Is it wrong to say "Jesus Christ " in the workplace?

Question

Is it wrong to say "Jesus Christ" while at work or anywhere else for that matter? AND IS YOUR BOSS ALLOWED TO STOP YOU FROM SAYING THIS because 1 person says they are offended by it?
By the way the person who claims to be offended says "Oh My God" frequently. Is one better? less "offensive" than the other?

I am the one who says :Jesus Christ!" or "Jesus give me patience!" or "Jesus I'm tired!". When I'm surprised or simply using it as an exclamation mark of sorts! Is it right to tell me I'm not allowed?

Answer 1

It's a religous thing you can't use gods name in vain

Answer 2

The words "Jesus Christ" are considered cursing, and yes, it's wrong! Your boss is absolutely allowed to stop you from doing this as it is his business and he sets the rules and regulations there. It doesn't matter if only one person is offended by it or if 100 are. It is an offensive exclamation!

Oh my God, on the other hand, is used to register surprise and not disgust. One is offensive and the other is not! When one blurts out "Jesus Christ" you take the name of the Lord in vain. It is, after all, a commandment that should be taken seriously! It's up to you to find another way of expressing yourself when you're frustrated.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, it's considered politically (and religiously) incorrect to mention anything that remotely pertains to anything religious. The person who is offended is probably taking issue with the fact that some people use the name of Jesus Christ in vain. I rather think this is more the issue than the fact that God has been banned from the schools and the work places. It is more like swearing when somebody says the name of Jesus when they are angry, upset or frustrated about something that's happened at work. That's probably why your boss is prohibiting you workers from saying it, which is more a moral issue than a religious one. Same goes for "Oh My God", which also used as an expletive. But just to be on the safe side, it's better to refrain from making any references in vain in the name of God or Jesus, and just praise God more appropriately in church or at home.

Answer 4

As a general rule, it is a good thing to avoid any workplace language that you could reasonably expect to offend someone. Yes, the boss can stop you, and should. There might be an excellent co-worker who would just quit rather than confront the boss with the fact that workplace language offends his or her religious values. Customers might hear you and not come back.

Christians believe that the name of the Lord should never be taken in vain, but it is unfortunate that such expressions as "Oh My God" have come into everyday use.

Please keep in mind that the use of Christian oaths by non-Christians is more offensive to a Christian than their own folk doing it. I'm a Christian, and I swear sometimes, but only if I know who is around.

Answer 5

Welcome to the world. Yes, it is inappropriate to say "jesus Christ" in the work place. It is unprefessional and offensive. It would be likewise unprofessional to cry to Muhummad, Buddha and Abraham.

I worked retail for a long time, and wondered why there was a glass ceiling for me. They, I got a more proefessional job in the same industry, learned from more professional people and found out why. I was dealign with other people who were at my previous level and the things they did made them seem...unprefessional. And they were things I had done before.

Don't be angry or upset. Don't point the finger back at your co-worker and say "she does it too." Regardless of how hypocritical she may be. Find clever, more articulate ways of expressing yourself. If you do this, in six months people will starting noticing and appreciating you, while your co-worker will still be wondering why she can't get a promotion. Take this not as a personal affront, but one of those wonderful learnign experiences that - if you take it and learn from it, will put you ahead in the end. You are learning several lessons here which will serve you well in your career - how to give a hypocrite enough rope to hang themself, how to conduct yourself like a professional and how to turn an unfair situation to your advantage.

Good luck to you.

Answer 6

I had a friend get fired for saying anything remotely close to that! After being at a job for over six years they told her that it was against the work ethnics of the job!(social services) and after they said something to her about it they had her read a 1500 page book about morales on the job and then asked her to resign from the position! So I guess it is wrong for you to say it on the job!! But the bible says that in the last days we would have to become martyrs for the cause! So don't feel alone and keep on keepin on! At the same time do not use the Lord God's name in Vain!

Answer 7

I think that explicatives are unnecessary at work. I am an agnostic; however, I am aware that many people find the use of JC as an explicative is offensive. To make a work environment tolerable for MOST employees, one needs to make a concerted effort to eliminate offensive terminology within an acceptable margin. Take the highroad and cut it out of your work vernacular. Report the discrepancy with your boss NOT your co-, regarding their use of "OMG." If the situation persists, communicate your concern with HR.

Answer 8

Freedom of speech seem to become a big deal in the workplace. Some people would say that is taking the lord's name in vein. What that means is to give false worship God about him. I would say something to the person that narked on you. An say you offend me when you say OH MY GOD! Stay to your guns

Answer 9

If it offends someone, I'd stop.
Try saying "Satan on a Stick" or "Bleeding Bloody Mary" or the ever popular "Jesus Popsicle".
My name is Todd so I tend to say "Todd Bless America!"
I feel there is no difference in saying JC" and OMG!
I would file a counter petty complaint!
Just remember the workplace is not meant to be fair, it's supposed to be PC.
Good Luck,
God Bless,
Hanna-mananna-allula (or something like that)!

Answer 10

While some may find it tacky or unprofessional, it's not illegal. If your employer continues to correct you for saying this, ask to review the company policy on acceptable workplace behavior.
Your employer is probably trying take the easy way out on a problem employee instead of standing up for you, but unfortunately that happens alot.
Perhaps it would be better for you, career-wise, to refrain from saying it. Pointing out what others are doing probably won't help you much, and may just irritate your boss.

Answer 11

"Oh my God" refers to any God but Jesus Christ is very specific. Why would you use religious stuff at work? Workplace is not personal , therefore you should leave Jesus Christ home.