Taking Gods name in vain

[deacon jd]

Why is it that so many Christians take Gods name in vain? I hear people go around in conversations that have nothing to do with God and use his name in a disrespectful manner(such as Oh my GOD! or Jesus Christ) and they seem to think nothing of it. I know there are many different ways that we can take Gods name in vain, but this seems to be the most common. I never hear this mentioned from the pulpit and most think that there is only one way to take Gods name in vain and that is by using the common curse word that we all know along with God in front of it, but thats not right is it?

 

[Rufus_1611]

Why is it that so many Christians take Gods name in vain? I hear people go around in conversations that have nothing to do with God and use his name in a disrespectful manner(such as Oh my GOD! or Jesus Christ) and they seem to think nothing of it. I know there are many different ways that we can take Gods name in vain, but this seems to be the most common. I never hear this mentioned from the pulpit and most think that there is only one way to take Gods name in vain and that is by using the common curse word that we all know along with God in front of it, but thats not right is it?

I would submit that they take the Lord's name in vain because they hear and see it done over and over again in the television and movies they watch. They then deceive themselves by believing that those communications have no effect on them.

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." - 1 Corinthians 15:33​

 

[Amy.G]

I have wondered this same thing too. I don't understand it. I look forward to the posts on this.
:godisgood:

 

[deacon jd]

I have wondered this same thing too. I don't understand it. I look forward to the posts on this.
:godisgood:

Doesn't look like there are going to be many posts on this subject. As I have heard some old preachers say "I must be hoeing a little too close to the corn."

 

[mcdirector]

This is an issue I'm always bringing up with my students. The reason they do it is because they don't consider it wrong. Until they are convicted, I'm guessing they won't see why it's wrong (even though we've talked).

 

[deacon jd]

This is an issue I'm always bringing up with my students. The reason they do it is because they don't consider it wrong. Until they are convicted, I'm guessing they won't see why it's wrong (even though we've talked).

I am thankful that we have a God that loves us in spite of our ignorance. He has been so good to me even though I took his name in vain in the worst of ways before I was made right with him. I am sure that there are many things that I do now that later on through sanctification and the work of the Holy Ghost I will realize that I must change or abandon. I hope this thread will help someone to realize that Gods name is a name above all others. I love Jesus Christ and as the little song says " he's still working on me to make me what I ought to be."

 

[rbell]

It's something we talk about here often in my neck of the woods...

But it's not just how prevalent the cursing-related sins occur. I saw politicians throw God's name around to gather a vote or two (especially in the "Bible Belt" where I am), and that's taking God's name in vain as well...

Hence another lesson I teach my kids...you don't have to say "G D" or it's derivatives to take the Lord's name in vain...

 

[Helen]

I know that it is traditional to consider that kind of language to be a violation of the second commandment, but I don't think it is.

I do think that that kind of speech is USING His Name blasphemously.

But to TAKE His Name in vain would be, I think, more along the lines of someone claiming to be a Christian who isn't. They are taking His Name -- identifying themselves with Him. In a marriage, the wife takes the husband's name as her own. A believer in Christ says he or she is a CHRISTian, thus, taking His Name (or, in this case, His title). That, I would think, would be an even more serious offense as it misrepresents God Himself.

Foul language can be blasphemous, certainly, and very offensive and should be stopped when and where we can, but these people are probably not taking the Lord's name, just using it.

 

[deacon jd]

I know that it is traditional to consider that kind of language to be a violation of the second commandment, but I don't think it is.

I do think that that kind of speech is USING His Name blasphemously.

But to TAKE His Name in vain would be, I think, more along the lines of someone claiming to be a Christian who isn't. They are taking His Name -- identifying themselves with Him. In a marriage, the wife takes the husband's name as her own. A believer in Christ says he or she is a CHRISTian, thus, taking His Name (or, in this case, His title). That, I would think, would be an even more serious offense as it misrepresents God Himself.

Foul language can be blasphemous, certainly, and very offensive and should be stopped when and where we can, but these people are probably not taking the Lord's name, just using it.

I believe that there are many ways that we can take Gods name in vain, and the example that you have given above is one of the many ways that it is done. Thanks for the input.

 

[GordonSlocum]

Why is it that so many Christians take Gods name in vain? I hear people go around in conversations that have nothing to do with God and use his name in a disrespectful manner( such as Oh my GOD! or Jesus Christ) and they seem to think nothing of it. I know there are many different ways that we can take Gods name in vain, but this seems to be the most common. I never hear this mentioned from the pulpit and most think that there is only one way to take Gods name in vain and that is by using the common curse word that we all know along with God in front of it, but that’s not right is it?

That has always bothered me too. "For God's Sake" "Oh My God" and many others.

In all due respect I personally believe any "flippant" use of the Name of Jesus or Jesus Christ or Christ or God is miss use.

Intentional maybe not. But as a believer why would I want to "flippantly" use my Savior's name or The Father's name?

This is the rule I plane on myself. I am not the judge of everyone else.

Consider this:

John Doe talking to Jane Doe. Something happens, "Oh My God!"

or

John Doe talking to Jane Doe. Something happens, "Oh My Jane or Joe?"

Or someone’s says "_______ Damn You" I can't even type it I hate it.

Why not say Jane Damn you or John Damn you. See the absurdity of it.

 

[deacon jd]

Something else I have noticed that seems disrespectful is this " just tell it to the big man upstairs." I can't imagine this kind of disrespectful talk coming out of Moses' mouth or Abraham or any other man of God. I am afraid many have profaned that which is holy even the name of our heavenly Father.

 

[mcdirector]

That's really the issue isn't it. The fact that so many don't stop and remember that we are talking about or to the Creator, the Great I Am, the One who loved us enough to send His Son. We are talking about a God that destroyed Sodom and Gomorah and welcomed the repentance of Ninivah.

A personal relationship should bring honor and glory to Him in all ways.

 

[saturneptune]

It is quite shallow to think of taking God's name in vain as limited to vulgar verbal expessions. Christians can take His name in vain by every thought, deed, and action, as we are suppose to be the light of the world, and when someone lost sees something different, that is taking God's name in vain.

 

[deacon jd]

It is quite shallow to think of taking God's name in vain as limited to vulgar verbal expessions. Christians can take His name in vain by every thought, deed, and action, as we are suppose to be the light of the world, and when someone lost sees something different, that is taking God's name in vain.

I agree. There is no doubt that taking on the name of a Christian and not living it in front of a lost and dying world is included in taking his name in vain.