Following my post the other day about a blasphemy law in Pennsylvania, I got an interesting email from a reader who asked, "I was at a Pagan event last month, and dropped a candle... I said, "Oh my goddess!" and was immediately jumped on by a woman who scolded me for being blasphemous. I told her that I didn't think my goddess really cared if I said something like that, but she told me that "taking the goddess' name in vain" was wrong. This sounds an awful lot like Christianity, which I left recently. Am I missing something? Is there really a rule that says I can't say "oh my goddess" if I feel like it?"
The concept of blasphemy is one that's common to the Abrahamic faiths, but is not widely found in other religions. In many Pagan religions, in particular, deities are not always seen as judgemental or punishing. In fact, some Pagan gods and goddesses are a lot of fun -- they are often viewed as having a bit of a sense of humor, and not concerning themselves overmuch with the day to day activities of their worshippers, unless we specifically address them. Read the full article here: Pagans and Blasphemy
Readers, I'm curious. Would you give someone an earful if you heard them exclaim "oh my goddess?" Do you find phrases like this "blasphemous," and if so, why?
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
The concept of blasphemy is one that's common to the Abrahamic faiths, but is not widely found in other religions. In many Pagan religions, in particular, deities are not always seen as judgemental or punishing. In fact, some Pagan gods and goddesses are a lot of fun -- they are often viewed as having a bit of a sense of humor, and not concerning themselves overmuch with the day to day activities of their worshippers, unless we specifically address them. Read the full article here: Pagans and Blasphemy
Readers, I'm curious. Would you give someone an earful if you heard them exclaim "oh my goddess?" Do you find phrases like this "blasphemous," and if so, why?
Follow Pagan/Wiccan on Twitter or Join Me On Facebook.
As the article explained, there are many different gods and goddesses. What is striking is that she is quoted as saying *my* goddess. Which hardly makes it anyone else’s business.
The business of chastising someone else for a perceived infraction is not limited to Christianity but is common to all totalitarian religions. Paganism, last time I checked, wasn’t among them.
I don’t think saying “Oh My Goddess” is blasphemy. Like you said, I don’t think the deities are going to care what comes out of our mouths as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
As it’s MY God/dess, I’m pretty sure it’s no one else’s business. She didn’t say, “Oh my (fill in the blank).”
Her Goddess could be her kitchen sink, or a childhood teddy bear. Relax. Many of us left Abrahamic faiths for a reason.
No, the Goddess, like any good mother gives life and loves unconditionally knowing that each soul she breathes life into must find its own path to the next level of being. Blasphemy is a human concept of vanity inserted into a religion in order to inflate their own individual importance to their deity.
Let’s get serious. I say “Oh my god,” “Oh my gods,” and “Oh my goddess” all the time. In what manner can this possibly be blaspemous? Pagans in ancient times had far more colorful sayings, specifically invoking the genitalia of various gods. This person was clearly accosted by someone who has not escaped their earlier religious upbringing. Such individuals need to lighten up already.
My Grandfather the Templar taught me to curse by saying.
“God bless it.” instead of “God damn it.”
I think the same applies to any and all Deity.
Damning can only make it worse while blessing
hopefully makes it better.
As for exclaiming “oh my Goddess” no name was taken
in vain and the person doing the chastising needs to chill.
Now I have had to ask people to please not say f@*K
every other word that comes out of their mouth.
Especially around my children.
If one considers themself a Priest or Priestess then the use
of profane or vulgar language should never be used at best
no matter which religion one subscribes to.
The Lord and Lady know I’m not perfect and need to work
on watching my own tongue particularly after a few rounds
of mead;~) BB
I think those pagans/wiccans/witches who have combined their Christian path with paganism probably carry the taboos of those paths over to their pagan path. Goddess is not a name therefore it can be neither blasphemed nor taken in vain.
I might give someone an earful (well, an ear drop, in any case) if I heard them say “oh my goddess,” but not because I find it blasphemous… rather, I find it cliche, a phrase used mostly by rebellious teens trying to sound shocking and/or different (I know… I was one of them).
Yeah that’s a bit ridiculous. Some Wiccans that once belonged to the Abrahamic Faiths actually act like what they sought to escape. That is not always the case but unfortunately it is. They tend to be stodgy and act as if their word is the final say. Sorry but I left the Abrahamic Faiths for a reason, so I would not be dictated to. And as far as I am concerned, saying, “Oh my Goddess” or “Gods” is a matter between the Gods and myself. It should be no one else’s business. It’s about as ridiculous as the concept of one’s magickal/craft name being the same number as their their birth numerology. Ridiculous!! Not trying to offend anyone’s beliefs here, and I apologize if I did.
