Taking the name of God in vain in art?

[BlaineTog]

Something that’s been bugging me: is it intrinsically sinful for the name of God to be taken in vain in a movie or a novel or a play or something like that, and if so, in whom does the sin lie? Let’s say that the movie/novel/play has a fundamentally Catholic message, but in order to pull off the message (let’s assume you couldn’t just use something else), a character has to say “G- dammit!” Is the author at fault? What if it’s a play? Does the actor sin every time s/he says the line?

 

[MarieVeronica]

Something that’s been bugging me: is it intrinsically sinful for the name of God to be taken in vain in a movie or a novel or a play or something like that, and if so, in whom does the sin lie? Let’s say that the movie/novel/play has a fundamentally Catholic message, but in order to pull off the message (let’s assume you couldn’t just use something else), a character has to say “G- dammit!” Is the author at fault? What if it’s a play? Does the actor sin every time s/he says the line?

Interesting question. I’ve found myself wondering, even… if I am committing a sin… when I knowingly view a movie where Our Lord’s Name is taken in vain. If it’s a movie that I’ve seen before… and I KNOW where the swearing occurs… I will hit the MUTE button.

 

[m134e5]

Something that’s been bugging me: is it intrinsically sinful for the name of God to be taken in vain in a movie or a novel or a play or something like that, and if so, in whom does the sin lie? Let’s say that the movie/novel/play has a fundamentally Catholic message, but in order to pull off the message (let’s assume you couldn’t just use something else), a character has to say “G- dammit!” Is the author at fault? What if it’s a play? Does the actor sin every time s/he says the line?

I don’t think that is what the Bible is referring to in “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” It’s irreverent, and it’s a venial sin (maybe not even that, if it is habitual). Artists have a responsibility to portray their characters authentically (if they are trying to be realistic). If this is sinful, one could argue that playing Roman soldiers, Judas, or members of the crowd in passion plays is also sinful.

 

[teachccd]

I don’t think that is what the Bible is referring to in “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” It’s irreverent, and it’s a venial sin (maybe not even that, if it is habitual). Artists have a responsibility to portray their characters authentically (if they are trying to be realistic). If this is sinful, one could argue that playing Roman soldiers, Judas, or members of the crowd in passion plays is also sinful.

Yea, I’d have to agree. We would have to live in a bubble to escape the less than holy in this world. OUR intentions is how God reads our hearts. I don’t take and use our Lord’s name in vain because I wouldn’t use anyone’s name that I love in vain. And I love God above all. But if a movie uses such language it may be to show the truth in the nastiness of such use. One poster said that they hit the mute button. Well, while that’s o.k. for some, I work in construction where all language is generated and I’d have to mute my job. So, again, ask yourself what is in your heart and your relationship with God and live in the world not of it…God Bless …teachccd

 

[Hastrman]

Actually, I believe the “taking the name of the Lord in Vain” in the Decalogue refers to oathbreaking.