Why do you say 'thank God' or 'oh God' when you don't believe in Him?
2006-12-07 07:22:38 · 49 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, there is Jehovah (Yahweh) of the bible, then there is God.
"God" is a neutral word which is defined in the mind of the individual. One definition of the word is even "a man of such superior qualities that he seems like a deity to other people" from http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&defl=en&q=define:god&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title, which also includes: "a hypothetical entity that can violate the laws of nature".
When a non believer says "oh God" or "thank God" it's obvious he's not talking about the biblical deity.
2006-12-07 07:30:13 · answer #1 · answered by Sweetchild Danielle 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To which God are you referring to? I do believe in a God... it's just not Your God. I do have to wonder though, why people think "Non-Believer" means someone doesn't believe in any God(s). I do Believe... I just don't believe like you do. BTW, God is not a name... it's a title.
And "Thank God" and "Oh God" are common expressions and normally doesn't have anything to do with an actual God. Thank God simply means that one is glad about the result obtained. Oh God has a couple different meanings - elation, aggravation, even humorous/outrageous.
2006-12-07 07:51:13 · answer #2 · answered by Kithy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Being a believer in something other than just one God myself, I believe that it is just a turn of phrase, not unlike saying gesundheit, and not being German. I my self make it a daily practice to say Thank the God's/Goddess'. I do occasionally say oh God, but I promise you it is not done to take anyone's "God" in vain.
2006-12-07 07:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by phluttr_bye 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was born and raised Christian. The culture I am surrounded by on a day to day basis is predominantly Christian. The phrases are purely idiomatic. Most christians even who mutter 'oh god' are not actively and intentionally invoking their deity, it's just an expression of fear or frustration devoid of its original theistic meaning. I do try to avoid using those phrases, and my mother laughs when I do as do I when I realize I've said it. With time, the habit grows weaker and weaker. You can never fully escape your first culture though.
2006-12-07 07:27:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've done that. It's habit because my family said it or my friends have. It's not religious at all. It's ignorant. I'm just venting, like if I hit my finger with a hammer. I caught myself some time ago doing that and decided to stop doing it. But it occasionally slips out. Perhaps this will help out with an understanding, even if it doesn't justify it.
Have you ever slammed your hand in a door and said "d am it!? It doesn't make sense to dam a door does it?
2006-12-07 07:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by elliott 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Habit. I say "Ye gods man!" and "Thank Jebus!" instead. But I've been told I'm odd. Most of us were raised as xian, and these little things slip into our speech without us noticing even as adults. It's hard to completely change your way of speaking. Most people don't even think about it.
OR...we're being ironic.
2006-12-07 07:28:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Language, idiom and common usage have nothing to do with one's current belief or disbelief. I am an atheist. I often say "for christ's sake what are you doing?" etc. It is small minded to think that every syllable I utter is in some way a running commentary on my inner life. What would you make of "Christ you're funny, you slay me!" ? I'm afraid you're being a tad silly.
2006-12-07 08:09:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thought for non-believers out there... Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." A few careless words on this page, I wonder? But take heart. Jesus also said, "Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven."
2006-12-07 07:50:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
My experience is that these expressions are used by non-believers. People who believe in God, tend not to blaspheme.
2006-12-07 07:26:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think part of the reason is that saying the lords name in vain has become much like swearing - more casualy spoken without really reflecting on the meaning. Its become one of those sayings that we all know and sub-consously say in conversation
2006-12-07 07:26:25 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