NationStates Jolt Archive

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

I really have to ask. Are you dyslexic? No offence (and no flame), but really, are you? All your posts contain spelling errors and so do all the thread titles you've written. I'm curious.

Yes, all the time. It's part of my speech patterns.

Anyway, can you not see the difference between an individual exercising his right to free speech and a government endorsing a religion? We're in apples and oranges territory here.

Yes, all the time. It's part of my speech patterns.

Anyway, can you not see the difference between an individual exercising his right to free speech and a government endorsing a religion? We're in apples and oranges territory here.

Well it seems strange that someone who doesnt believe in God would consider the word of any signifence, even as a swear word.

I'm agnostic. I use both positive and negative references. To me, it's very much a cultural thing and has little to nothing to do with religion.

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence.Therein lies the answer to your question. I don't blaspheme because I don't believe there is anything to blaspheme against.

But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Just an interesting querry, I felt.Well, I'm not an American and I can't find any reference to God on my Northern Irish notes (that's not to say there isn't any overall, but I can't find it at present). But even if I could, currency is at the very heart of the goverance of a nation, and in most democratic nations, you're meant to have a separation of Church and state. Thus, for me at any rate, religious connotations don't have any real place on a democratic country's currency or in exercises pertaining to citizenship. Use of those phrases in the way you're talking about is almost always at the micro level of society, and therefore is not of such importance.

Having said that, I don't care what's on my money or what I have to say to be considered a good citizen as long as the money buys me stuff and as long as I am considered a citizen of my country.

Well it seems strange that someone who doesnt believe in God would consider the word of any signifence, even as a swear word.

Not really. I used to be extremely Christian. Now I'm not. I use it on reflex.

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

Okay, now that's not even close to the same thing. Expletives are not used in their literal sense. People say "fuck" and "shit" as expletives. By your logic, would it be okay to have a copulating couple and a pile of dung on the bills? No. Some things are deemed inappropriate for currency and the like. Some people feel that God is inappropriate.

And to answer your question, I usually say "by the Gods" or some such, Pagan as I am. Also, every now and then I say "Jesus Tap-dancing Christ" because it sounds funny.

And to answer your question, I usually say "by the Gods" or some such, Pagan as I am. Also, every now and then I say "Jesus Tap-dancing Christ" because it sounds funny.

"Jesus 'Steppande' Kristus?" :confused:

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.
Jesus F-ing Christ on a stick! Can't you recognize the difference between a private citizen exercising his right to free speech and a God damned government endorsement of religious belief?

As an atheist, I really see no reason to be offended by things like government promotion of religion, etc. I know I'm "supposed" to be offended, but it dosen't hurt me so I don't care, and I don't think anyone should make a problem out of something that isn't really a problem.

But, you can't say that "atheists blaspheme" or "atheists don't blaspheme". Atheism is not monolithic, and it embraces a HUGE range of views (like a lot of other supposedly organized religions, only more so). It isn't organized at all, like the Catholic Church, etc., and it's a very broad category. So you can get all kinds of answers to your question.

"Jesus 'Steppande' Kristus?" :confused:

I say it in English. My Swedish expletives are usually more boring. "Vid Gudarna" is common, but usually I just use "Jösses", which is a bastardization of Jesus but far enough away for me.

I want neither God nor swearwords on my money. Numbers will do just fine, thank you very much.

The point is that people are welcome to worship their gods and go to church and shout "hail Jahve" all they want, or curse and swear and compose new and interesting profanities containing mentions of demons, their favourite politicians, the genitals of six different lifeforms and various bodily fluids, but not print it on my money.

Also, it's spelled Atheist. Because it's an -ism, not an -esm.

Saying Oh my God is blaspheme?

What if you are saying it like "Oh my God, did you see that?" when of course you knew He saw that, but you just want to make sure?

I say Oh my God all the time, I just leave out the "did you see that?" part because I know He knows what I meant. ;)

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.
To some extent we pick up from our parents
God-dammit is not a refference to god it is mearly an explitive

Its like saying virgins cant say fuck because they dont believe in it right now

I say it in English. My Swedish expletives are usually more boring. "Vid Gudarna" is common, but usually I just use "Jösses", which is a bastardization of Jesus but far enough away for me.