Blessed be! )O(
I can’t add to the above comments – they express my thoughts very well. I do think it’s odd that the person criticizing did not express concern. If I saw someone drop a candle and then exclaim, “Oh my Goddess!” I would be concerned that they had gotten burned.
I don’t think the exclamation is blasphemous. Are there acts and verbal ways of blasphemy? Yes. I suppose it depends on how eclectic or fundamentalist Pagan you are, and what tradition you follow. If you read the mythologies, lore, etc…there are examples of hubris, blasphemous behavior. So its not just an monotheist invention.
I have a question. What was blasphemus? What was taken in vain? Goddess is just a word. There was no name used. I have never understood why saying god or goddess is taking the name of either in vain since no name is used. Even the Judeo/Christian/Islamic religions have a name for their god. Jehovah and Allah are both proper names. If someone uses the proper name, it could be considered taking it in vain, but not just the word god/dess.
I don’t see it as blaspemous (sic). I also don’t see expressing the actual name of The Goddess (or God) that you have a working relationship with. Just my 2 cents
blasphemous ? Someone needs to get off their post-christian high horse.
I think the woman who did the scolding needs to return to Christianity, since she seems to be highly influenced by it and enjoys it trappings.
Also…. vain stems from vanity… to take a deities name in vain is to place yourself as an equal to that deity.
So to say , I am God, or I can do what God can do etc is taking that gods name in vain (vanity).
To demean your god as lesser than yourself is taking that gods name in vain…. it has nothing to do with the actual mention of a name. Regardless, many left Christianity for the very reasons this woman is trying to lay upon others.
I think she needs to decide what religion she wants to follow.
I actually don’t see as blasphemus.It’s like I tell my kids when they say”oh my God” don’t be suprise when he answers,lol.
Please remember that we’re not just talking about “oh my (insert deity here)
When discussing the issue of blasphemy, we’re talking about an entire range of behaviors which can be considered offensive to humans (and by proxy) their gods.
Everything from “Goddess damnit” to spitting on a altar, passing out t’tian tracts at a moot or, more locally, wearing offensive clothing to a gathering.
I agree with the assertion that the gods have a sense of humor and are much more flexible than they’re given credit for. (But that’s just my very general opinion, based on my own personality…it’s not binding or absolute)
The concept of “blasphemy”, however, indicates that the “mood” or “will” of a deity can be known and that that god is offended the same way a human would be.
Because of monotheism, we often fall into the trap of thinking that we know what a deity thinks or feels and can protest or make laws based on that supposed knowledge.
The fact is that none of us can know, absolutely, the will or mood of any deity and to (as the older woman in the story) admonish another on what that deity thinks or feels is pure arrogance.
That said, I feel there are reasonable semi-taboos that we should keep in mind.
(I say “semi” because of the non-absolutism of form…IOW a real taboo is firm and established, a semi-taboo is something we “just might want to avoid” in general)
Wearing a “I love Fenris” t-shirt to a blot of Odinists,
Using the circles Atheme to scratch your bum during the Calling of the Corners or handing out old-growth Oak ashtrays as gifts to a Druid gathering…blasphemous?
No one can say, something to avoid….yup!!!
M
Beijing
my favorite explative is “gracious goddess”! i like it! its better than saying the f word, and puts my xn relatives in a tizzy!
Okay guys, couple of things. First, you are spotting off some derelict ideas. The idea that invoking the name of Deity is Blasphemy is even something the earliest Christians and Jews would have been confused over. Blasphemy (from the Greek Blasphemadzo) meant simply to slander. You could blaspheme other humans, for example. This model of “Blasphemy” is confusing it with the 3rd commandment in the Jewish ten commandments – namely to not take the name of God in vain. The Hebrew word, however, is not “in vain”, but “misuse”. Names, identities, and reputation were all inter-related in the ancient world so the injunction is to not associate the name of Deity with something (s)he is not associated with. Mr. Phelps of that disgusting Baptist Church who cries out against gays saying God hates them is crossing that line. There is clear exceptions for eunuchs in Christian Scripture. Eunuchs in the ancient world either were castrated or were gay. They were different than the usual homosexuality of the ancient world where the partners were often married to women but still seeking sex with others of their gender. Jesus himself may even be referring to the different kinds of eunuch by differentiating between those made eunuchs by men (castration) and those born to not have relations outside their sex (gay) (Matthew 19:11-22) That the Eunuch in Acts is baptized Christian without asking what kind of eunuch he was is most telling (8:36-38), even though the eunuch deliberately asks if there is a reason he might not be baptized.
