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Blogs > Noah235 > PLOUGHMAN'S LUNCH > IS "OMG" ACCEPTABLE?
IS "OMG" ACCEPTABLE?
Noah235
8/30/2008 2:55 pm
In the last week or two I have noticed that a number of bloggers use the initials "OMG" in their postings, which I can only assume stands for "Oh My God". I wondered whether bloggers thought it was acceptable for Christians to use the name of God in this way so have decided to open up a poll with the question being:

IS THE USE OF "OMG" ACCEPTABLE FOR CHRISTIANS?

Please explain your answer if you wish to do so.

Peter
Yes - I don't see a problem
No - never acceptable
Depends on the context
Other - please explain


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15
ANGEL_2_HIM
107 posts

8/30/2008 5:11 pm

I look it at it like they are calling on God and giving HIM the glory for it...like if someone tells of a healing etc and they are like Oh My God!!! That's who is on the throne! Why not?

If they mean it in a caddy hateful way..not good.

Either way, God knows our hearts...it's a heart thing and GOD is the judge and discerner of the heart.

This is why the word says if our heart condemn us not then we have confidence with the Father. The one who used it with correct intentions has confidence in God and the hateful one doesn't, similar to the offerings of Abel & Cain....

God bless you..

Great post! I think it will help people learn to quit judging!

In Jesus Holy Name...

mustardNpearls
587 posts 

8/30/2008 6:45 pm

Watch out for the Boa Constrictors.. they REALLY do squeeze the LIFE out of you.
Man has alllll kinds of rules, regulations, stipulations. Man has all kinds of things he calls unholy, unclean. Man has chains wrapped around himself by well...... listening to MAN.

omg...please help us.

"In the beginning........."

Fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; he that wins souls is wise

Cassiusclay
5463 posts 

8/30/2008 7:12 pm

I hear a lot of Christians using that, it is just that i may not use it, but for the ones who do, i don't see any big deal in it, i just don't that is all.

Gods way is my way,...Clay

Ibelieve1979
89 posts

8/30/2008 9:29 pm

I use it, but personally don't like to be casual w/God's name.
So I usually say. . . OMG (gosh) - like that!

That's what works for me!!!

C.L. Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone

Hisgrayce
1283 posts

8/30/2008 10:19 pm

Nope. Because even if you mean something else...everyone knows that it means Oh My God. It's like that commercial that was cut a couple of weeks ago that said OMFG. Everyone knows what that means, but they tried to say it meant something else. Not good! We shouldn't become too casual in our speech. Be wise is what you say.

Cassiusclay
5463 posts 

8/30/2008 10:44 pm

    Quoting Hisgrayce:
    Nope. Because even if you mean something else...everyone knows that it means Oh My God. It's like that commercial that was cut a couple of weeks ago that said OMFG. Everyone knows what that means, but they tried to say it meant something else. Not good! We shouldn't become too casual in our speech. Be wise is what you say.
Actually Debbie, i am in agreement with you there.

Gods way is my way,...Clay

FairHeart7

8/30/2008 11:38 pm

I remember using it once in a Christian chat room, and was pulled over the coals by the admin in front of the whole room. My heart in it was innocent and I was actually meaning, "Oh my goodness." But as much as I tried to explain I was told I was using the Lord's name in vain. So since that time I am a little bit more senstivie about using that. I also have to be careful using my typical Aussie slang or even some Australian words are misunderstood by other cultures.
Example, (thongs) etc..and put another sausage on the barby....
LOL...anyway, I try to be as sensitive as posssible, but hey like Peter in the Bible, I might every now and again put my foot in it. I am sure I will offend some people...even when meaning not to...

loki2007
2477 posts 

8/31/2008 12:02 am

Even though we are saved by grace and heaps of hail may not descend upon us we should honor Gods holy name and not use it in vain but with the praise and the respect we have for God.

Angel109

8/31/2008 12:16 am

I didn' know what it stood for before this topic. May God bless you.

Claudia_T
2412 posts 

8/31/2008 12:53 am

It does bother me, it seems to say we are taking God's Name lightly. Although I have done it myself before, as probably has everyone.

I think that if we do say things like that we will slowly lose the respect we ought to have for the Name of God.

Jesus is my Saviour, I shall not be moved.

simplysmiles
728 posts

8/31/2008 3:48 am

Unless, it means...Oh my goodness!! But, no one ever thinks that when they see OMG. I tell my students that the only time you should say God is when you are praying.

