Alternative everyday phrases.

[Murahk]

I'm sure the majority have heard of, if not use, the following phrases:
"Thank God"
"Jesus Christ"
"For God's sake"
"Oh my God"
"God forbid"

Recently I've been thinking that, I probably shouldn't be using these phrases because I'm an atheist. I'm looking into substituting the above with something that doesn't have as much of a religious connotation.
So, I was wondering, does anybody have alternative phrases that they use with similar meanings to the above for whatever reason? Do you avoid those phrases because of your religious views, whatever they may be?

P.S. I want to keep this focused on language, not religion so as to avoid any disputes. =)

 

[Rowan93]

I have a similar issue, also being an atheist. I try to substitute other things. Since becoming a brony, that's frequently been "Celestia" "Luna" or "Faust" going in place of god. Alternates might be Lovecraftian god names, or Warhammer 40k's Chaos Gods/The Emprah, or maybe Haruhi Suzumiya.

 

[Craorach]

Language changes.

You're not really saying "Jesus Christ" and calling out to the religious figure for aid. You're making an exclamation of surprise.

If I say "I'm going to kill that bloody cat" after finding my clothing used as a litter tray by a young kitten, I'm not actually going to do it, I'm expressing annoyance.

 

[Melon Hunter]

Personally, I prefer the curses of Discworld atheists, such as "Oh, random fluctations in the space-time continuum!" They're a bit difficult to use on an impulsive basis, though.

 

[Ordinaryundone]

Those words have only the loosest religious connotations, and no one is going to think you a particularly pious person for using them (especially considering that some of them are blasphemy in the strictest sense).

If you must be different, just substitute a different diety, or use a non-religious version (Oh my gosh, Thank goodness, Jeez!, etc.)