The Lord's name in vain.

[DamianWarS]

to the average Joe using the Lord's name in vain is a part of everyday language. They are not Christians and have no relationship with Christ nor do they have a good understanding of the gospel or the Bible. They say things like "Oh my G--" to which many Christians will call that using the Lord's name in vain.

I am not an advocate for using the Lord's name in vain however I question if the average Joe is actually doing it or not. He is ignorant to any such "rules" and is not using this language against God but instead because culturally it is a type of expression. Christians usually substituent this with "Oh my goodness" and we are content with this replacement convinced we have done no wrong but is there really any differences in the two? The etymology of the word "good" is from the word "God" and is essentially using God as an adjective for example "Frank is a god/good person" meaning that Frank has character qualities that can be compared with the virtue of God. Whether we have the right to make such a comparison is irrelevant since the word "good" is such a widely used and accepted word today. Other substitutions are "gosh" which is just another pronunciation for the word God but again as Christians we are content with this and most see no issues. We are ignorant the meaning of these many substations and choose instead to use them because they are widely accepted.

I really don't see the difference between substitutions and the "real" thing. I use "real" in quotations because the word "G-O-D" is a poor representation of the almighty and only because it is widely accepted does it have any relevancy. When it comes down to it sin is from the heart not from mindless things we say with no meaning. Should we be insulted by such cultural expression and even partake in the same language as long as it is culturally acceptable. I know we are first bound to Christ but what I am defining here is if this has any merit in terms of our call as Christians? Because if it doesn't than who cares and let's not let it get in the way of sharing Christ with others?

With that all said I personally say the substitution because as explained above it is accepted in my Christian community. I do not say however expressions like "oh my G--" because it is not accepted within my Christian community however I have shared in other cultures who seem to have no problem with either one right up to the clergy and have amazing wonderful relationships with Christ and very effective for Him even with these expressions.

 

[WinBySurrender]

to the average Joe using the Lord's name in vain is a part of everyday language. They are not Christians and have no relationship with Christ nor do they have a good understanding of the gospel or the Bible. They say things like "Oh my G--" to which many Christians will call that using the Lord's name in vain.

I am not an advocate for using the Lord's name in vain however I question if the average Joe is actually doing it or not.

Let me ask you this: If it truly has no meaning for him, then why not "Oh, my Allah!" or "Oh, my Vishnu!" They know what they're saying, otherwise any old word would do.

 

[DamianWarS]

Let me ask you this: If it truly has no meaning for him, then why not "Oh, my Allah!" or "Oh, my Vishnu!" They know what they're saying, otherwise any old word would do.

I disagree with that... culturally speaking "Oh, my Allah!" or "Oh, my Vishnu!" has no acceptance on any level so when spoken it is spoken as a deliberate attempt perhaps to expose our ignorance of the Christian slur or because of a direct attack against whatever religion associated with the named god. However the difference with "Oh, my G--!" is that it has wide acceptance in our culture and when spoken most have no identity with any meaning and literally say it because it is an expression with no connection to Christianity. Expressions are set in culture and we cannot just replace the words in them just because we don't like the words because if we do the meaning of the expression is lost and we will just leave people scratching their heads wondering what we are talking about.

You mention "Allah" even yourself assuming that I understand that as the god of Islam. The Christian Bible in Arabic uses the name "Allah" where the English uses "God" so if I was a Christian whose first language was Arabic than how am I to know the difference? "Allah" is actually a better representation of the name of God then "God" is. Portions of the Bible are written in Aramaic and in Aramaic "God" is "Elahh" which corresponds to the Hebrew "Elowahh" all translated in English as "God". The name "God" has more pagan roots than "Allah" does. I agree that today it is represented differently and somewhat disconnected with its roots but this expose that cultural ignorance is important in determining a words meaning and if a culture disconnects a word's actual meaning and applies its own than their applied meaning is what is significant not its actual meaning. This goes back to Christian substitutes using "goodness" or "gosh" in replace of "God" but those words have the same meaning we are just ignorant to this and because it is accepted in Christian communities we are fine with it satisfied that there is no sin.