Karen

The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. - Fredrick Buechner

Overcaffeinated
7880 posts 

8/31/2008 4:22 am

I prefer to use "Sheesh!" or just "Oh my!" (As in lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)


Noah235 replies on 8/31/2008 5:20 am:
Isn't "Sheesh" just an abbreviation for "Jesus"? I would have thought it was no more nor less acceptable than "OMG".

Peter

ms_warriorthingy
6108 posts

8/31/2008 4:24 am

Jas 2 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

We can justify our actions, we can water the truth....but the Bible says what the Bible says.....let him who has ears hear!


Penelope
Captive of Hope

ms_warriorthingy
6108 posts

8/31/2008 4:27 am

    Quoting mustardNpearls:
    Watch out for the Boa Constrictors.. they REALLY do squeeze the LIFE out of you.
    Man has alllll kinds of rules, regulations, stipulations. Man has all kinds of things he calls unholy, unclean. Man has chains wrapped around himself by well...... listening to MAN.

    omg...please help us.

    "In the beginning........."
Jas 2 v 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

This verse is from the Bible....or do you only accept part of God's Word?


Penelope
Captive of Hope

BristerBate
4067 posts 

8/31/2008 4:56 am

Other:

I had the entire night to sleep on this.

"OMG" is also Oh my gosh!, an euphemism for God. It has become a common exclamation to express a range of emotions.
I would say it's still a "positive" one and doesn't cause any harm, or imply any blasphemy.
God bless! it's even used by nonbelievers in riposte to someone that sneezes.

Those that react to its use, probably connect it to the commandment "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..."

But to those I would remind that God is still a "word" and NOT the name of the Lord our God. Hence it's a generic term to denote "the supreme being", and not to connote Him.

Other used expressions:

For God's sake! (-->For Pete's sake!)
God willing...
God grant...
God forbid...
Play God...
Thank God...

Certainly more acceptable than to hear "God damn!" or worse! huh?

Just my reflections!

Noah235
975 posts

8/31/2008 5:27 am

Thanks for contributing everybody. I thought it was time I put my twopennyworth in. I don't think it is ever acceptable to use God's name in this way, and I very much doubt whether any non-Christian thinks OMG stands for "oh my goodness".

If people started using "Oh my Peter"! as an exclamation I would immediately think something was not right. Obviously I am not an omnipotent deity so it is unlikely that people would start using my name in that way, but imagining my name there instead of God's has given me a little insight as to how he views it. Try thinking about it with your own name there and see if you agree.

I would welcome further comments and votes.

Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

crucified777
861 posts 

8/31/2008 7:07 am

    Quoting BristerBate:
    Other:

    I had the entire night to sleep on this.

    "OMG" is also Oh my gosh!, an euphemism for God. It has become a common exclamation to express a range of emotions.
    I would say it's still a "positive" one and doesn't cause any harm, or imply any blasphemy.
    God bless! it's even used by nonbelievers in riposte to someone that sneezes.

    Those that react to its use, probably connect it to the commandment "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..."

    But to those I would remind that God is still a "word" and NOT the name of the Lord our God. Hence it's a generic term to denote "the supreme being", and not to connote Him.

    Other used expressions:

    For God's sake! (-->For Pete's sake!)
    God willing...
    God grant...
    God forbid...
    Play God...
    Thank God...

    Certainly more acceptable than to hear "God damn!" or worse! huh?

    Just my reflections!


AGREES WITH THIS MAN

GOD is NOT GOD'S name just a title:
1.The one Supreme Being, the creator and ruler of the universe.
2.The Supreme Being considered with reference to a particular attribute
In the old test. it's YAHWEH because it was considered so sacred is should not be uttered.ADONAI is another name Jehovah yet another
ELOHIM yet another EL Shaddai.And of course my all time favorite THE GREAT I AM.but in the new test. which is my preferred favorite It's

JESUS

Overcaffeinated
7880 posts 

8/31/2008 7:56 am

Noah235 replies on 8/31/2008 7:20 am:
Isn't "Sheesh" just an abbreviation for "Jesus"? I would have thought it was no more nor less acceptable than "OMG".

Peter

Who told you that? And it's certainly not an abbreviation! It's "Shhhsh" with a southern twang! When I call on Jesus, I call on Him loud and clearly!!


