Christian Slang Words and Phrases

I recently ran across an old blog topic and discussion about the word “sucks”. In this case it was a t-shirt that was printed with the words “hell sucks”. The blogger questioned whether people (other Christians) would think he was a fuddy-duddy because he felt it was inappropriate. Further on in the discussion, other phrases and words were questioned as well, such as “darn”, “oh my god”, and even “crap”. All of these word are questionable when we are trying to be an example of Christ, but later on I'll get into the ones that use God's name specifically.

As far as the t-shirt and the marketing tactics used, I think they call this type of product a conversation starter. Seems like some Christians want non-Christians to think that they are "cool". I assume, figuring that they think that they can get their foot in the door with this person long enough to tell them about Jesus...hopefully. But, unfortunately, slipping ever so slightly over the edge of morality. The problem with that is that this is also something that sometimes leads non-Christians to think that all of the church is full of hypocrites. At times non-believers are more aware of morals than many so-called Christians are, and that is exactly what they will call you, a “so-called” Christian. Don’t get me wrong, Christians do mess up, Christians even sin sometimes, but making the solid choice to sin or even to let your morals slip slightly, can allow Satan to pull a non-believer even farther away from God than they already are. And the main goal here is to save souls, right?

You might say, “But it’s just a joke, it’s funny, doesn’t God have a sense of humor?” I’m sure He does. But is this funny? No. You might even tell me to lighten up, loosen up, that it’s not a big deal. But it is a big deal. It is serious. God expects us to have great morals. If we're following Jesus, not just believing in God but believing in what God believes in, then we have a book that tells us how to live, the Bible. And if we have truly given our lives to Christ, then we will obey the law of God. Ephesians 5:4 says "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." Could this be a form of the coarse joking mentioned in this verse? (The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21) God wants us to have fun, be happy, and even joke around. (He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.- Job 8:21) But JOY does not come from crude jokes and sayings, but from the LORD! The Word even says that the joy of the LORD is our strength. That’s pretty powerful considering the context of this topic. Think about it: That is saying that when we are happy because we believe in God, we follow His word and we share it with others, then they will see that joy as our strength. They will desire that same impenetrable joy that we have, and we can show them how they can have it.

About the phrase “oh my god”. So, you’re out shopping and you see something that you have been looking for but haven’t been able to find. You exclaim “Oh! My God! That will look perfect in my living room!” Or when someone jumps out from around the corner and says boo! You say “Oh my god! You scared me!” Or when you see something gross you say “Oh my god, that is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen!” Do you think that is okay? That it is not using God’s name in vain? Here are a few definitions for the word vain from dictionary.com.

Vain:
Senseless or foolish.
Without effect or avail; to no purpose.
In an improper or irreverent manner.
Not yielding the desired outcome; fruitless.
Lacking substance or worth.
Devoid of real value, unprofitable.
Idle, empty.
Having no real substance, value, or importance.
Void, worthless, unsatisfying.

The following are a few questions related to the definition of the word vain. These will help you check your words before God. Ask yourself these questions when you say or preferably before you say one of these slang phrases that involve God's name:

Reverence: Is it showing profound respect for God? How about affection? Is it an example of devotion to God?
Fruitful: Is it beneficial? Does it produce good results? Is it profitable for the kingdom of God?
Substance: Does it show solid character or quality? Does it come from the heart?
Value: Does it have worth or importance? Does it show your love and affection for God? Does it show God’s excellence? Does it show that you have high esteem for Him?

How about “oh my gosh!” you ask? That’s just slang, isn’t it? It really has nothing to do with God. So you say? Well, lets look into that definition. The only definition I found for gosh that does not describe it as an expression or exclamation (in other words a slang or phrase.) is this:

GOSH-- 1757, altered pronunciation of God. Probably from 'by gosse' (mid-16c.).

