What does the 4th commandment mean to you? (believe, sinned, Bible)
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Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord your God in vain....what does this mean??
It seems like it is common place for many people (Christians among them) to flippintly use the name of deity. Is this not what it means? Is this not disrespectful?
I was surprised the other day when I was watching a reality show and this mother from a very strict, devout Baptist family even said Oh my G**. Maybe others don't view this the same way but if you are Christian and you use this phrase or others do you really think about it in connection with the 4th commandment? Or is there a connection to you?
While I would agree that is sounds tacky, we also must first look at the original commandment. People saying a bad word doesn't mean they have sinned against this commandment. Taking the Lord's name in "vain" takes on a whole new meaning when you study the word "vain". Here is the definition: 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity b) emptiness of speech, lying c) worthlessness (of conduct)
Speaking false about God, or using it in puffyness, or just plain empty speaking.
What about blame? Many people blame God for the woes of the world. Would this qualify as well?
Saying God's Holy name in vain, one must first know God's name, right?
Well we know His name, but it does not work to say "I AM it!" when you hit your thumb with a hammer.
On a more serious note, it does nto matter what letters or soudns are used. God is our name for our creator. Using Yaweh, or I Am, or father, or whatever does nto change anyhting. words are just symbols of a concept. Calling out our name for God as a curse certianly seems wrong to me. How would you feel if your children started using your name as a curse word? My rule of thumb - if it feels wrong, it probably is.
Well we know His name, but it does not work to say "I AM it!" when you hit your thumb with a hammer.
On a more serious note, it does nto matter what letters or soudns are used. God is our name for our creator. Using Yaweh, or I Am, or father, or whatever does nto change anyhting. words are just symbols of a concept. Calling out our name for God as a curse certianly seems wrong to me. How would you feel if your children started using your name as a curse word? My rule of thumb - if it feels wrong, it probably is.
Yet your rule of thumb is uniform.
- Jam 4:17 -
Therefore, to one who knows right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
Don't get me wrong. Saying, "OMG" is a bad habit that I try not to say...I try to teach my children not to say it. But when it boils down to it...god is not a name. A god can be many things. Money can be your god, for some people, their country is their god.
God does have a name...it's there in every bible. Some have removed it out of superstition...but it usually explains that in the beginning. Psalms 83:18.
I don't think God needs me to tell him what his name is.
People saying a bad word doesn't mean they have sinned against this commandment.
Depends what bad word. If it's using the Lord's name then yes I think it is
c) worthlessness (of conduct)
Exactly. Would you not consider swearing worthless or empty?
Saying God's Holy name in vain, one must first know God's name, right?
Yes I agree; therefore there are many people that use this language that are not in violation of this commandment.
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