Noah235 replies on 8/31/2008 3:55 pm:
Well I will have to take your word for that. But people over here use "Sheesh" quite a lot and when they do it is obvious that it means exactly what I said.

ANGEL_2_HIM
107 posts

8/31/2008 7:34 pm

just a thought...if it makes you automatically assume it's blasphemy...what does that tell you about your thought patterns and your heart?

to the pure all things are pure...to those who defile unbelieving nothing is pure...their mind...their conscience defiled...

In Jesus Holy Name...


Noah235 replies on 9/1/2008 2:48 am:
It tells me that I am perhaps more sensitive to the abuse of God's name than others. I call that a good thing. Thanks for commenting.

Peter

ReadingandRoses
6226 posts

8/31/2008 7:47 pm

Sheesh is like "geeezzz" or "shoot" and if someone wants to make the huge stretch because it rhymes with and/or 'sounds like' Jesus or is short for BigChurch, then I'd suggest taking a deep breath and relax a bit. As for OMG, I've never use the initials, however do say "oh my gosh" or 'good golly'. I don't swear, even hell or damn, though many Christians do. While I agree we need to be careful in our speech, I believe there are cultural differences that make some slang and words acceptable in some countries or parts of the country that may not be in others. I don't get to stirred up over people's choice of words unless they specifically say "Jesus, Jesus Christ or God". That offends me. A friend used to respond to anyone who used those words with "Loves you dearly". Or "Died for you". I was with him in a theatre one time and someone exclaimed "Jesus Christ" and he answered loudly "Loves you dearly". Got quite the chuckle from the audience. Interesting post Peter!

Susan aka Red
God gives the very best to those who leave the choices to Him.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory. Eph 3:20


Find me at my screen name, blogspot and the usual ending. See ya there!

Where I
For Everything There is a Season
Halloween Pics from Work


Noah235 replies on 9/1/2008 2:58 am:
Hi Susan. I agree there are cultural differences but I believe the name of God {in whatever language or culture} ought to be treated with respect and reverence and not used casually or as an exclamation. Thanks for your interesting comment.

Blessings
Peter

PrettyLady35
102 posts 

8/31/2008 8:01 pm

I don't really like it, but I try to assume they are saying, "oh, my goodness."

I don't like even truncated or minced expletives, like:
gosh
gosh darn it
Jeesh
Jeez
oh my word
doggone it

I've used these myself a few times after becoming a Christian (I swore all the time before I was saved), I admit, but I try to catch myself. I always say a quick prayer for forgiveness, and try to never do it any more. I can't remember the last time I've used one of the above, now that I think about it! Praise Him!

When I use the word God, or Jesus, or Christ or Him, or LORD God (Yahweh), it is in all seriousness and I am actually reverently referring to His Person and/or making a true, binding vow. I never want to use it as an exclamation or in vain.

The Bible says we shouldn't swear by anything at all (in vain, for mere emphasis in everyday conversation) because everything belongs to God. ( Matthew 5:34-37 )

Blessings,
PrettyLady


Noah235 replies on 9/1/2008 2:52 am:
Thanks for your comment. I'm in pretty close agreement with what you say. I think we have been desensitised in our western culture to the origin of a lot of these phrases: for example even "Blimey" is a corruption of "God blind me". But perhaps objecting to "Blimey" would be TOO sensitive!

Blessings
Peter

Noah235 replies on 9/1/2008 7:51 am:
Looking back at my first response the last bit doesn't make sense. I think I must have meant "cor blimey"!

chantal85
29 posts 

9/1/2008 5:36 am

    Quoting ANGEL_2_HIM:
    just a thought...if it makes you automatically assume it's blasphemy...what does that tell you about your thought patterns and your heart?

    to the pure all things are pure...to those who defile unbelieving nothing is pure...their mind...their conscience defiled...
I totally agree!!!

Jesus bless u!


Noah235 replies on 9/1/2008 7:49 am:
Thanks for your comment. I trust you have read my response to ANGEL_TO_HIM on this point. I guess all I can say is that I see it differently to both of you!