At any rate, deliberately saying that deity hates or sent 9-11 or whatever, that’s much more the misuse they had in mind. Simply invoking Deity upon surprise is neither Blasphemy or Misuse, even by their standards.
Second, guys know your history. Pagan deities were not seen as especially fun-loving or caring of humanity. Near Eastern understanding had humanity being the slaves of the gods. Sacrifices were essentially us having to feed them (see Atrahasis and Enuma Elish). The gods were understood as too lazy to get their own food, so they made us do it. Even the greek pagan philosophers claimed that their gods were human inventions whose vices were worse than their worshippers’. (The most recent Clash of the Titans movie depicts pretty accurately their theology).
Third and finally, there are a number of inter-religious passages in the Christian Bible. Yahweh is often attributed with the slaying of Loviathan, something pagan creator gods did. Melchizedek is now widely recognized in even Christian scholarship as being a priest of the Canaanite god El (the Hebrew is El-Elyon), yet both Abraham and he act like they are the same deity. In fact, that is probably the point of the passage. Indeed, one of God’s names is “Elohim” a word we find in at least two other ancient languages meaning “gods” or “pantheon”. Any aspect given to an ancient pantheon is given to God, including fertility. Deities only sent prophets to their own people, but God sends Hebrew prophets to pagan peoples in a number of places (Jonah being the most famous example). The fact is guys, it seems that Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic not because they deny pagan experience but pagan conclusions. Pagans looked up and saw five fingers, they looked up and saw one hand.
So when we say pagan gods are fun loving and Yahweh is not, we might be speaking complete nonsense and uttering blasphemy ourselves. What we need to say is that we are two kinds of people, and given the way each people group views deity tends to be either fun-loving or rule-mindedly crabby.
Sorry for the long post, Blessings upon Blessings
It would be wrong for the woman who got upset by the use of the phrase to use the phrase because she sees it as wrong. But, not for anyone who doesn’t see it as wrong. The experiences of this world are different for everyone and are shaped by what we believe individually. It is really no different than a ceremonial friend of mine trying to teach me how to cast the LBRP and telling me that if I made a mistake I would become very very ill. He ended up in the hospital by putting the wrong angel with the wrong element. When I made the same mistake. I stopped and waited for the angels to get angry and for the vomiting to begin. Instead I heard a chuckle and when I used my minds eye to look, Micheal was laughing at me. He laughed because I could laugh at myself. Had I taken the work more seriously, I may have gotten sick as well. But, I have a rubber chicken for my alter to remind me that there is room for mistakes and laughter. So, I didn’t get sick instead we all had a good laugh.
Never let anyone else dictate to you what your behavior should or shouldn’t be as long as your not actually causing harm to someone else by following/not following said rule. Be naked in your rites doesn’t have to be taken literally. It means be who you are and don’t be ashamed of who you are. If someone else is so ashamed of who they are that they must correct who you are then they are not worthy of your time.
Had a friend recently move from PA, told some horror stories about a group she tried to join where the HPs made people kiss her ring, bow to her etc, OUTSIDE of a ritual circle at that. Perhaps the angry lady was from that group, I dunno, but I think it is ridiculous to suggest that what the woman said was blasphemy. I would submit that blasphemy requires a much tighter set of rules (aka doctrine and dogma) and most Pagan trads just don’t have that. That is a good thing as well.
Peace and Light
It sounds like someone has some serious post christian issues to work out. Most if not all the pagans I know are former christians and took a long time to shake off all of their pre pagan indocternation, May all be blessed by the Goddess.
I agree with Amy Blackthorn, there are so many different Goddesses saying “oh my goddess” can encompass many different dieties. And she wasn’t saying it in a derogatory manner either. I think the woman who was reprimanding her is just a little eccentric and needs to basically chill out and mind her own business.
lol, wrong religion, Chastising Lady.
“‘An ye harm none, do as ye will” never mentions the word ‘blasphemy’; the word itself smells distinctly of Xtianity.
