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Does the phrase "Oh my God" offend you? Have you ever wondered how it became something that people blurt out multiple times a day?
David Balzer, an associate professor of communications and media at Canadian Mennonite University and a storyteller at heart, is preparing to release an audio documentary that will answer all of these questions and more.
"I was doing the radio show [God Talk] and I had some friends at the University of Manitoba. They wanted to do something creative on campus and I got this idea to do a live show out of the university centre," said Balzer. "And so we're trying to pick a theme and during that week I was going to campus that week and I'm like, what could we do that would kind of bridge between our interest about who God is and culture and this phrase, 'oh my God' came up in my thinking."
For almost two decades, Balzer has gathered recordings, engaged with people on street corners, and interviewed experts—all inspired by a simple question: “When was the last time you said, ‘Oh my God’?”
He's compiled the decades worth of audio into a 29-minute audio documentary which will be released at a listening party this coming weekend.
"The number one reaction I got was curiosity," said Balzer. "I'd say around 80 to 90 per cent of the people I approached were willing to have at least a short conversation about what I was doing. And that was surprising to me, but my working theory is that because the phrase is so much a part of our culture, it doesn't feel like a threat."
Balzer says one thing that stood out during the creation of this documentary was how hearing the phrase affected people who are Christian or who had grown up in a Christian home.
"One of the things that I saw was people who have more of a religious interest or conviction. This phrase was really intense. When they hear it. When they feel it in the culture, it's not comfortable," Balzer explained. "And I would say that is part of my experience."
Since creating this 29-minute audio documentary, Balzer says when he hears the phrase now, it serves him and gives him life.
"I won't give away how, but the doc at the end of the day is a very personal journey."
A chance to hear for yourself
Oh My God: The Doc will be officially released during a listening party on Feb. 16. at 6:30 p.m. at One88 Community Church located at188 Princess Street.
To register for the free event or learn more visit OMGtheDoc.
Balzer says to come expecting chocolate, coffee, the audio documentary, and a Q&A afterwards.