Blessings
Peter

froots
71 posts 

9/3/2008 9:28 am

I agree with HisGrace. If we as Christians and role-models for the rest of the world buy into this notion of desensitizing what is wrong "To take God's name in vain" which is a commandment handed down to Abraham, then we may as well say that "The Golden Compass" is just an innocent children's story book (Where Adam and Eve kill God and the author publicly declares his anti-Christian Stance).
Its like saying "wearing FUKC clothing is just buying another brand". We know what it hints at. Jesus says we need to keep our minds, hearts and bodies pure. We may not always manage it, unintentionally sin can creep in. But why go and knowingly support "seemingly innocent" notions by adopting these terms and phrases as a fasionable/cool statement which is trendy and popular. So, do we use it to try and fit in with the trend? Is that what Jesus did? We need to make that difference. We need to stand firm and be vigilant because "the adversary" creeps in unnoticed and establishes the roots of evil when you let slip your guard. God bless!


Noah235 replies on 9/3/2008 12:28 pm:
Thanks for commenting. Yes I would say that what you have said agrees totally with how I am thinking. On another dating site I got to speak to a lady by telephone and was shocked when she used "OMG" {in unabbreviated form} several times in our conversation. I was so taken aback that I didn't say anything at the time, but later emailed her to tell her I didn't want to pursue things further and that was the reason. I was even more amazed the next day when she replied to say that all her Christian friends thought there was nothing wrong with it!

Blessings
Peter

fratello
55 posts 

9/3/2008 7:48 pm

A Very good question? regarding that with only need to call on him for help in time of sorrow, to praise, him, worshiping, love him, I get very mad about ppl taking His Name in vain, and I try only to look at them, and leting them know, that I'll be praying (without saying a word)IF you could ONLY see obviuosly my facial expression !Intersting enough in my way from California here(Texas) I saw a billboard that read's... "If You want to curse use your name.
GOD
I though I will get some shirts printed and give to some of my friends!

seabee555

9/4/2008 3:04 am

The televison generation has grown up thinking that certain blasphemies are permissible. It is an error by which the enemy of our souls keeps the young in his thrall!

My advice is:
watch your words,
be careful what you say,
mind your tongue,
and ONLY use God's name in appropriate context.

CB

Noah235
975 posts

9/4/2008 3:32 am

    Quoting fratello:
    A Very good question? regarding that with only need to call on him for help in time of sorrow, to praise, him, worshiping, love him, I get very mad about ppl taking His Name in vain, and I try only to look at them, and leting them know, that I'll be praying (without saying a word)IF you could ONLY see obviuosly my facial expression !Intersting enough in my way from California here(Texas) I saw a billboard that read's... "If You want to curse use your name.
    GOD
    I though I will get some shirts printed and give to some of my friends!
Hi brother. Great idea about the T-shirts! Might try that myself. It's difficult to know how to react when people use Jesus or God's name like this. I sometimes just say "where?" and look around me to see if he is standing there!

Thanks for commenting.
Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

Noah235
975 posts

9/4/2008 1:12 pm

    Quoting seabee555:
    The televison generation has grown up thinking that certain blasphemies are permissible. It is an error by which the enemy of our souls keeps the young in his thrall!

    My advice is:
    watch your words,
    be careful what you say,
    mind your tongue,
    and ONLY use God's name in appropriate context.

    CB
I totally agree! Thanks for commenting.

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

sennen
5 posts

9/4/2008 3:29 pm

I wouldn't use 'OMG' as I understand it to mean 'Oh my God' which I take as using the Lord's name in vain. Something the bible clearly tells us not to do.
However, some people may innocently think it means 'oh my goodness' or 'oh my gosh' (I have heard that said) so I wouldn't like to say.

magpie_1
107 posts 

9/4/2008 8:12 pm

i dont use it but it depends in how you use it most people say it when they hear of something extraodinary or almost unbelievable just just his mighty wonders at times that only he can do .but i dont agree when they put profanity into it but thats my view anyhow be good be safe and be AUSTRALIAN GOD BLESS

Noah235
975 posts

9/5/2008 3:14 pm

    Quoting sennen:
    I wouldn't use 'OMG' as I understand it to mean 'Oh my God' which I take as using the Lord's name in vain. Something the bible clearly tells us not to do.
    However, some people may innocently think it means 'oh my goodness' or 'oh my gosh' (I have heard that said) so I wouldn't like to say.
Thanks for your comment. I wouldn't want to judge other people's use but I agree we should be careful.