Now that we know right where that slang or phrase came from, do we still want to use it? I should hope not. You wouldn’t say “oh my holy spirit” or “oh my father” or something similar to that unless you were talking directly to our LORD in worship and reverence. Why say something that is hurtful to the heart of our Father in heaven? Hurting God is sin. "I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." Psalm 17:3

And now you ask, what about “oh my gawd!” Here you must realize that gawd is not even a word in the English language. What is it? It’s a slang word to replace God in this particular expression so that people can make themselves feel comfortable assuming that they are not taking the LORD’s name in vain, therefore twisting the Word of God to their own benefit. If I’m going to blurt out a blasphemy, changing how I spell the word isn’t going to change the way God feels about my saying it. The guy who wrote the blog that got me started on this topic, his name was Todd. So I’m going to use his name as an example, mostly just because it rhymes and therefore gets the point across better. What if I said “Todd dammit” every time I got upset or “oh my Todd!” when something scared me out of my wits. Let’s say Todd and I are good friends and he comes up to me and says “ you know, that really upsets me when you say that. It feels like you’re being disrespectful and don’t value me as a friend. As a matter of fact, it makes me feel like you downright don’t like me at all. It also makes others think that you’re just making fun of me. If you really value our relationship at all, you would try not to say my name that way anymore.” and so I say, “Oh, Todd, I am so sorry, now that I know how it bothers you, I wont say it anymore because I don’t want to hurt your feelings and I do want to continue to be friends.” So, I go on my way and a few days later Todd hears me say it again. He would come up to me furious, saying something like “Why are you still saying that? You told me you wouldn’t say it anymore! I told you it hurt my feelings! I guess you just don’t care about me or our friendship at all!” and then I say, “Oh, but Todd, I wasn’t saying your name. I was saying 'Oh my T-A-W-D', not 'oh my T-O-D-D'. I changed the spelling of it so I’m not saying your name anymore and now we can still be friends.” What a conversation! Huh? Todd was still offended!!! Why? Because first of all it’s still said the same way and still means the same thing, although spelled differently, and because when others hear it, they are still hearing the same thing they’ve always heard and thinking about how disrespectful I am being to my friend. Nothing has changed at all. Even though I didn’t think it should be offensive to Todd anymore, because I changed the spelling, he was still offended. I imagine it’s the same way with God. He still finds it disrespectful and wrong and although we may not understand why, the “why” doesn’t matter, the fact that it hurts His feelings does. And the fact that it lowers the value of his name to others, is also disrespectful. The “why” can be summed up in one bible verse. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isiah 55:8-9

This is all about what’s in our heart. If we truly have it in our heart to please God we will learn what he likes and dislikes. We will truly get to know him so that we will know what upsets him and what makes him happy and we will live our lives accordingly. The word of God is a refining fire. It will purify your heart. Keep reading and studying the word of God and it will cleanse you.

The word of God is living and active…it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) So whether you eat, drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

Proverbs 22:10-12 (NKJV)
Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave;
Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
He who loves purity of heart
And has grace on his lips,
The king will be his friend.
The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the faithless.

And last but not least, this is about love and respect. Love and respect for God and for His children. Do you love someone enough to save them from hell? Do you love someone enough to be truthful and honest with them? Do you love someone enough to be a perfect example to them of how to show reverence to God? Sadly, many don’t. In our world, children are not taught how to show reverence to God or respect him in any way. They are taught to believe in what makes them feel good, and that God is what they want him to be, expecting Him to believe in what they believe in rather than them believing in what God believes in. In being taught selfish ways, they have little respect for parents, other adults or even authority figures. Respect is not taught, it’s learned. It is communicated by the respect that the parents (or caregivers) and mentors show others and the respect that they show God. If my children observe that I respect God and other people, they will learn respect as well. I can’t just demand that they respect someone without showing them how. If you love all of God’s children, you will want to teach respect by example. One way to do that is showing reverence to God in the words you speak.

The bible says “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) That verse is a bit vague as to why, but I believe it is saying that there is more to heaven than we know, it is God’s Kingdom! Not some quaint little town with some little mayor who thinks he knows it all. His kingdom contains and is more than we could ever imagine. And God is the creator of it all! He is the only King and is in control of everything. He can do anything! So in the end, would you, standing in the presence of God most High on judgment day, feel completely comfortable saying one of these ‘slang’ words or phrases in front of him? Or would you keep your mouth shut because you know it would hurt him and knowing his powers and abilities, even be afraid of what he might do or say to you?

Enjoy your day and let God do his work in you, convicting you, refining you, purifying you, and loving you.

Have a blessed day!