Oh. I just use "fitta, kuk, as!" Much more potent than the religious ones, and turn more heads! :)

i suppose when you technically look at it, using blasphemy is sort of meaningless being an aethiest.

but when you look at it, im pretty sure most people dont think about the actual meaning of swear words when they swear. (that goes for other words as well. dont think i should put examples.)

i think the blasphemas words just became absorbed into the linguistic culture (is that a real term?) of swearing, and lost there real meaning.
im sure when blasphemas words were first used, they were actually used to mean what they technically meant, now they are just with looking at there actually meaning.


not sure if that answer was overly technical (or tried to be), or really made any sense. its just what i think.

in answer to the question, yes, i am an aethiest and do blaspheme. but it is more out of habit caused by the common usage of the words then intention.

also, im not an american, so cant really comment on the issue of pledge or such, but i think it would have more to do with the separation of chuch and state then the actual positive reference to god. this is fundametal difference, if the postitive reference was in terms of someone using it privatly, then it none of my business, but if the government forces me to use it when i dont believe in it, then i might have a problem.

or im talking complete bull an have no idea about the subject. you decide. theres my 2 cents.

Jesus Christ in a Carlsberg ad.Cant a person just use a turn of phrase without having their religion/lack of it made an issue of.Jesus F**K;)

Okay, now that's not even close to the same thing. Expletives are not used in their literal sense. People say "fuck" and "shit" as expletives. By your logic, would it be okay to have a copulating couple and a pile of dung on the bills? No. Some things are deemed inappropriate for currency and the like. Some people feel that God is inappropriate.

And to answer your question, I usually say "by the Gods" or some such, Pagan as I am. Also, every now and then I say "Jesus Tap-dancing Christ" because it sounds funny.

Pagan, eh? Any particular variety? I note that you're from Sweden. Heathen, perhaps? Or do you, as my Asatruar friend so charmingly (:rolleyes: )once put it, "prostitute yourself to foreign gods"?

Oh. I just use "fitta, kuk, as!" Much more potent than the religious ones, and turn more heads! :)

Lately I've started saying "For fucks sejk!" because it sounds funny pronounced in Swedish. :)

Lately I've started saying "For fucks sejk!" because it sounds funny pronounced in Swedish. :)

Indeed it does. On special occasions I use "ränn mig i röven" or "knulla mig sidledes" because I like the connotation! ;)

Pagan, eh? Any particular variety? I note that you're from Sweden. Heathen, perhaps? Or do you, as my Asatruar friend so charmingly (:rolleyes: )once put it, "prostitute yourself to foreign gods"?

Mostly Wiccan. Though I'll admit not very staunchly. Sweden in general does have rather pagan traditions, such as Midsummer.

i think the blasphemas words just became absorbed into the linguistic culture (is that a real term?) of swearing, and lost there real meaning.

You're right about that. People still call girls "son-of-a-bitches" when they're technically "daughter-of-a-bitches". The word's just don't mean anything anymore; technically, you're not insulting them, you're insulting their mother.

Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge).

Isn't two (or three) times hypocritical to ask the atheists to turn the other cheek while you're the one giving the slap?

I'm an atheist, and I use "God" and "Jesus --- (fill in the blank here with any number of terms) Christ" all the time. It's a figure of speech. Saying "Jesus Christ" has just as much significance to me as if I'd said "George Washington". Generally, I apologize if I'm in the company of observant Christians, only to be sensitive to their sensibilities.

As far as "God" being on the money: I think only militant atheists really care about that kind of nonsense. Most people don't pay enough attention to know whose image is on the $10 bill. (Hence, people referring to money as "dead presidents", which is absolutely not correct in at least two cases I can think of.) "In God We Trust" actually made it on to U.S. coinage in the 1870's, and for that time period it was appropriate. If you look at coinage prior to that, you won't see the religious references. And if you took them off the currency today, I don't think anyone would notice. "In God We Trust" is relatively small on a $1 bill. You could replace it with, "E Pluribus Unum" and it would be hard to catch. (Of course, it would be a good idea not to tell anyone before you did it. Calling attention to it would almost certainly cause controversy.)

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.
To the atheist, swearing to God is a meme. It is not hypocritical for atheists to use swear words, including ones based on that meme.

Mostly Wiccan. Though I'll admit not very staunchly. Sweden in general does have rather pagan traditions, such as Midsummer.

Ahh, Merry Meet and all that, in that case. Can't say I've ever met a Scandinavian Wiccan before. There many of you guys around up there?

And to answer the original post: I'm not an atheist, but nor am I a Christian. I still find myself saying "Jesus Christ!" without thinking sometimes, but I'm trying to put a stop to it. I succeeded in axing "For God's Sake!" from my vocabulary, though. It was replaced with something more vulgar, of course, but hey, at least I'm not blaspheming as much anymore!

Don't forget my personal favourite..