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

Noah235
975 posts

9/5/2008 3:16 pm

    Quoting magpie_1:
    i dont use it but it depends in how you use it most people say it when they hear of something extraodinary or almost unbelievable just just his mighty wonders at times that only he can do .but i dont agree when they put profanity into it but thats my view anyhow be good be safe and be AUSTRALIAN GOD BLESS
Thanks for your comment. As a supporter of Newcastle United "The Magpies" I applaud your handle! I'm sure I manage to be good and safe but there's a problem with being Australian since I'm a Geordie!

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

Overcaffeinated
7880 posts 

9/6/2008 5:26 am

I thought a lot about what you have said over the last few days but my thoughts would be way too long to post here since I am so very wordy. I think I might just have to write my own post so that I don't take up all your blog. Don't worry, they aren't negative thoughts. Just ponderings...

God bless you!

Noah235
975 posts

9/6/2008 10:12 am

    Quoting Overcaffeinated:
    I thought a lot about what you have said over the last few days but my thoughts would be way too long to post here since I am so very wordy. I think I might just have to write my own post so that I don't take up all your blog. Don't worry, they aren't negative thoughts. Just ponderings...

    God bless you!

Thanks for contributing. I'm sorry if my earlier comments came across as judgemental - they weren't meant to be {I'm in no position to judge anyone believe me! }. I just think we have lost touch with where some of the things we say come from and perhaps need to think a little more carefully.

I look forward to reading your comments when you get round to writig your own post.

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

honeebee
96 posts 

9/8/2008 10:03 pm

hi all, i would have to say that i do not use it i either use goodness ....when i am very pleased , or gosh when it is like a questioning response ....as for an aunt of mine who is not a devoted christian ...she says oh my GOLLY ...and that is because she holds steadfast to the commandment ...thou shalt not take the lord God's name in vain ....OH MY GOODNESS/GOLLY/ GOSH ....... i guess not Blessings to all

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Noah235
975 posts

9/9/2008 4:27 pm

    Quoting honeebee:
    hi all, i would have to say that i do not use it i either use goodness ....when i am very pleased , or gosh when it is like a questioning response ....as for an aunt of mine who is not a devoted christian ...she says oh my GOLLY ...and that is because she holds steadfast to the commandment ...thou shalt not take the lord God's name in vain ....OH MY GOODNESS/GOLLY/ GOSH ....... i guess not Blessings to all
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I would say what you do there is pretty sound!

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

Overcaffeinated
7880 posts 

9/9/2008 7:24 pm

    Quoting Noah235:
    Thanks for contributing. I'm sorry if my earlier comments came across as judgemental - they weren't meant to be {I'm in no position to judge anyone believe me! }. I just think we have lost touch with where some of the things we say come from and perhaps need to think a little more carefully.

    I look forward to reading your comments when you get round to writig your own post.

    Blessings
    Peter

I am sorry if you faced any judgement on my blog. That was certainly not my intent in the least. Your post here made me think. The result was my post as I thought outloud so to speak. While I believe God does indeed know my heart, I wondered what kind of impact some words have on my witness to others and was trying to think of substitutions but nothing really worked that way either.

I never meant for either of us to come under condemnation by it. Please accept my apology.

Noah235
975 posts

9/10/2008 1:46 am

    Quoting Overcaffeinated:
    I am sorry if you faced any judgement on my blog. That was certainly not my intent in the least. Your post here made me think. The result was my post as I thought outloud so to speak. While I believe God does indeed know my heart, I wondered what kind of impact some words have on my witness to others and was trying to think of substitutions but nothing really worked that way either.

    I never meant for either of us to come under condemnation by it. Please accept my apology.

Apology accepted thanks although I'm not sure that you really owed me one. As I said my intention was simply to make people think and it has clearly worked that way for you. I didn't feel under condemnation on your blog - I was simply aware of people disagreeing and that's fine by me.

As you say the important thing is that God knows both our hearts and he never wants to condemn us. The Holy Spirit may CONVICT us if there is anything he considers needs dealing with but that is always a positive step drawing us closer to Jesus.

Blessings
Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

Noah235
975 posts

9/11/2008 3:22 pm

This has been an interesting discussion. I would now like to add a supplementary question, which one or two of the contributors have referred to already. And it is this:

WHEN WE HEAR AN UNBELIEVER USE THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST IN A DISRESPECTFUL MANNER, WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REACT?

Do we ignore, or confront, or do we have our own individual way of responding?

Peter


"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2 v 15

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