How to respond to those taking the Lord's name in vain?

[truetofaith]

By the way, it seems older men use the Lord’s name in vain…but younger men and women ( below 30 ) use “F’s” and other dirty words, even on TV!

 

[porthos11]

Is it worse to use God’s name or the Lord’s name as an adjective or use the “F” word?

Since the 2nd Commandment is about not taking the Lord’s name in vain, I would think it is a mortal sin & the “F” word a venial sin…although it’s more disgusting & embarrassing especially in mixed company.

Not necessarily. Very often, people misuse the Lord’s name due to force of habit or lack of reflection. In most cases, they don’t intend to blaspheme, so the sin is usually venial. The same is true of using the f-word.

On the other hand, “merely” using the f-word to curse your parents, for example, can indeed be mortal sin.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Not necessarily. Very often, people misuse the Lord’s name due to force of habit or lack of reflection. In most cases, they don’t intend to blaspheme, so the sin is usually venial. The same is true of using the f-word.

On the other hand, “merely” using the f-word to curse your parents, for example, can indeed be mortal sin.

I have never understood that argument. How can you not know the phonics of the words coming out of your mouth? I have never met anyone addicted to blaspheme… Or who did not know what it meant.

 

[truetofaith]

Not necessarily. Very often, people misuse the Lord’s name due to force of habit or lack of reflection. In most cases, they don’t intend to blaspheme, so the sin is usually venial. The same is true of using the f-word.

On the other hand, “merely” using the f-word to curse your parents, for example, can indeed be mortal sin.

Most of the time we use blasphemous or filthy language out of habit or ignorance. I almost never used the Lord’s name in vain throughout my life but I do use dirty language, mainly in anger while driving. This is a constant matter for Confession with me.
:doh2:
At least in mixed company or in public I know how to mind my words! :doh2:

 

[bmaj]

Nobody will thank you for chastising them… I would not start making the sign of the cross when others swear.I would think hard before correcting others. If you are going to admonish others you better be a saint. Because every time you gossip, get irritated, or do something that is not godly, people will notice, and think your a hypocrite, and not take you seriously anymore. If you know them well you can say something privately, but be careful with how you come across.
I think the best thing to do is lead by example.

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, petitfleur. Unfortunately leading by example doesn’t seem to affect some people I’ve known even after many years, especially where taking the Lord’s name in vain is concerned. It feels like when we just ignore it that it might be sending the message that it’s fine and doesn’t offend. Since we’re all sinners in this world, I think throwing in a bit of humor into the comments upon hearing it might actually help them realize what they’re saying and perhaps even make them think twice next time, similar to when hearing a speech, homily, or class lecture one tends to remember the humorous ones more. At least that’s been my experience! God’s blessings to you, and thanks again.

 

[truetofaith]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, petitfleur. Unfortunately leading by example doesn’t seem to affect some people I’ve known even after many years, especially where taking the Lord’s name in vain is concerned. It feels like when we just ignore it that it might be sending the message that it’s fine and doesn’t offend. Since we’re all sinners in this world, I think throwing in a bit of humor into the comments upon hearing it might actually help them realize what they’re saying and perhaps even make them think twice next time, similar to when hearing a speech, homily, or class lecture one tends to remember the humorous ones more. At least that’s been my experience! God’s blessings to you, and thanks again.

You’re right, bmaj, …if someone is using God’s name in vain, or using filthy language and we just continue on in conversation, the person will never know we are offended. They will never change their speech and we will always have to endure it.

 

[porthos11]

I have never understood that argument. How can you not know the phonics of the words coming out of your mouth? I have never met anyone addicted to blaspheme… Or who did not know what it meant.

Because it’s very much possible for anyone to slip. And the Catechisms have long stated that offenses against the Second Commandment can often be venial for that very reason.

It’s also possible to sin mortally against the Second Commandment. What I was just saying is that merely saying the holy Name of Jesus carelessly isn’t automatically mortal.

