if it's true that god doesn't enjoy people taking his name in vain, then my family is in for a talking to. but i really don't see how saying, "god, damn it." is in vain. with that sweet comma there, you're just addressing god and kindly asking him to damn something. who better to do it? doesn't god really get a kick out of damning things? doing something in vain is when there is no chance it will help you. like bailing water from a sinking boat or applying pressure to a crocodile bite. if saying "god, damn it" is taking the lord's name in vain, are you saying he can't possibly damn something? that's insulting. falling down an elevator shaft to your imminent demise and saying "god, help me" - that's in vain. but if you're hammering a nail, accidentally hit your thumb and say, "god, damn this hammer." there's a good chance god might hear you and say, "righteo, old buddy. damning hammers is what i do." just remember the comma. and it never hurts to say please. "god, please damn this."