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 🙁

@UhtredRagnarson

When I think of some of the atrocities that were carried out “in the name of God” I feel quite comfortable using “oh my God” regularly.

Exactly this.

Nah. I'm a pretty liberal person but religion can fuck off. Christianity led the way as far as misogyny, torture, war, and financial greed go. If the OP wants something to get upset about I suggest she looks at the current behaviour of those in her faith - I'm sure she will find all sorts to be offended by there.

I'll continue to "blaspheme" thanks. Jesus H on a bike.

@lljkk

Thread reminds me what writers of The Simpsons said about Islam. They could take the mick out of any other religion but not Muslims.

You could get het up about that as "only Islam gets respect"; or you could hear what it really means: the other religions were secure, robust & confident enough to comfortably shrug off light-hearted or casual treatment and criticisms.

Most "respect" Islam gets is because a lot of people (certainly in the UK) are too lazy and ignorant to do a bit of research and discover that a great deal of what is done "Because it's Islam" is really a cloak for backwards cultural thinking.

Ideally people should learn at school that Christianity is crock, and then with those tools of critical thinking be able to call out all other religions bullshit.

I think it's fine because God doesn't exist and so can't be offended. It gets on my nerves when people get offended on behalf of others, particularly when those others don't exist.

That's just a really silly comment. Whether you believe in a Christian God or not, historians across the globe accept jesus lived and breathed. So not a fictional character.

Actually the latest research says that he was most likely the amalgamation of stories about three different men who lived within 100 years of each other.

You have absolutely no right OP to come on here and tell us what to say.
You have a perceived moral high ground that is based on your religion, time to trot off on your holy horse, god bless.

Normally I try to avoid language that offends people as I generally don’t want to be offensive. But in this instance: a) language like this is absolutely standard where I’m from and b) reeeeeeeaaaallly hard to respect a church that has committed so many horrendous acts. I feel sick every time I think of the mass grave in Tuam. So I’m not persuaded on this one.

www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/03/mass-grave-of-babies-and-children-found-at-tuam-orphanage-in-ireland

Whether you believe in a Christian God or not, historians across the globe accept jesus lived and breathed.

And 100% was not white.

Oh god yes, the "god bless" phrase! I am so offended when people say that to me, other than if the current Pope did, that would be ok, but being fucking god blessed ... well, it's just offensive.

to clarify again, OP - people deserve respect, which is why racist language needs to be stopped. 'racism' includes generalisations against groups of believers in any particular creed. Or sexism - ' all men are bastards', 'all women are fools', that kind of thing.

your god is just one of thousands that humanity has believed in over the centuries. Your god is a belief, not a person, and therefore does not qualify for respect, or indeed immunity from mockery. Your god is no more valid to most others than Jupiter, Thor or the flying spaghetti monster.

You cannot control the language of others in reference to a belief. That has been the root of atrocities, some very recent.

@Tal45

I think it's fine because God doesn't exist and so can't be offended. It gets on my nerves when people get offended on behalf of others, particularly when those others don't exist.

Exactly my thoughts too.

Insulting imaginary things can't be compared to homophobia, racism, etc., as OP has tried to do, either.

Bonkers.

@CheeseCakeSunflowers

I think as Christians we are called to consider our own actions, thoughts and words, try to walk in the way of Christ as best we can and try to be good examples of how to live as a Christian. Of course we all fall way short but each time we fail we should acknowledge our faults and resolve to do better. I do not think that we are called on to judge others, we can explain why we choose not to use certain words then accept that others will make their own choices.

Absolutely. I just wondered if some posters just didn’t realise it could be a bit uncomfortable for others. I was just highlighting that. I’m sure 98% of people who have read this thread will carry on the same but if a few rethink, that would be good. I’ve been guilty myself of saying what could be deemed an offensive word and not realising at all and have changed when called out.

I live in Ireland and a lot of my friends are Catholic, attend Mass etc. (I’m an atheist.)

The swearing on Mumsnet is mild compared to some of my best friends who try to use ’feck’ instead of ‘fuck’ in their sentences, to be polite. It tends to get more blasphemous, according to the level of excitement in the discussion.

Thankfully, they’re genuinely lovely kind people who look out for their friends and neighbours on a daily basis and don’t resort to using their religion as proof of their superiority.

I'm never convinced that threads like these aren't just goady reverses.

@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

Which “Christian country” is that?

I agree with you Tiger and so I would even if I was not Christian, because I realise it would be offensive to Christians. There really is no need, there are plenty of other words. However we are flogging a dead horse!

@Gladimnotcampinginthisweather

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

But God isn’t imaginary to a lot of people @SofiaMichelle

@Tigertalk

But God isn’t imaginary to a lot of people *@SofiaMichelle*

Which God? There are literally thousands.

You can believe in Jesus Christ without condoning all that has been done in the name of religion and , as OP says, the mistakes are wrong and child abuse deeply horrendous. Knowing that mistakes are and have been made in the name of religion, makes all feel we can't tell others what to do, and Jesus's message of kindness is a universal one which people act out in their lives, not necessarily in his name, but feeling divine influence - I believe.
Indeed, IMO, Mumsnet is a forum about helping and sharing and being Good Samaritans to people we don't know.
But there is no need, anyway, to use a person's name as an oath. It's either saying something is important by invoking somebody who is important, thinking that they are ( taking the name in vain) or just using these words as sayings. But language can always be made more precise and effective and it's good to ditch meaningless phrases from our personal lexicons.

'F*ing' creates a colloquial, jolly and relaxed feel which might put other readers at ease, and probably a lot of posters use it for that reason, especially when helping posters who will cheer up after receiving some friendly help..

I personally find Christianity quite a creepy religion. Every good deed done "in the name of God" is purely for one selfish reason. That being to get into heaven when you die. Religion is full of hypocrisy. Don't even get me started on "Christians" who pick and choose which part of their bible they follow 🙄. The OP is just another example by judging those who choose to exercise their freedom of speech.

God isn't real

Being racist is real, to real people

The 2 don't compare

@Tigertalk

I’m not new , I’ve been on here years. I’m sure flowers can post to me if she/ he wants to raise an issue

Haha we’re fine, don’t worry!

I do find it funny though when it’s all “be nice” and then followed by what is clearly a very passive agressive insult. I’d rather everyone just be robust and straightforward in their dealings with others. I have no time for people being sanctimonious and faux nice.

I’ve said it how I see it: I think your opening post was disgusting (to victims of racism and homophobia) as well as just flat out insulting to lots of cultures (as I said, I’m Irish).

So yes I am mildly annoyed, but I find your faux concern “holier than though, does the church flowers while bullying the single mothers” vibe to be reprehensible. People like this that I know in real life tend without failure to be absolutely the MOST judgemental and bullying. All behind a smug smile, clearly not realising that most people around them want to shove them off a cliff.

You do you.

As someone with an Irish Catholic background may I suggest that you never go to Ireland without taking some heavy duty ear protection.

@Heneage

Oh god yes, the "god bless" phrase! I am so offended when people say that to me, other than if the current Pope did, that would be ok, but being fucking god blessed ... well, it's just offensive.

I think if you find a Christian sincerely saying "God Bless" to you offensive, you're a bit of a knob. It's merely their way of "being kind" surely ?

I'm vaguely reminded of atheists (whose outrage make Christians look like a party when it suits them) who are fuming at being invited to a christening - as if they'll "catch God" ...

If you are an atheist, surely a visit to a church is merely looking at architecture ?