I do not think it is blaphemy. And i love the suggestion of saying God Bless It….instead of god dammit! will start that as of today
My first inclination is “Which goddess?” I say the same thing to Christians when I habitually slip “Oh my god!” Because the Christian God has a name and the ancient Jewish priests intentionally shrouded his name to prevent it from being taken in vain.
Now, what does that mean? Well, when you say a deity’s name as an exclamation, you are calling upon the attention of that deity. For example, I could say, “Oh dear Isis” if I am in the midst of trouble, like an accident. It’s sort of like a spell–instant, with intention, possibly with gratitude if it happens shortly after. It’s a prayer.
One time, I was in a car with a Christian friend who was driving and she nearly got into an accident as a large black pickup cut her off. She shouted, “JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!” I asked her about whether that was appropriate in her faith, and she said, “No, it’s a prayer. And it worked. We’re still alive!”
So in that way, one should think about when they invoke using a deity’s name. “Oh My GODDESS”… well, it depends on if you usually invoke using “Goddess” as a name for your deity.
Also think about what you say in context. If you say something like “Oh, my Goddess that motha f* needs to die!” You are cursing. Literally.
I like to say “Oh my hairy gods!” whenever I see something that really is off the wall. It’s good for a laugh, and I have no specific gods in mind when I say it.
perhaps a blessing over the candle would have been better. At an American Indian Pow Wow I attended a sacred feather was accidently drop on the ground and the dancing stopped while a blessing was said over to feather puting its energy back into balance.
I would only consider it to be blasphemy if you actually harmed someone in the name of the goddess, blaming Her for your bad behavior, not simply saying “My goddess.” Besides, “my goddess” is not taking the name of the deity in vain, merely Her title. IF you’re going to subscribe to the notion that using a name in vain is some sort of sin, I’d think you’d have to actually use the name, as in “Oh my Diana” or “Oh Isis!”.
It is as simple as that,”HARM NONE AND DO AS YOU WILL!”
I wonder what that woman would do if she found out about the Japanese comic series (manga) called “O My Goddess”? Belldandy and her sisters are rather outrageous….
While we as pagans know that words have power, we also should know that bans on “cursing” have to do a lot more with organized religion trying to constrain a layperson’s power, and with plain old control of the membership. Also, fear of bodily functions and sex are behind a lot of word bans.
I personally believe the Goddess is strong enough that if I swear by Her or “all the gods” which is what I usually say, nothing bad will happen to her or to me. It’s far, far worse if you follow the “harm none” principle (you don’t have to be Wiccan to do that) to call someone a name or insult or wound them than it is to say “oh goddess!” when you stub your toe.
I like being part of a religion that follows principles rather than a long list of specific rules.
I would never jump on anyone for saying “oh my goddess” in my mind the Gods and the Goddess have a since of humor regarding their followers’ behavior.
Actually, I would see the person who said “Oh, my goddess” as a true believer in their deity. What better honor to a deity than to subliminally call something out like that at the spur of a surprise moment? It shows me that she (the caller) is true to her belief. Nothing Wrong with Integrity here…
i dont see why it would be considered blashemy..if you say..oh my god/goddess..your not saying a name, just a title…god is the only god w/o a name..pagan/ wiccan gods/godessess have names…
I have to agree with Chris. The comment of, ” Oh my Goddess, by itself is not blasphemous. To me that is a more Christian concept.The woman who critizied was out of line.
OMG! Sounds like a fundie pagan. I was once chastised for ‘mispronouncing’ the name of a Goddess! As if we could know the ancient languages well enough to pronounce the English translation correctly!
Some people need to mind their own beeswax.
I’m just sayin’…
BB
Christine Amaryllis
Oh My Goddess! I can’t believe someone would go as far as to chastise someone for saying that. Whats next, maybe she might try to make her say 10 Hail Hecates?
where you blaming your Goddess for droping the candle?or more like asking for help or forgiveness for a clumsy accident . think about it whe we do something then say oh god/goddess it come from more like we are asking for help to please fix this. how can that be bad? sometimes said when disgusted or upset thats probably not as polite as we could be but that is our call unless it isa [parent teaching/correcting their child then it is no one eleses business either
Blasphemy is a Christian concept. I wouldn’t worry about it. I think the Goddess has a sense of humor! : )
She sounds like the kind of fundie who would preach modesty to skyclad worshippers, lol.