This is the point I am making... to a Christian we speak a different language, we use the same words but the words have different meaning. To a non-christian the same words may be disconnected from the meaning that we as Christians associated them with. The non-Christian uses them but should they be accused with using God's name in vain when they don't have any understanding of the word?

 

[sorednax]

"Oh my G-" or even "God D-it" is NOT taking the Lords name in vein.

God is not his name, it is his title. Jehovah, Yahweh, sure, but God? No.

In all seriousness:

The nations to which the Israelites were going had many gods. They were highly superstitious. Their prophets would often use the name of their god in pronouncements. The usage could be in a curse, hex, or even a blessing. They would use the name of their god to give their statements, whatever they may be, authority. To pronounce something in their own name would not have given their words much weight, but to pronounce something in the name of a god meant that people would listen and fear. They may have said, “In the name of Baal, there will be no rain for 40 days.” Or “In the name of Marduk, I say that you will win this battle.” This gave the prophet much power and authority. But, as we know, there is no Baal or Marduk. Since this is the case, they did not really make such pronouncement and therefore the words of the prophet had no authority and should neither have been praised or feared.

God was attempting to prevent the Israelites from doing the same thing. God was saying for them not to use His name like the nations used the names of their gods. He did not want them to use His name to invoke false authority behind pronouncements. In essence, God did not want the Israelites to say that He said something that He had not said. This makes sense. God has a reputation to protect. He does not want anyone saying “Thus sayeth the Lord” if the Lord had not spoken. All of you have experienced this. You have had people say you said something you did not say. This can be very damaging to your character. It is very destructive to your name. Why? Because it makes you out to be something that you are not. How much more important is it for God to protect His character? It is fitting that God would have put this as one of the ten most important commandments as the nation of Israel moved towards Canaan.

What does this mean for us? Well, for starters we understand that the third commandment is certainly not focused on something so trivial as saying “God d- it!” The funny thing is that while some people may never think of using that phrase, people all over the Christian religious landscape are breaking the third commandment every day, damaging the Lord’s reputation. “Thus sayeth the Lord . . .” “God told me to tell you . . .” “God says that if you send in this much money, you will be blessed.” I could go on and on, but you get the point. Using the name of the Lord in vain means that you do damage to His reputation and character through false and unsure claims.

Think again before you say “God said . . .” Make sure that He has really said it. If you are unsure, make your statement reflect your uncertianty. Saying “I think God is telling you to . . .” rather than “God is telling you to . . .” may not be as authoritative, but it will keep God’s reputation safe and keep you from breaking the third commandment.

 

[WinBySurrender]

I disagree with that...

That's OK. It doesn't affect your salvation, so go ahead and disagree.

 

[Xleniz]

I think when you substitute it, its still there, the whole sentence. Because it's the origin. I substituted it with "Oh My" a long time ago, then it disappeared completely. Maybe because I thought only old people says "Oh My" xd

 

[apocolypticremedy999]

Let me ask you this: If it truly has no meaning for him, then why not "Oh, my Allah!" or "Oh, my Vishnu!" They know what they're saying, otherwise any old word would do.

Yeah, you never hear; "Muhammad!" or "Buddah!" You only hear things like, "Jesus Christ!" or, "for Christ sake!" etc. etc. This is because Satan knows Jesus Christ is real, that he doesn't like it when people misuse his name, and that he can turn God's heart against the culture if they do it regularly.

This should be an indicator to people that he is real, otherwise people might use those other names in vain, would they not? It is Satan's doing!

 

[Armistead14]

The word GD has evolved in it's usage to more a slang cuss word. Generations ago when most believed in God it wasn't so much seen as a cuss word as it was evoking God to damn a person or a cause and they meant it, even many Christians used it that way. Eventually it became more a word people used in anger without adding names or causes you wanted God to damn, now just culturally seen as a cuss word.

 

[DamianWarS]

Yeah, you never hear; "Muhammad!" or "Buddah!" You only hear things like, "Jesus Christ!" or, "for Christ sake!" etc. etc. This is because Satan knows Jesus Christ is real, that he doesn't like it when people misuse his name, and that he can turn God's heart against the culture if they do it regularly.