 

[bmaj]

I must admit that people don’t usually take the Lord’s name in vain in front of me, but if someone does, especially one of my sons, I just say that I didn’t realize that the Lord had anything to do with the issue at hand, and raise my eyebrows! That usually elicits an apology.

I like that response! Will have to remember to use it as appropriate. Thanks, Marysann, and God bless.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Because it’s very much possible for anyone to slip. And the Catechisms have long stated that offenses against the Second Commandment can often be venial for that very reason.

It’s also possible to sin mortally against the Second Commandment. What I was just saying is that merely saying the holy Name of Jesus carelessly isn’t automatically mortal.

If Blasphemy was treated as seriously as racial slurs, your argument would carry less weight.

 

[bmaj]

AC Green was a basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 80s and 90s. He was a devout Christian (and a heckuva defender in the low post!). When players on the court would swear in the heat of battling for a rebound, he’d say so they could hear, “God’s last name isn’t damn.”

Always kinda liked that…

I like that, too, PolarGuy! Thanks for sharing. Another good response to keep in the back pocket for the appropriate time. God bless.

 

[Abundant]

I’m curious…in my house, I’ve always taught my kids that we don’t say God’s name unless we are talking to Him or about Him. It’s kind of awkward now that they are getting older because if they have a friend over who says “oh my g–,” I automatically reply with my rule that we don’t say that in this house. Am I being overly scrupulous? Do you say it? Honestly, I’m more likely to say a word that starts with S, B or F than OMG.

 

[SpeakKindly]

Usually I ignore it, but sometimes I try to bring it to attention without being so obvious.

For example, if someone comes into the room and exclaims “Jesus!” I’ll say "Nope, it’s just me. ", or “Where!?”. All in fun, of course.

I find that people don’t like to have their language checked by others, they’ll tend to do it themselves if they’re around me because I try not to use that language around them and it’s noticeable that I don’t in public.

In private I sometimes use profanity, but not often and it’s not good.

 

[petitfleur]

If it’s my kids, and sometimes their friends, I say something. If it’s a friend of yours, you should pull them aside and say something. Making jokes about it in a group of people can turn out a few possible ways. The person can completly miss the point, or think you are being sarcastic and make it worse. I also think it’s passive aggressive to handle it that way if it really bothers you. If you don’t have the guts to be direct, then drop it. I also agree that most adults would be offended at being corrected that way. Not everyone has the same beliefs as myself. Lastly, if you go through with it you should be able to face the consequences which can include a good laugh at your expense behind your back or people purposely taking The Lors’d Name in vain. I think those reactions may be extreeme, but work environments can be rough for some people. it depends on where you work.

 

[bmaj]

Good thread, I have been thinking about this for some time too.

I read on the forums in another thread, when someone say’s it in your presence to simply pray in your heard “Blessed be thy name.” and so that’s what I normally do, however I would like to figure out a way I can simply make them ‘aware’ of what they are doing without hurting them or anything, because many years ago I did take His name in vain on rare occasions and thought nothing of it, I was completely ignorant to what I was doing and didn’t know I was breaking one of the ten commandments, I used to think that the ‘saying’ which was taking His name in vain was separate to actually taking His name in vain.

Kind of like using something like “Bloody Mike” as a saying, and justifying it by saying “I wasn’t referring to Mike though, I was just using a figure of speech.”

Anyway, once I became aware of it, I went to confession and never took His name in vain again, and ever since, I believe it’s incredible just how often I hear His name taken in vain (movies I used to really like and used to think nothing of it), nearly every second word I heard His name in vain, I watched a movie I liked the other day ‘Die Hard with a Vengeance’ and I was saying “Blessed be thy name” throughout it more times than I can count (I never remember His name being taking in vain as much as it was when I watched it again after being aware, hearing it is like nails on a chalkboard for me now).

My advice would be to make people aware of it at times when they are not taking His name in vain, e.g. when a conversation comes up about religion, or you notice it in someone else, you can slip a comment about it but not directed at them. Something like, when you hear it on TV (Won’t have to wait long) and say something like “I don’t understand why they take Our Lord’s Name in vain so much, I think it’s odd that they never take Muhammad or some other religious figures name in vain, it’s seems it’s only okay or socially acceptable to do it to Christ.”

