'don't take the lord's name in vain' misunderstood?

I cry out 'god' a lot in frustration, pain, anger, whatever. a friend of mine always gets upset because i'm taking the lord's name in vain. I try to explain to her that i'm not actually taking his name in vain, it's more like a 'mini prayer', asking for his presence to help me through whatever it is i'm going through.

But onto my question, is it possible that what is meant by 'do not take the lord's name in vain' isn't "don't say god", but Don't do something 'evil' or 'sinful' and claim it's His will? That's how i always interpreted the meaning.

Posted 1 month ago

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SolFeather

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Why would saying 'god' be taking the christian gods name in vain. Its not even his name. Its a title. There have been many gods in the history (and present day) of the earth...all use that title. It would be like complaining that someone exclaiming 'Person!' would be directed at me and me alone.

I have never understood why the Xtians don't call their god by name...they only use the title. How weird is that?

Posted 1 month ago

Other 6 Answers to 'don't take the lord's name in vain' misunderstood?

Asevan	Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 9:06PM A lot of people seem to think it means, "Don't use God's name as a dirty word." As in, "GODdammit" or "JESUS CHRIST!" I took a class on the Hebrew Bible (a.k.a. the Old Testament); our professor was a quirky retired Rabbi. He explained to us that to "take the Lord's name in vain" didn't relate to "dirty words." It related to making promises. To "swear by the Lord's name" was to say "I promise you this/guarantee this in the name of God." Such promises were not to be made -- I don't recall why. Had nothing to do with "swear words." Rated: +2Vote for this!
hungrybuddha	Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 8:41AM i know what you are saying. i think just like perspectives on the Bible and it's meanings, that it is all up to interpretation. like when people say GD it really upsets me, but it doesn't upset the person saying it, although they are saying it when they are upset.... i guess i just get upset because they are using it in an everyday context, and the GD is being used for something totally uncalled for, such as being unable to open a jar or something. Rated: +2Vote for this!
shf84	Posted Oct 2nd, 2009 at 2:35AM Who knows really but it's a moot point because it's a victimless crime. Rated: +2Vote for this!
pukirahe	Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 7:47PM Vain when they say consumers are god. Vain when they make false oaths in His name. Vain when the followers bear His Name without reflecting His attributes. While remembering and praising His Name in charitable actions is truly glorious. Rated: +1Vote for this!
cuterose	Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 8:37AM I agree! Rated: +1Vote for this!
SweetPegasus	Posted Oct 1st, 2009 at 8:37AM I "take the lord's name in vain" on a regular basis. Although Jesus is occasionally referred to as Jaysus. It doesn't bother me in the slightest because I don't actually believe in god, so it's just a word. My whole family uses it. Rated: +1Vote for this!

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