Question for Atheists... but others are free to answer anyway.?

Question

My recent participation in this website has me thinking about R&S even when I'm not online or studying. I have found myself using different language. Or noticing some of the things I say. I was wondering, do Atheists say...
"Oh My God!"
"For Heaven's (or God's) Sake!"
"I'd move Heaven and Earth to..."
"You can just go to He**"
"God help me, if he doesn't shut up I'm gonna..."
"Jesus Christ you scared me half to death"
"Oh, good god how many of these stupid sayings can she come up with??"

OK, you get the point. Do you use those kinds of phrases? Do make a point not to because you don't believe in a God? Personally, I find that it feels less like swearing now that I have a different idea of God. But I'm not Atheist, so I was just wondering what all of you AM members thought about it. :)

Moddy - LMAO. two great words indeed. I had simply asked the question 'cause I used to see it as 'taking the Lord's name in vain', and since my beliefs have solidified a bit, it no longer feels that way. Just wondered about those who had even less religions beliefs than I.

that should say "religious beliefs", not 'religions beliefs'

Answer 1

They say those things all the time and I wondered if Christians shouldn't say, "Darwin d<<<" or "Unholy s***" just to try to help atheists relate.

Answer 2

Oh yes.

Besides ALL of the above expression you mention, I also say "screw you" (not to be taken personal here), although I don't expect the referred person to actually get a screwdriver to do the trick.

In an extreme situation I might say "Jesus ******* Christ", although I have no proof if he ever was active in this regard (or that he even existed, for the matter)

I can also say that I am head over heels when... well, that would be interesting if I could actually be so!

All of these phrases (the examples you so kindly included) are expressions.

Nothing more.

And are meant not to be taken literally, but as a way to stress a point.

Just consider your question, where you are inferring an atheist is to be taken as "suppressor any belief", while an atheist is only a person who CHOOSES not to worship (or believe in) a god... whether this person says the word god or not.

Answer 3

My favorite phrase for when I'm really, really irritated about something, is "Jesus Tapdancing Christ," which I learned from a Pagan friend. It's just a great phrase for letting off steam, and personally, because I was raised Christian and am now Wiccan, it's even more of an epithet because it's a slur from a religion that doesn't always present itself favorably.

)O(

Answer 4

god do I ever. I mean holly crap all the time. I just can't stop my self. Sometimes when people sneeze I will even say god bless you. I also sing hems just because I like the message. I think peace, fellowship and brotherhood are worth while endeavors. I believe that the teachings of Christ are good and well meaning lessons to achieve happiness.
However I just cannot believe that a god, we have any hope of understanding exists.

Ah The Devil Take You! ---> old English for go to he ll

Answer 5

An atheist was walking in the wood one day where he encountered a huge grizzly bear. The atheist said "Oh God". Everything suddenly froze in time and God spoke to the man.."Why do you call on me now when all your life you have denied my very existence?" The atheist.."Okay you are right, it would be wrong to ask you to make me a Christian now but can you at least make the bear a Christian?" "Very well" said God and time started again..the bear hung his head and said "Dear Lord, thank you for the meal I am about to receive".

Answer 6

Most of these terms are habitual.

Even well known celebrity atheists use them
on television.

It's nothing more than a habit, because these
phrases are used so often by so many.

Nothing big. Just like BLESHOO. It has, over
time, become nothing more than a courtesy
that is now expected. Remaining silent seems
kind of odd because of it.

I actually find myself trying to promote neutral
statements instead of using those which sound
religious.

Answer 7

Christianity has left a huge impact on the English language and common discourse, so many atheists use those phrases.

Personally, I like to throw in an "Oh Darwin!" every once in a while, just to mess with my husband a little.

Answer 8

I am not atheist, just agnostic.

However, I think its just habit. People were raised around it from their parents, and they are phrases that one says when in a stressful/angry situation.

Its kind of like when non-native speakers of any language will switch back to their native language when they get angry.

However, on a funny side note. When ever someone gives me a dirty look for saying the lord's name in vain I simply reply.
"what, its not YOUR god"

Answer 9

I believe that most people--Christians as well as non Christians---have used some of the above expressions.
I personally make a point not to because of who God is .

Answer 10

I'm an Atheist, but I also occasionally use some of those phrases or variations, simply because I regard them as a figure of speech and not a reflection on my (lack of) belief

Answer 11

I personally believe it has to do with the way we were raised. When we were upset, but not enough to "swear" we revert to things we have said and heard all our lives.

Its a way to put an exclamation on things that are more socially acceptable in many situations.

And yes, I still say all of these.