'Christ on a bike!'

The Idea of me being watched by a higher power is insane, there is no God:mp5:

Well it seems strange that someone who doesnt believe in God would consider the word of any signifence, even as a swear word.

swear words are swear words because they have impact on other people, not necessarily the user. and i think it's just part of the vernacular at this point.

Don't forget my personal favourite..

'Christ on a bike!'
http://www.talyandruss.com/graphics/cds/cd-jc.jpg

http://www.talyandruss.com/graphics/cds/cd-jc.jpg
Screw a bike. Christ on a Chopper is much better.

http://tinypic.com/kdtz0z.gif

Oh, the words Nashville Pussy on the cross aren't offensive. It's just the name of a band.

ROFL that's even better than my visual.. oh damn im crying!

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.No I don't. I hardly ever curse. For some reason I never did when young (perhaps because my parensts didn't) and 'adopted' the word "Drat" from Dick Dastardly. I was young and impressionable, obviously... ;)

Thus my default (and almost exclusive) exclamatory punctuation is "Drat" or "Drattit". This can be from the mild "Oh, drat, I forgot the milk" or harsh as in "That dratted driver isn't using his mirrors!!!". It amuses everyone I know.

I do allow that "drat" might unknowningly be blashemy (in the same way as the finest Cockney "Cor Blimey!" is derivative of the phrase "[May] God blind me!") but it has never been ever associated with the concept of God.


BTW, I'm atheisticly agnostic (or agnostically atheist), as far as that is concerned.

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

There are Christians who feel that references to God should be removed from American currency and the like, too. I also know of atheists who think the references should stay, by the way. That has little to do with evil atheists trying to ruin the fun of Christians, it has to do with removing religion from the state. I know it's fun to simplify the issue into 'Atheists v Christians -- the ULTIMATE SMACKDOWN!', but it's nothing of the sort.

As for your ideas on blaspheming... sometimes, people say 'God damn!' when they see something they like a lot. Why, if they liked something, would they want a god to damn it? Some people say 'holy shit' when they see something shocking. Are we to believe that God produces some kind of super-powerful excrement? Swear words generally have little meaning and are usually used (by most people, not including the particularly obscene) in the heat of the moment rather than in any intellectual sense. It's just a part of modern-day language. People would probably continue to use them even if religion suddenly ceased to exist, simply because it's a habit that dates back generations.

My God, what a stupid post. Sorry, but I have to call it like I see it. Adriatica just has a major problem with us heathen atheist blasphemers and is grasping at straws in order to point it out for us. Out of the goodness of his heart, that is.

But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc.

Yeah, and I also say things like "Holy Curdled-Cheese ****!"

I'm a blasphemer AND an idolator! OMG

Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce

The reference to God on the US currency is not just something that's offensive and that's why some people are against it. No, it's a possible violation of "separation of church and state."

Saying "Jesus Fucking Christ!" when I stub my toe is not in any way a possible violation of separation of church and state.

And hypocrisy is not practicing what you preach. No atheist that I'm aware of has ever preached "do not ever make a reference to any sort of deity." So it's not in any way hypocritical. And EVEN IF it was... hypocrisy is only a problem for Christians since you'll burn in hell for it. We atheists don't believe in Hell now do we?

Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it.

Is'nt the notion of using ANY swear word stupid? Last I checked saying an expletive of ANY kind has no "significence."

Just an interesting querry, I felt.

No, it's an attempt to point out the flaws in atheists and by comparison make yourself feel better because when you blaspheme, it has more of a thrill to it. ;) Remember what I just said about hypocrites?

Oh. I just use "fitta, kuk, as!" Much more potent than the religious ones, and turn more heads! :)
I also use "as", though I usually curse in finnish or german, it just sounds more potent.

I usually don't use god in any way, but I do use "hell", because, well... That's about as aggressive a curse get's here.

Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge).

Of course, that has more to do with the fact that such texts and pledges can be seen to violate the spirit of the US constitution - making the people who actually put them there traitors.


Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it.

*Because* it doesn't exist ? Yelling "get cancer !" to me is so much more hurtful than "god damn you !". The first is something real, the second is not.

I could of course yell "yellow elephants" - but that tends to result in funny looks. And "damn you fluctuations in the space-time continuum" is just too long...

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

I do curse to god or gods. I think it is a matter of using commonly used phrases that overtime seep into your language, whether you believe in god or not.

Although, I never felt, even prior to becoming an atheist, that putting the word HOLY in front of something and saying it emphatically made it blasphemy (e.g. Holy Cow, Holy Sh1t).

