Taking the Lord's name in vain

[Pio Nono]

[quote name='save ferris 101' date='Dec 30 2004, 11:53 PM'] I think that it really depends on the case. Also, it's really up to God to determine whether what you did is mortal or venial, and I'm sure that most of the time you will know it as well, but I don't think that other people besides yourself and God can determine whether it is mortal or venial [/quote]
JMJ
12/31 - St. Sylvester

God has given us the moral law to let us know what acts are objectively mortally evil on His list. However, whether a sin is mortal or not is ultimately up to us (it's the whole full consent and knowledge thing) - that's why I take issue with your second sentence.

[cmotherofpirl]

When I saw the pictures of the Sumatran earthquake I said "Oh my God".

That was not swearing, not taken in vain, or meant out of disrespect. There are times when something happens that "oh my God" is the only response possible. Yes, many people trivialize it, and say it at the silliest things. But they are on the right track.
In times of trouble, shock, or awe the natural reaction of most humans is to call upon the name of the Lord, whether they admit it or not.
It is proper fear of the Lord, of who we are[ nothing], before who we is {EVERYTHING}.

HE is awe-full in the proper sense of the term.

[peach_cube]

Okay, I found what I was looking for. These responses are defined circumstances as to what is a Mortal Sin and what is a Venial Sin. My 2 sources are "An Examination of Conscience; A Preparation for the Sacrement of Penance" Imprimatur: Harry J. Flynn, D. D., Archbishop of Mineapolis 2002 Leaflet Missal Company. Also, I used "The Prayer Book" Imprimatur: Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago, 1954 The Catholic Press, Inc.

Mortal Sin
- Using God's name intentionally as a curse
- Seriously wishing evil upon another
- Serious slander or insult of a scred person or object
- Making an oath in a secret society
- Blasphemy (words of hatred, reproach or defiance toward God; speaking ill of God)
- Swearing false oaths
- Perjury (lying under oath)
- Telling a lie or withholding a serious sin in confession

Venial sin
- Using the name of "God" or "Christ" or "Jesus" or "Lord" as a byword or as an expression of impatience, or in jest.
- Speaking, not maliciously, but profanely and irreverently, of any holy thing.
- Using the Lord's name lightly, in suprise or in anger (habitual, not thinking)
- Cursing thoughtlessly
- Using the names of Mary, a Saint, the Pope or other sacred persons irreverently.
- Using vulgar or inappropriate language.
- Telling bad jokes about sacred persons or objects.
- Speaking badly of the Church.
- Inappropriate or irreverent use of Scripture.
- Swearing, i. e., calling upon god to witness the truth of what I was saying, when there was no serious reason for so doing, when the matter was trivial or foolish, even though I told no lie.
- Using language of cursing against inanimate things, or animals, or against human beings, even though I did not really wish the damnation of these last.
- Laughing at others' profane use of God's name or other irreverent speach, as if I thought it amusing and wanted them to continue.

[XIX]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Dec 31 2004, 07:05 AM'] When I saw the pictures of the Sumatran earthquake I said "Oh my God".

That was not swearing, not taken in vain, or meant out of disrespect. There are times when something happens that "oh my God" is the only response possible. Yes, many people trivialize it, and say it at the silliest things. But they are on the right track.
In times of trouble, shock, or awe the natural reaction of most humans is to call upon the name of the Lord, whether they admit it or not.
It is proper fear of the Lord, of who we are[ nothing], before who we is {EVERYTHING}.

HE is awe-full in the proper sense of the term. [/quote]
Wow cmom, that is very very interesting.

I have never thought of it that way. I mean, I know that when you're handcuffed and have nothing to say, "Oh my [i]God[/i]" can be a reaction as natural as putting your hands out when you fall. But I never thought of it as possibly a subconscious plea to God...


Frankly I'mactually a bit skeptical on this.

[XIX]

[quote name='CreepyCrawler' date='Dec 23 2004, 08:15 AM'] i think it's bad to say "oh my God!" b/c that seems vain. but is it wrong to say "oh my goodness!" since God is goodness and you're just using another word for God...?

my friend really takes offense at G.D. so instead he takes Bob Dole's name in vain and says "Bob Dole!" when he gets angry. It confuses people.. [/quote]
Well, God is also just. Don't tell me I'm taking the Lord's name in vain when I use the word "justice." I think it's fine, because it's taking His holy name in vain...God is goodness, but the Lord has never actually had goodness as a name.

So there is the difference, I think. I [i]think[/i]...

Isn't there a guy names David Justice, by the way?

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='XIX' date='Jan 3 2005, 02:20 AM'] Wow cmom, that is very very interesting.

I have never thought of it that way. I mean, I know that when you're handcuffed and have nothing to say, "Oh my [i]God[/i]" can be a reaction as natural as putting your hands out when you fall. But I never thought of it as possibly a subconscious plea to God...


Frankly I'mactually a bit skeptical on this. [/quote]
Thats your choice.

I think in times of great trouble we all turn to our Maker in one way or another.
There are no atheists in foxholes.