Taking the Lord's Name in Vain

[ktm]

I’m a little scrupulous about the commandment against misuse of the Lord’s name, so let me say that outright.

If I laugh at a joke or video or something that is a little irreverent or uses the Lord’s name lightly (not maliciously, now), do I commit a grave sin? In other words, do I implicitly participate in taking the Lord’s name in vain through my listening and reacting? I hope this makes sense. I am not talking about something that mocks the faith, saints, our Lord, the ordained, etc. If you want a more specific example of what I mean, you’ll have to send me a private message.

I don’t go around seeking entertainment that is disrespectful to our Lord or faith. Let me make that clear. It’s why I’m asking this question for G—errrrr…for goodness’ sake.

 

[system]

I’ve read several of your posts and it seems to me that you are more than “a little scrupulous”. I suggest you sit down with a good priest who can advise you, so that you’re not spending so much time looking for sin under every little rock.

 

[ktm]

Melman:

I’ve read several of your posts and it seems to me that you are more than “a little scrupulous”. I suggest you sit down with a good priest who can advise you, so that you’re not spending so much time looking for sin under every little rock.

Heheh, believe me I used to be much worse. But thanks be to God after a lot of prayer I’m much better. I have a really really good confessor who has helped me overcome some of my (hate to say it) obsession with certain sins. Basically I’m at the stage where I’m trying to clean up some of the more minor things as much as is humanly possible. But thank you for your concern!

 

[eoff]

If you immediately rejected complicity in dishonoring the Lord’s name, even as you were laughing, there is no grave sin. But if you have gone further than this confession might be in order. We all have to be careful about the entertainments we choose these days, or we may place ourselves in the occasion of sin over and over.

 

[Servant1]

Perhaps in making this investigation, you might consider clarifying some issues. One question I have, after reading your posts, is exactly what is it that you are talking about taking in vain? By “Lord” do you refer to Jesus as his apostles did? By Lord do you mean God as in the 10 Commandments? So - are you talking about how the name “Jesus” may be used or misused? Or are you talking about the name of God? And if so, how do you take in vain a name that you don’t know. Or do you know it?

Not at all trying to argue with you Just looking for clarification - for me as I consider your question, and possibly clarification for you as you consider it.

Charis kai eirene!

 

[ktm]

Servant1:

Perhaps in making this investigation, you might consider clarifying some issues. One question I have, after reading your posts, is exactly what is it that you are talking about taking in vain? By “Lord” do you refer to Jesus as his apostles did? By Lord do you mean God as in the 10 Commandments? So - are you talking about how the name “Jesus” may be used or misused? Or are you talking about the name of God? And if so, how do you take in vain a name that you don’t know. Or do you know it?

Not at all trying to argue with you Just looking for clarification - for me as I consider your question, and possibly clarification for you as you consider it.

Charis kai eirene!

Melman’s instinct was right that I’m being scrupulous about this - just got confirmation of that from my priest!

I think I’ll just drop the issue! If I could lock this thread myself or even delete it I would. Oh well, chalk it up to experience. Thanks for all your replies.

 

[Sheen]

Hey, it’s better to ask than to wonder in silence. Now you know, and you – no doubt – feel better for the knowing. No question is ever a dumb question if you are sincerely seeking an answer.

Good for you!!!