Thank you OurLadysServant, is “Blessed by thy name” just as good? or would it be better to use “May the Holy Name of God be blessed. Begone satan.”? because I just say “Blessed by thy name” and if need be, I would also feel comfortable saying “Blessed be thy name” aloud if necessary too.

Thank you porthos, I don’t think that’s a bad idea (Accept I don’t think I’ll bow) but I like the idea of simply making the sign of the cross when it’s used to excess. Especially if I feel it’s necessary to point it out in such a given situation, and if they ask just say something like “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to say anything and I don’t want to offend you or anything, but I just wanted to bless the name of my Lord Jesus Christ.”

Anyway, thanks for the ideas guys, I’m still thinking but this thread has helped a bit.

p.s. I think it’s always good to remember about these things too, that I believe every man carries on his lips what he feels in his heart.

God Bless

Thank you for reading
Josh

Very good insight, Josh. Thanks so much for sharing. Yes, I agree that it’s awfully odd that no one ever takes other “revered” names in vain such as Muhammad’s, but most of secular society definitely feels it’s okay to take Jesus’ name in vain - and does it freely so very often. Maybe deep inside they know that He might be the one true God but don’t really care - or perhaps want to fit in with others doing the same thing, if that makes any sense… Reminds me that Jesus told us in effect that in this world we will have trouble, but we aren’t of this world, and He has overcome it for us.
Your belief that we carry on our lips what we feel in our hearts is an important and very good one that I hadn’t thought much about. Thanks for that also.
Our Lord’s peace and blessings always to you!

 

[truetofaith]

Very good insight, Josh. Thanks so much for sharing. Yes, I agree that it’s awfully odd that no one ever takes other “revered” names in vain such as Muhammad’s, but most of secular society definitely feels it’s okay to take Jesus’ name in vain - and does it freely so very often. Maybe deep inside they know that He might be the one true God but don’t really care - or perhaps want to fit in with others doing the same thing, if that makes any sense… Reminds me that Jesus told us in effect that in this world we will have trouble, but we aren’t of this world, and He has overcome it for us.
Your belief that we carry on our lips what we feel in our hearts is an important and very good one that I hadn’t thought much about. Thanks for that also.
Our Lord’s peace and blessings always to you!

In England they used to say, “By Jove” & I think he is some sort of god?

 

[truetofaith]

Because it’s very much possible for anyone to slip. And the Catechisms have long stated that offenses against the Second Commandment can often be venial for that very reason.

It’s also possible to sin mortally against the Second Commandment. What I was just saying is that merely saying the holy Name of Jesus carelessly isn’t automatically mortal.

Slipping is usually a venial sin, but if it becomes a habit of always saying, “OMG” or “GD” or “J.C.”…I believe it’s mortal. Ask your confessor!

 

[bmaj]

If someone in our familyor among friends or acquaintances uses the name of Jesus as an exclamation or whatever we finish with “loves YOU!” That usually gets a smile and the point across.
To the other posters, I like God’s second name isn’t damn and the silent Blessed be Thy Name.
Thanks all, this happens to me–often with my boss so it’s tricky

Thanks for those thoughts, PrayPsalm51. I like that finishing phrase that you’ve used! So many good responses and suggestions here in the thread. It’s extremely tricky with a boss, so good luck with yours. I would think the silent “Blessed by Thy Name” might be one of the best options in that case. God’s blessings always.

 

[Lou2U]

In England they used to say, “By Jove” & I think he is some sort of god?

Instead of saying “By God!”, people used to replace “God” with “Jove”. Jove is another way of saying Jupiter (a Roman God), so it essentially means the same thing - it was just considered to be a ‘politer’ way of saying it.

Lou

 

[bmaj]

I respond with I don’t think He had anything to do with it.

Seemed to work.

Great comeback, fbl!! I think the humor thrown in can come in handy in many instances. Thanks for sharing, and God bless!

 

[Nelka]

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Yes I may start this myself as I am sick of hearing it especially from Christians.