This should be an indicator to people that he is real, otherwise people might use those other names in vain, would they not? It is Satan's doing!

I think you will find in a different country where Christianity is not so wide spread different expressions are used that have no connection to the Christian God for example a common expression in arabic is "ya Allah" which literally translates to "my dear G--" and can be use in very much the same context that "Oh my G--" is used. Now not all Arabs are Muslim but even the Arab Muslims will say the same sort of expressions but also be able to disconnect it with something misdirected at "Allah". A Muslim however would never say "Oh my G--" unless exposed to western culture and even then they are only mimicking the culture as a desire to be more like it.

The west as in europe and north american where Christianity has played important roles have expressions and slang that invoke God's name that the culture is familiar with. We have no reason to say "Muhammad" or "Buddha" as those names are culturally too exotic and would never penetrate mainstream society. Although I do no discount the role of Satan in the wide spread of such expressions I however see it more directly linked to the historical role of Christianity and it mixing with secularized culture. This is why we don't care about expressions about "other gods" because those other gods have had no role in shaping our history so we have no connection or identity with them. And for the same reason this is why a Muslim with little exposure to "the west" would never saying "oh my G--"

 

[apocolypticremedy999]

I think you will find in a different country where Christianity is not so wide spread different expressions are used that have no connection to the Christian God for example a common expression in arabic is "ya Allah" which literally translates to "my dear G--" and can be use in very much the same context that "Oh my G--" is used. Now not all Arabs are Muslim but even the Arab Muslims will say the same sort of expressions but also be able to disconnect it with something misdirected at "Allah". A Muslim however would never say "Oh my G--" unless exposed to western culture and even then they are only mimicking the culture as a desire to be more like it.

The west as in europe and north american where Christianity has played important roles have expressions and slang that invoke God's name that the culture is familiar with. We have no reason to say "Muhammad" or "Buddha" as those names are culturally too exotic and would never penetrate mainstream society. Although I do no discount the role of Satan in the wide spread of such expressions I however see it more directly linked to the historical role of Christianity and it mixing with secularized culture. This is why we don't care about expressions about "other gods" because those other gods have had no role in shaping our history so we have no connection or identity with them. And for the same reason this is why a Muslim with little exposure to "the west" would never saying "oh my G--"

True, you make a good point, however keep in mind that North America, the US in particular is a melting pot of religions, and still you don't hear the names of other gods being misusded so loosley. It should raise some sort of suspision. The same is true for many other countries as well, for misusing the name of the Lord Jesus is quite popular and wide-spread. You'd be surprised.

 

[bricklayer]

Taking the Lord's name in vain, as with most things biblical, has more spiritual than material significance. Taking the Lord's name in vain is more akin to a woman taking a man's name in marriage and then being unfaithful to him. She, in that case, has taken his name in vain.

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

I think it is proof that our society is decaying away. I'm only 47 years old, yet just in my time use of profanity and especially the Lord's name in some manner has become so fashionable that you can't hardly see a PG-13 movie without running into it. Even for non-believers, I think it is rude to trample about someone else's belief system.

 

[Blessedj01]

to the average Joe using the Lord's name in vain is a part of everyday language. They are not Christians and have no relationship with Christ nor do they have a good understanding of the gospel or the Bible. They say things like "Oh my G--" to which many Christians will call that using the Lord's name in vain.

I am not an advocate for using the Lord's name in vain however I question if the average Joe is actually doing it or not. He is ignorant to any such "rules" and is not using this language against God but instead because culturally it is a type of expression. Christians usually substituent this with "Oh my goodness" and we are content with this replacement convinced we have done no wrong but is there really any differences in the two? The etymology of the word "good" is from the word "God" and is essentially using God as an adjective for example "Frank is a god/good person" meaning that Frank has character qualities that can be compared with the virtue of God. Whether we have the right to make such a comparison is irrelevant since the word "good" is such a widely used and accepted word today. Other substitutions are "gosh" which is just another pronunciation for the word God but again as Christians we are content with this and most see no issues. We are ignorant the meaning of these many substations and choose instead to use them because they are widely accepted.