Not really. Usually, I say things like "Oh my Marx" or "For the love of Nietzsche" or "Darwin damn it!". Since I'm not Christian, God and Jesus really aren't part of my worldview and subculture, so I don't really find references to them all that effective.

My favourite curses are 'Christ on a bike' and 'Holy Cock-Sucking Christ'.


'Fucking Rats Cocks' is a good non-blasphemous alternative

When you want to swear, you access the little box of suitable cursewords/phrases your culture has taught you. If those include ones descended from (say) christian oaths, what of it? It doesn't _mean_ anything - they're being used as swearwords, not to state a philosophical discussion! :p

LEARN TO SPELL "ATHEIST" CORRECTLY FOR CHRIST AND ALL THE GOD DMAN SAINTS'S SAKE! WHY CAN'T YOU GODDAMN CHRISTIANS SPELL THAT SIMPLE WORD?!?

There. Does that answer your question?

Not only do I blasphemy I blasphemy big time. Why I've been known to suggest that maybe those 12 men and Jesus got to doing some "stuff" since they where spending all that time alone and not doing women. Yet I still hate "under God" and "In God we trust" I hate it for one simple reason. Religionists are using it to suggest the have a role to play in government. No one of any religion has a role to play in government becuase the make up of religions is fairy tales and thus there is no wisdom any one of any religion can bring when it comes to policy.

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.
i use them. prefer the word 'fuck' though - a la "for fuck's sake"

they're just figures of speech. i really don't care about god or religion enough (not 'devoutly athiest' enough) to moderate my speech in that respect. i don't care cos they mean nothing.

however having the word god in the american consitution, for example, that actually means something to a lot of people, and can directly affect those people - therefore it is worthy of being moderated in a similar, if more serious, way.

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

For God's sake use for spell-check function. Jesus Christ!

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.
Jesus Christ can blow me. Is that blasphemy, by the way Im an atheist

Its just language, I myself an atheist often say "for God's sake" or even the occasional "Christ on a bike". That doesn't mean I've converted it just means that it is an expression of annoyance or surprise. Its just an expression like saying "fuck me" when suprised is not a request for sexual intercourse.

Not only do I blasphemy I blasphemy big time. Why I've been known to suggest that maybe those 12 men and Jesus got to doing some "stuff" since they where spending all that time alone and not doing women. Yet I still hate "under God" and "In God we trust" I hate it for one simple reason. Religionists are using it to suggest the have a role to play in government. No one of any religion has a role to play in government becuase the make up of religions is fairy tales and thus there is no wisdom any one of any religion can bring when it comes to policy.

It'll pass, I don't really care about it. If the majority of Americans want the pledge of allegiance like that, then let them do it. It dosen't inconvenience me in any way, and I'd hate to bitch about how I'm supposedly oppressed by theists, because I'm tired of political correctness and don't want to be a part of it.

I was raised a christian so just yelling Jesus Christ or any other random God almighty stuff is sort of instinct by now even though I no longer believe in them.

Like all ex-theists, I blaspheme a blue streak. My favourite is "jesus-on-a-stick"...

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.

This is an old canard. Just because one uses a common figure of speech does not reflect upon their deeply held religious convictions. To assert otherwise is asinine.

Its just language, I myself an atheist often say "for God's sake" or even the occasional "Christ on a bike". That doesn't mean I've converted it just means that it is an expression of annoyance or surprise. Its just an expression like saying "fuck me" when suprised is not a request for sexual intercourse.

Exactically!

This is an old canard. Just because one uses a common figure of speech does not reflect upon their deeply held religious convictions. To assert otherwise is asinine.
How long have you been waiting for an excuse to use asinine?

Like all ex-theists, I blaspheme a blue streak. My favourite is "jesus-on-a-stick"...
"Jesus-on-a-Stick", eh?
*Jots down some notes*
Let's see, a big communion wafer, cooked wine, of course . . . find a few Priests to stock some assembly lines . . . it just might work . . .
Rotovia-, you willing to invest some venture capital? I think we might just have found the answer to the question nobody has thought to ask yet. All we need is a few slogans, I'm thinking: "Save Your Soul, On the Go!", or "America's Favorite Snackrilege!"

I'm agnostic. I've generally phased out "god" and replaced it with "fuck" in most of those instances. It adds the right amount of colour to my speech with none of the religious connotations. :D

Do you blaspheme?