I bet this woman would find it wrong for me to “Meow” in a sarcastic tone, as well.
My Goddess is the most Divine Bastet.
And she understands and loves me unconditionally.I can GD with the best of them & have been known to make old Bikers blush.
In my humble opinion, this woman should go back to her Christian roots and stop trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill. And leave the rest of us to worry as to whether or not our Goddess would be offended.
I don’t believe Bastet would care one way or the other.
Some people get upset when I say, “Oh my stars!”.
Taking a God’s name in vain is considered blasphemy because you are comparing yourself to the God as you are equals. Last time I checked, pagan beliefs supported that the God and Goddess are in and of us all. So, in a sense, we are all Gods and Goddesses.
Are religion supports being this way.
Are you kidding? I think that woman needs to go back to the Christian church she came out of! The dogma of ‘not taking the ____ name in vain is one of the Judaic ten commandments and this dogma needs to left with them. Don’tcarry it over to paganism, please.
Exclaiming “oh my goddess” shouldn’t be a problem for any open minded Pagan, IMO. Actually, I catch more grief from my Pagan friends when I fall back on common exclamations I grew up with like “good god” (expressed in frustration) or “come to Jesus meeting” (meaning to discuss something with someone and to come to a common agreement). When I use such terms, it doesn’t mean I’m invoking Christian beliefs. They are just common ways I learned as a child of expressing a particular emotion or idea. Still I find these sayings can offend some Pagans.
There are, as in every religion, those who just love to hear the sound of their own voice…I’d say the woman who did the scolding was one of them.
I was born and raised Catholic and could never understand why it was considered blasphemy to say any form of the name “God”. If you’re not specifically cursing at them, how is it wrong? To me, if you say their name it shows more respect than disrespect because you’re thinking of them. If this is the first being you are calling out to, it means you hold them in high regard. Just like one of your kids yelling for you when they need you, isn’t that what you are really doing?
OhBrother! Tell that woman that perhaps she should go back to Christianity where she belongs!
Pagans do not have — nor would they put up with — a set of “Ten Commandments” .
I think that from an anthropological perspective, blasphemy is the kind of intermingling of sacred & profane which takes away from the significance of religious observance. It is not unique to the Abrahamic faiths: there was recently a bit of a scandal concerning the use of the image of Kali for the purpose of selling curry-flavoured mints (http://www.hindujagruti.org/news/9555.html). Inappropriate conduct at Mao or Lenin’s mausoleum could likewise be construed as blasphemy even though neither Maoism nor Leninism advocate belief in a transcendental reality; such conduct would indubitably result in State prosecution.
There is ample opportunity for blasphemy within the ritual context of neopaganism. For example, misappropriating symbols or handling ritual items in a manner that is disrespectful to other participants would constitute blasphemy. In Gardnerian Wicca, this would also be considered contrary to the Rede.
Expressions like “oh my Goddess,” however, are not offensive per se & do not violate any ritual taboos. They are certainly somewhat trite but they do not denigrate any person’s concept of the sacred.
First of all, Becca, I love you rubber chicken alter. That is hilarious and a wonderful idea.
Second of all, I agree with Lecia’s idea that it’s like a little mini-prayer. And I believe it’s a sort of way to bring what you believe into your everyday life.
There is no way that I think saying “ph my goddess” is wrong. Like was stated, the gods and goddesses are mostly fun-loving and probably got a good chuckle over it.
Especially a good laugh over the person who said it was blasphemous!
Too many people worry about what people say and do! We are all individuals and what is appropriate for one may not be appropriate for another. I personally think you said nothing wrong.
Believe in what you believe in! If she wants to say that, she doesn’t think its wrong then let her! I don’t think its wrong. If someone does, KEEP IT TO THEMSELVES or say it politely like a friend not a mother, she doesn’t HAVE to not do that. its simply her thoughts, her beliefs.
Well, it’s not “blasphemy” in the religious sense, but in chaos magic, some chaotes believe spiritual beings will “shun” those who “blaspheme” against them.
For instance, love, war, creativity, business, and even money take on “spiritual” roles with the ability to punish those that use them unwisely.
LOL, I hope that the scolding woman never gets into Japanese animation. There’s a series called Oh My Goddess (Or Ah My Goddess in some translations).
I agree though, saying “Oh my God/s/ess” isn’t a taboo thing.