you use the words like: God damn, and Jesus Christ if you are non-believers? Must pain you awfully to have to use those types of words cuz you have nothing. Don't you feel foolish for using words that you don't believe in?
2006-10-29 16:11:32 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you D.O.G., why would they use words that they don't believe in. I never hear any Christians say Allah damn. Maybe they secretly are starting to believe but don't have the courage to admit it yet. One day, with Gods will, they will see the light. To those who say that it "pisses off the Christians", it doesn't make me angry at you, it makes me have pity on you. I wish everyone a blessed day!
2006-10-29 16:19:15 · answer #1 · answered by findjoanne 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I hardly ever swear. I used to swear more, and I did use those expressions at times. But I was raised Christian, and surrounded by people who used those expressions.
I suppose I went through a short phrase where I did catch myself using those expressions and felt foolish. But during that time I also felt foolish when I swore at all.
The other thing you have to consider is that swearing is part of pop culture, indeed part of our language. Lots of idiomatic expressions have nearly meaningless except for their cultural context. Consider the valley girl expression "Oh my god!" I am sure lots of agnostic & atheist people have said that expression with the valley girl intonation in mockery of air heads. If you want to think that such people are implictly acknowledging the existence of the God of Abraham when they say such things, go right ahead. But I disagree.
2006-10-30 00:40:24 · answer #2 · answered by Jim L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly: I'm an agnostic, not an atheist. But close enough for you folks, I think.
Secondly: I don't use words like God damn and Jesus Christ (unless it's not in vain), because, if God is real, then it really shouldn't be too much trouble to keep that one simple little commandment of his, simply out of respect.
Thirdly: your argument sounds a bit weak and discreditable because you resort to insults and petty name-calling.
Fourthly: If you're a Christian, then why do you use an alphabet and numbering system first developed by heathens? Why do you use technologies produced by science that has its roots in the ideas of pagan peoples?
Fifthly: why should you even care, unless your purpose is not to find a legitimate answer to your question but deliberately to offend people who are not like you?
2006-10-30 01:39:59 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If I was an atheist and raised in a Muslim society, no doubt the curses would involve Allah and Muhammed. If I was Hindu they would probably involve Krishna and Vishnu. When I say goddammit, I am not literally asking god to damn something, it is just an expression of anger.
Cursing is very related to the culture...what is a curse in one culture is meaningless in another. For instance, in Quebec (Catholic, French) "Tabernac" is a strong curse....all that means is tabernacle or temple....
Penn and Teller did an episode on "Profanity" in season 2 of Bullshit!. You should try and see it, puts it all in perspective. They are just words.
2006-10-30 00:17:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You say what you are brought up hearing. I'm sure that bhuddists and hindus or even the majority of muslims etc. Then there's the ultimate swear word which has nothing to do with god or jesus.. starts with F
2006-10-30 00:18:02 · answer #5 · answered by eantaelor 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's funny. True, there is no reason for an Athiest to say 'God Dammit' or "Jesus Christ!". But, no, I don't feel foolish in any way. But- you've made an interesting point. You got me!
Do you feel foolish believing in this silly ancient mythology and throwing your rationality to the wind?
2006-10-30 00:16:26 · answer #6 · answered by Morey000 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I use these words from time to time because I speak english and they are intrenched in the english language as a way of expressing frustration with out using profane swear words in respect of present company. How could you possibly use the words alien, witch, santa or athiest if you don't believe in them either?
2006-10-30 02:25:03 · answer #7 · answered by softy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Believers aren't supposed to say them either because it's a sin against god.
Athiests have more right to use them only because they know there isn't a god. Therefore, we can shun the god you believe in. :)
I don't feel foolish. I was born and raised a Catholic. I'm happier now as an Athiest than I was as a Catholic.
2006-10-30 00:16:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Actually, I say damn it and Jeebus. And many many other choice words, none of which I can use here. Why do you think we don't have any good swears? Don't you feel foolish for asking such a foolish question?
2006-10-30 00:45:39 · answer #9 · answered by ReeRee 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, because it's a cultural thing? Guess what Fornicate Under Command of the King is as an acronym? Look up the history of the f-word. We don't LITERALLY believe in the king commanding that, but the word is culturally used.
2006-10-30 00:14:17 · answer #10 · answered by Black Parade Billie 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Those words have evolved into a secularized meaning to express anger, stress, etc. I don't see why I would feel foolish using "god" or other meaningless words.
2006-10-30 00:19:29 · answer #11 · answered by Alucard 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