I really don't see the difference between substitutions and the "real" thing. I use "real" in quotations because the word "G-O-D" is a poor representation of the almighty and only because it is widely accepted does it have any relevancy. When it comes down to it sin is from the heart not from mindless things we say with no meaning. Should we be insulted by such cultural expression and even partake in the same language as long as it is culturally acceptable. I know we are first bound to Christ but what I am defining here is if this has any merit in terms of our call as Christians? Because if it doesn't than who cares and let's not let it get in the way of sharing Christ with others?

With that all said I personally say the substitution because as explained above it is accepted in my Christian community. I do not say however expressions like "oh my G--" because it is not accepted within my Christian community however I have shared in other cultures who seem to have no problem with either one right up to the clergy and have amazing wonderful relationships with Christ and very effective for Him even with these expressions.

This is non-debate. The Bible says all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Every knee shall bow and confess that He is God. Also, it says that every man knows of God and rejects Him.

When we use the Lord's name in "vain," remember we all come from this common history. This common ancestor and common sin. Using the Lord's name in vain is just another symptom of our condition.

There's no excuse for it just like there's no excuse for any other kind of disrespect towards God. The consequence of using the Lord's name in vain is eternal and deadly.

Also, to be honest...people need to try a little harder. If someone knows they have a habit of saying "oh my...something", they need to restrain their language a little and branch out to new vocabulary.

 

[snailking]

Yes I think it is a sin even in the context mentioned in the OP. Many of those who take part in disrespecting God in their mindless chatter may not be Christian, but a large percentage of them probably have some belief in a God, and just don't give the respect that they should.

 

[Blessedj01]

It's the same as any sin really. It all relates back to how we instinctively don't respect God yet are instinctively convicted by His Holiness at the same time.

 

[DamianWarS]

True, you make a good point, however keep in mind that North America, the US in particular is a melting pot of religions, and still you don't hear the names of other gods being misusded so loosley. It should raise some sort of suspision. The same is true for many other countries as well, for misusing the name of the Lord Jesus is quite popular and wide-spread. You'd be surprised.

"Jesus Christ" and "God" are English words so if people are saying it, than it is from influence from English speakers that they are saying it. You say the US is a melting pot of religions as if we have equal parts of all regions represented in the country. In reality over 75% have Christian affliction and only 5% say they are Non-Christian. This does not consider that the US was founded on Christian values by people who came from countries with the same Christian values and came "in the name of God". We don't just wake up one day and say "Oh my Muhammad" those things take a long time to develop; they are a part of a living language that is constantly evolving. Sure the constitution may support religious diversity but for many Americans it is not something they understand. It is one thing to say it but in reality the day to day is very much different.

No one says "Oh my Muhammad" because it is rude and insensitive but everyone says "Oh my G--" because it is widely accepted within culture and is not considered insulting but instead a meaningless expression. "Oh my Muhammad" and "Oh my G--" are not evenly matched and it would be irresponsible to compare the two. I can't take another american expression like "what's up" and argue why don't we say "what's down", "what's right", or "What's left". We don't say it because we don't say it and you just can't inject into culture some spin off expression to argue why the spoken one is wrong. It doesn't work that way and expressions need time to develop and widely accepted before they be compared like that.

 

[Blessedj01]

75% Christian affliction.

 

[Theofane]

It's the same as any sin really. It all relates back to how we instinctively don't respect God yet are instinctively convicted by His Holiness at the same time.

Isn't that weird?

The most godless and heathen will use the name Jesus Christ as an exclamation of anger, exasperation, or suprise. Why do they do that?

 

[Blessedj01]

...echoes within.

 

[drjean]

When someone in my presence says "Oh my God!" or "Jesus!" I say either, glad to hear you believe in Him...or Is He here too? It makes them think usually...and then I say that I'm sensitive anytime my Lord's name is used aloud. Be well.