![]() For instance, all of us have heard someone say, "God damn it," or even "God damn you". Third, cursing is to call down evil from God, and usually involves specifically invoking God's name, not just His power. The Catechism notes that blasphemy is a grave sin. Moreover, blasphemy includes invoking God's name to legitimize crimes or harmful actions against others. This prohibition also applies to the Blessed Mother and the saints as well as sacred things or Church related practices. To use words either vocally or mentally against God which show hatred, reproach, disrespect or defiance is sinful. Blasphemy is contempt for God, expressed in thought, word or action. One has to ask oneself, "Why would someone use the name Jesus as an expletive when angry or impatient? Would not such an action show an arrogant and disrespectful attitude toward God, whom we should love above all things?" I often wonder what a Moslem must think when he hears a Christian use God's name in such an irreverent and improper way. The same rule applies to abusing the name of the Blessed Mother or the saints. First, to abuse God's name, whether the word God, Jesus, or in some other form, is objectively mortally sinful. Given this foundation, certain forms of abusive language are sinful. The respect for God's name reflects the respect a person owes to God Himself (See Catechism, No. Therefore, we rightfully use God's name in prayer or in other ways to bless, praise, and glorify Him. This is my name forever this is my title for all generations'" (Cf Ex 3). He reveals His name to those who believe, and through this revelation, invites them to an intimate and personal relationship.įor example, in the story of the call of Moses, he asked God, ".If they ask me, 'What is His name?' what am I to tell them? God replied, 'I am who am.' Then He added, 'This is what you shall tell the Israelites, 'I AM sent me to you.' God spoke further to Moses, 'Thus shall you say to the Israelites: 'The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. Throughout Sacred Scripture, God's name is held sacred. Specifically, a person must have respect for God's name. In general, the Second Commandment governs this area: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain" (Ex 20:7 Dt 5:11). Those who address him in prayer (see the Psalms as reference) call him “Lord” and “God”! His name, according to the commandment, is both “Lord” and “God”. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. God desires the conversion of sinners and not their condemnation to Hell forever. It is definitely below the dignity of a Christian to wish someone damned for eternity. The fourth commandment prohibits taking God's name in vain, that is to say using his name in a light or frivolous manner rather than giving proper respect to Whom He is.
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