Now obviously you wouldnt call it blasphemy since you dont believe that God exists or that Jesus either existed or if he did exist was of any massive significence. But do you say things like "Jesus H Christ" or "Oh my God!" or "For God's sake" etc. Because it seems to me hypocritical that for a group which often complains at being offended by a positive refernce to God on the American currency and in the pledge of allegiance, you'll happyly use a negative refernce (I realise that not all athiests do care about the currency and the pledge). Also, since Athiests believe that God doesnt exist, isnt the whole notion of using God's name as a swear word stupid. Since it doesnt exist in their eyes, it has no signifcence at all in general, so why use it. Just an interesting querry, I felt.


I'm not an American, but I am an atheist. The answer is simple. Its the same reason that non-Americans use slang from the states. Until recently, the single biggest influence on the European contenient has been the Catholic Church. Even the Protetant faiths wouldn't exist without the church to protest against. As a result, the vernacular of the world includes such phrases as 'For God's sake' and 'Jesus Christ' as expressions of anger/frustration etc. I personally use 'For fucks sake' but then again I'm not doing it out of respect or a desire not to break the ten commandments. I say that to not, as you say, be a hypocryte. So there you have it. Its a cultural language issue, not a religious choice one. Also, I do agree that its strange that a nation founded on the ideals of religious pluralism and seperation of church and state should have references to any god on their currency, or in any pledges/oaths, but I guess it was down to the Founding Fathers all being devout christians and not atheists

Do you blaspheme?

Sure, all the time. But I don't get offended by references to god and the saints, so I guess that under your premise that's ok.

I've debated about what do to. Do I:

a) use words like "gosh" and "heck" and risk being mistaken for an uptight Christian?
OR
b) say "omigod" when I don't actually have a god?

I haven't decided yet, so I use both types of words. But if I say, heck, I often throw in a non-denominational swear word later in the sentence to dispel wrong impressions.

I'm not an American, but I am an atheist. The answer is simple. Its the same reason that non-Americans use slang from the states. Until recently, the single biggest influence on the European contenient has been the Catholic Church. Even the Protetant faiths wouldn't exist without the church to protest against. As a result, the vernacular of the world includes such phrases as 'For God's sake' and 'Jesus Christ' as expressions of anger/frustration etc. I personally use 'For fucks sake' but then again I'm not doing it out of respect or a desire not to break the ten commandments. I say that to not, as you say, be a hypocryte. So there you have it. Its a cultural language issue, not a religious choice one. Also, I do agree that its strange that a nation founded on the ideals of religious pluralism and seperation of church and state should have references to any god on their currency, or in any pledges/oaths, but I guess it was down to the Founding Fathers all being devout christians and not atheists

The U.S. was atually founded mostly by puritans and christians who wanted to escape religious oppression in europe (particularly england) whom asserted their authority by condemming the catholic church and establishing the church of England (Anglican). Therefor most of the people who would have been making the constitution/songs/patriotic stuff would have been white upper middle-aristocratic males whom would have only been exposed to christian ideals.

But it's not nice to fight. nor is it fair that I can't a erect a giant burning cross on my front lawn and others can put up a manger (but I really don't care just don't leave it up for 3-5 months after christmas or it's getting hit with a baseball bat repeatedly)

Agnostic here, but anyway: Immediately after browsing over the title A question to atheists, I thought to myself "Wonderful, another goddamn religious thread."

Certain words have become a part of our vocabulary. Grumbling 'Goddamn' doesn't mean the speaker believes in god, the saying has lost its meaning. When someone shouts an obscenity, such as crap or shit, they didn't step in feces.

i think the reason you cant put a burning cross up might have something to do with a certain nasty organisation that it would be associated to, rather then atheism.

i do think the easiest way to solve the problem of which way to swear is to just replace words with fuck. you get the desired message, without referencing to god (if you actually care about that). plus it sounds funny when its out of context. eg. "for the love of fuck"

and swearing in reference to jesus is irrelevant, because im pretty sure most atheists dont dispute the existence of jesus, just the fact that he wasnt the son of god. it the same as using any persons name to swear.

Yeah, I used to be Christian until I realized all of the hypocracies of the Christian faith. So it's funny how you mention Atheists being hypocrits when God is apparently a good guy yet he "gambles" with the Devil in the book of Job.
In America, we apparently put our trust in "God." I'm not all that comfortable with that because if I were God, I would be really ticked at America right now.
I'm not necessarily offended by the dollar. I sometimes write "don't" in between "we" and "trust."
But saying Jesus Christ is not hypocritical of Atheists because we live in the same society where people say it all the time. Also, saying Holy cow is offensive to Hindus if you take it as literally as you are taking "Jesus Christ."