Is Saying “Oh My God” a Sin?

The consensus of theologians has been that the second commandment forbids deliberate misuse of the name of God.  Such misuse would be false oaths or using the name of God in a hateful or defiant manner.

The context of “Oh my God” makes all the difference.  It is most often used as an expression of shock upon hearing of either very bad or very good.  In such occasions it can actually be a simplified reverent offering of the situation to God.  Other times it is merely an innocent surprise reaction which, while morally problematic to thoughtlessly use the name of God, does not arise to a level of serious sin.

Use of “oh my gosh” or “goodness” does not reference God and therefore would not be considered to be sinful.