Taking the name of God in vain (Jesus Christ, Kingdom, myth)

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Scotty

Using God's title "God" also qualifies as taking His name in vain. The point is irreverently referring to the Lord, by any of his "names" or titles.

'God' is now Jehovah's/YHWH/Yahweh's title?
Why do so many people think that their religion has some sort of monopoly/ownership/preference over the GENERIC term 'god'?

Furthermore, unless you have a verse that includes the use of his titles, references, and any generic term that is used for him, then I fail to see how you can make such an assertion without indicating that it is merely your assumption from what is actually stated in the Bible.

Is using the generic term 'deity' also using his name in vain?
What about the terms "his," "him," "he..."
Where is the line to be drawn and why draw it there?

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by *Paul*

like if a KIng gave you a blank cheque book with His signature to spend for the benefit of His kingdom but instead you spend it for your own benefit that would be a misuse of the name of the king,

Bad analogy.
You would still have to use the Kings NAME.
Not merely his title, a reference word, or the generic term 'King'.

[Aure]

God gave thease commands to the jews not the christians. The command thou shal not take the name of God in vain was to the jews.
Althogh I would not recommend to do it anyways

[Scott C.]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

'God' is now Johovahs title?
Why do so many people think that their religion has some sort of monopoly/ownership/preference over the GENERIC term 'god'?

Furthermore, unless you have a verse that includes the use of his titles, references, and any generic term that is used for him, then I fail to see how you can make such an assertion without indicating that it is merely your assumption from what is actually stated in the Bible.

I understand the word "god" can refer to many things. If a Christian uses the term "God" as an expletive, that Christian is clearly referring to the God in whom he believes. I don't think there are many Christians who would say it's okay to invoke the term "God" as an expletive, but it's not ok to invoke the name Jehovah or Jesus Christ as an expletive, on the basis that one word is a noun and the other a specific name.

[*Paul*]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Bad analogy.
You would still have to use the Kings NAME.
Not merely his title, a reference word, or the generic term 'King'.

In my analogy the kings name on the cheque does not represent God's name but His authority, just as God has given Christians authority to act in His Name (authority) but not according to our own lusts but for His glory and the edification of the saints.

[anders]

Originally Posted by Scotty

Why do many Christians take the name of God in vain? Do you agree they do? Is this an indicator of the relationship one feels with God in his/her heart? Is it a big deal? How do you define taking the name of God in vain? Is this emphasized in your Christian services?

When I was in the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Sweden, that was no problem. Nobody knew any name, so we freely used titles and references like God, Lord, our Father etc.

I don't think it would be in vain to inform us non-believers so that we can avoid it in order not to sin against the commandment, so since you indirectly claim that you know the Name (i.e. how else could you claim that it actually is used?), could you please post it for us?

[MidnightBlue]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I don't know, but it drives me up a wall to hear people say, "Jesus Christ!" when they're mad at somebody. To me, that's what taking God's name in vain is. His name is to be spoken with reverence and respect, not as a way of expressing your anger.

I grew up with a grandfather who said "Jesus Christ" in just this way, and I sometimes do it myself, though most of the time I try to watch myself around Christians. My grandmother always said "Ye gods!" -- on the theory, I suppose that it's okay if you're not referring to the Christian god.

[Scott C.]

Originally Posted by anders

When I was in the Lutheran Evangelical Church of Sweden, that was no problem. Nobody knew any name, so we freely used titles and references like God, Lord, our Father etc.

I don't think it would be in vain to inform us non-believers so that we can avoid it in order not to sin against the commandment, so since you indirectly claim that you know the Name (i.e. how else could you claim that it actually is used?), could you please post it for us?

I'm not referring to a particular "name". I'm referring to any word that refers to the God I believe in, being the God of the Old and New Testaments. The words could be God, Jesus, Lord, Jehovah, Savior, Heavenly Father, Redeemer, Christ, etc. I believe all of those terms are sacred and should be spoken with care and respect. I believe when we use one of those types of words carelessly, especially as an expletive, we are "taking the name of God in vain", as defined by the Old Testament.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by Scotty

I'm not referring to a particular "name". I'm referring to any word that refers to the God I believe in, being the God of the Old and New Testaments. The words could be God, Jesus, Lord, Jehovah, Savior, Heavenly Father, Redeemer, Christ, etc. I believe all of those terms are sacred and should be spoken with care and respect. I believe when we use one of those types of words carelessly, especially as an expletive, we are "taking the name of God in vain", as defined by the Old Testament.

But that is NOT how the old testament defines it.
The OT says nothing about titles.
The OT says NAME.