Does this count as taking the Lord's name in vain?

[BananaManSuite]

So I want to ask my priest about some terms that are euphemistic of the Lord’s name but which are so common in our culture, we don’t think about them like that anymore. I’m afraid to use the actual terms, for fear that if I use them in a question that also might break the second commandment. Is it safe to use the terms in order to ask my confessor if they’re okay or not?

I deal with this issue a lot. Today I was thinking to myself and I used the expression “God forbid.” Then I said to myself “Wait, is God forbid breaking the 2nd commandment? Wait, I just used God Forbid! Wait, I just used it again! Does it count if I used it mentally?” And I got kind of stuck in a cycle in my brain trying to figure out if I had just mortally sinned or not. (I later found out that “God forbid” is only a venial sin, because it’s profanity and not blasphemy. but the other terms which I have not written, I don’t know their status).

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Yes, it’s permitted to use the terms to ask your confessor or priest if they are okay and discuss with him.

 

[Francis]

@BananaManSuite

Yes we should not use frequently for silly reasons ,the name of God ,we can convert those words by when we say o my G and say instead O my God have mercy on me a sinner ,or Jesus have mercy! God forbid me to sin against my neighbor,that’s ok but not for profanity or silly reasons . James 3:2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.
So one should try to consciously try to trains one self by God’s Grace by relying on him to control the tongue each day and divert or convert such word in grecious words as mentioned above >God Bless

Does it count if I used it mentally?” And I got kind of stuck in a cycle in my brain trying to figure out if I had just mortally sinned or not. (I later found out that “God forbid” is only a venial sin, because it’s profanity and not blasphemy. but the other terms which I have not written, I don’t know their status).

Psalm 139:2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;you discern my thoughts from far away.

Wisdom 1:6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit,but will not free blasphemers from the guilt of their words;because God is witness of their inmost feelings,and a true observer of their hearts, and a hearer of their tongues.7 Because the spirit of the Lord has filled the world,and that which holds all things together knows what is said,8 therefore those who utter unrighteous things will not escape notice,and justice, when it punishes, will not pass them by.9 For inquiry will be made into the counsels of the ungodly,and a report of their words will come to the Lord,
to convict them of their lawless deeds;10 because a jealous ear hears all things,and the sound of grumbling does not go unheard.11 Beware then of useless grumbling,and keep your tongue from slander;because no secret word is without result,and a lying mouth destroys the soul.12 Do not invite death by the error of your life,or bring on destruction by the works of your hands;

 

[Sirach2]

Does it count if I used it mentally?

Do your utmost to avoid even thinking the profanity. The habit of doing so mentally will eventually cause you to utter the words when you are caught off guard. Form the good habit of replacing these words, even mentally, with a new expression, and it will keep you from uttering them. You will laugh at all the comical words I have developed just to keep me from using profanity.

 

[halogirl]

My priest told me ‘only swear when you really need to or it loses its power ‘! Or words to that effect. My favourite one to use is ‘ go fly a kite’ instead of ‘go and etc etc ‘

 

[Sirach2]

we can convert those words by when we say o my G and say instead O my God have mercy on me a sinner ,or Jesus have mercy!

Usually, the expression of “OMG” is done in a moment of extreme emotion, such as winning as car on Price is Right, or a terrible experience that comes to shock us. It is not something one might pray, such as OMG have mercy on me a sinner.

Better yet, substitute this when you begin saying Oh My — goodness! gosh! golly! etc. Use another “G” word.

 

[Wesrock]

Sometimed an exclamation of “God forbid” could be a prayer, though if used sarcastically it’s an issue. One priest advised me to change the curse into a prayer, if possible, if one stumbles and risks hurting oneself, a “Jesus help me,” could be appropriate.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

I have often found myself in a time of annoyance or distress saying “Oh God…” without thinking, and I generally add on, “And I mean it as a prayer.” Because I kind of did, as I only would say something like that when I’m reaching the end of my rope.

 

[BoomBoomMancini]

Today I was thinking to myself and I used the expression “God forbid.” Then I said to myself “Wait, is God forbid breaking the 2nd commandment? Wait, I just used God Forbid! Wait, I just used it again! Does it count if I used it mentally?” And I got kind of stuck in a cycle in my brain trying to figure out if I had just mortally sinned or not

These kinds of spiraling thoughts sound unhealthy. Are you an especially anxious or obsessive person? Have you ever discussed scrupulosity with a priest?