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

[Scott C.]

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?

[Katzpur]

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?

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.

[davidishere]

I'm trying to stop doing that, as i'm an atheist, but there's very little other things you could say in those types of situations.

[Mestemia]

Originally Posted by davidishere

I'm trying to stop doing that, as i'm an atheist, but there's very little other things you could say in those types of situations.

My mother says "Jimminy Cricket!"
My grandmother says "Heavens to Betsy!"
My father says "What the f**ck?!" though some times he puts "Whatever" at the end.
My grandfather used to say "Jedidiah Clan-feathers!"
I tend to say "Crikey!"

[Azakel]

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?

I don't see many people take the name of God in Vain, because I don't hear people using the name of God. They might say God D. It but that not using his name in vain IMO because God isn't his name. I myself have even stop saying that though, I've come up with some saying using mythical creatures, and the funny ^_^

[Mr. Peanut]

I don't know why people do it. It is wrong, Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Solomon said, Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Don't do it!

Cheers!

[*Paul*]

Apart from the obvious using God's Name as a swear word, there is also taking the authority of Gods name in vain or without warrant. Like when someone says I do this in the name of God / Jesus but they do so presumptously and sinfully, for me this is also taking the Name of the LORD in vain, I understand this as it's primary meaning.

I don't think Name just means Name but indicates authority, 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,

[Mestemia]

Funny thing is that I have yet to hear anyone use Gods name in vain.
And this saying something because I was once a bouncer, and I also drove trucks over the road.

[Scott C.]

Originally Posted by Mestemia

Funny thing is that I have yet to hear anyone use Gods name in vain.
And this saying something because I was once a bouncer, and I also drove trucks over the road.

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.

[Scott C.]

Originally Posted by *Paul*

Apart from the obvious using God's Name as a swear word, there is also taking the authority of Gods name in vain or without warrant. Like when someone says I do this in the name of God / Jesus but they do so presumptously and sinfully, for me this is also taking the Name of the LORD in vain, I understand this as it's primary meaning.

I don't think Name just means Name but indicates authority, 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,

Agree.