How should we treat God's name

[dumbseeker]

How do you interpret “do not take God’s name in vain”?

If we just say “oh my god” for the heck of it, is that a sin? Maybe that commandment only means not to make a false vow or oath.

 

[Nita]

I would consider the expression “Oh my God” (when not being used in prayer, or intentionally to respectfully address Him) as taking God’s name in vain. It has become a habit with many as just an exclamation of surprise, shock, disgust, … It is a bad habit and, IMO, any who have it should set about trying to break that habit.

Nita

 

[Ruthie]

Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father, which says, “Hallowed be Thy name.” Hallowed means holy and/or consecrated. To say “Omigod” is to treat God’s name as something common and meaningless.

Knock it off!

God bless you,

Ruthie

 

[Mattjolley]

Should this be confessed as blasphemy? Or taking the Lord’s name in vain?

I mean, so many people say this phrase as a reflex, almost knee jerk reaction without even thinking of what the phrase entails. I’d say since its been worn into culture, its hard to switch off for a lot of people and for the majority, it isnt a direct insult against the name of God, they dont stand and reason what it means before deciding to say it directly to insult God. If you get what I mean. Even the most ardent atheist can utter this phrase without attaching meaning to it. Basically what Im saying is a lot of people say it sub conciously and I dont know if its something to be confessed.

However, things like “For Christ’s sake” are not as knee-jerk and should be taken a lot more seriosuly. After coming back to the church two years ago I’ve made a great effort to curtail this kind of language and the habit of stopping myself before I say anything like this just gives me chance to ponder on my Lord instead:thumbsup: However, its hard in public to bite my tongue when others drag the Holy Name through the intellectual mire of everyday conversation, I just spare a thought for them and their ignorance when Im praying!!

Matt

 

[thistle]

The Church teaching:

TAKING THE NAME OF THE LORD IN VAIN

CCC 2150 The second commandment forbids false oaths. Taking an oath or swearing is to take God as witness to what one affirms. It is to invoke the divine truthfulness as a pledge of one’s own truthfulness. An oath engages the Lord’s name. “You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve him, and swear by his name.”