Gladimnotcampinginthisweather

I reported someone for saying 'Christ on a bike' once because I find that really offensive. No response from Mumsnet.

MN was probably speechless

I don't like it, particularly the JC expression. Not necessary

@sharksarecool

A few weeks ago there was a thread about the teacher who showed the offensive Mohammed cartoon. Lots of posters were of the opinion that, whilst it is should never be against the law to insult Mohammed, it is pretty insensitive to do it in front of Muslims since you know it causes great offense. I dont understand why the same thing doesn't apply to Christians.

I think the OP could have maybe worded her post differently, because some people have interpreted as Christians telling people what they can and can't say. What I think the OP was actually intending is point out that using the name of Jesus as a swear word is upsetting and offensive to people who are Christian.

Obviously we have the right to freedom of speech, but we often curtail that to avoid offending people we care about. I have bit of a potty mouth generally, but I would never swear in front of my granny because I know it would upset her. I think the same applies to blasphemy: if you wouldn't knowingly misuse the name of Mohammed or Allah in front if a Muslim then you shouldn't misuse the name of Jesus Christ in front of a Christian.

Obviously you don't know the OP personally, but if you DO know people in RL who are Christian, and if you respect them and care about their feelings, be aware that they will probably find it upsetting if you use casual blasphemy in front of them. And do with that knowledge as you see fit.

Exactly that